About Athletic Training

These days people are more active, more interested, and more educated than ever before in playing sports.  The word “Trainer” is a broad description and can cover many things.  It cannot accurately describe what an “Athletic Trainer” is.  Here are some differences between an Athletic Trainer and a Personal Trainer.

An Athletic Trainer is:

An Athletic Trainer is an expert at recognizing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries.  ATs meet qualifications set by the Board of Certification, Inc., and adhere to the requirements of a state licensing board.  ATs practice under the direction of a physician and are members of a health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association.

American Medical Association Recognition

Education/Degrees –

• Must obtain, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training
• Must pass a comprehensive exam to earn the ATC credential
• Must keep their knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education yearly
• Must adhere to standards of professional practice set by one national certifying agency and to a national code of ethics

What they do –

• Prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate injuries (acute and chronic)
• Provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services
• Coordinate care w/ physicians and other health care professionals
• Work in schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, corporations, industry, military, and performing arts

A Trainer is:

A "Trainer or Personal Trainer", to be more accurate, develops, monitors and changes an individual’s specific exercise program in a fitness or Gym setting; some can make nutritional recommendations.  Personal trainers can earn credentials through a number of agencies and can work as fitness trainers without formal collegiate degrees or certification.

Education/Degrees –

• May or may not have higher education in health sciences
• May or may not be required to obtain certification or state licensing
• May or may not participate in continuing education
• May become certified by any one of numerous organizations that set varying education and practice requirements.

What they do –

• Assess fitness needs & design appropriate exercise regimens
• Work w/ clients to achieve fitness goals
• Help educate the public on the importance of physical activity
• Work in health clubs, wellness centers and other locations where fitness activities take place