Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70 percent of Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC)  hold at least a master’s degree.

Athletic training is not the same profession as personal training. And Certified Athletic Trainers work with more than just athletes – they can be found just about anywhere that people are physically active.