Sports Health

What is an athletic trainer?

Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals, recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They provide primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

Athletic trainers (not “trainers”) are sometimes confused with personal trainers. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skillset, job duties and patients of an athletic trainer and a personal trainer. The athletic training academic curriculum and clinical training follows the medical model. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited master’s program. Learn more about athletic training from the NATA (National Athletic Trainers’ Association) or this NATA infographic.