Falcons Athletic Trainer

Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an allied health care profession.

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses.  AT's prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. AT's are diverse and unique health care professionals and follow a medical based education model.   Athletic Trainers implement evidence-based practice to examine, assess, and diagnose an injury or illness.  AT's rehabilitate and recondition injuries, illnesses and general medical conditions with the goal of achieving optimal activity using the applications of therapeutic exercise, modality devices and manual therapy.  Athletic Trainers must graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a comprehensive certification exam.  Athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician as prescribed by state licensure statutes. 

Athletic Trainers are educated on the following health topics:

• Orthopedic Injuries
• Concussion
• Heat Stroke and other Heat Illnesses
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest & other Cardiac Emergencies
• Eating Disorders
• Infectious Disease
• Diabetic Episodes
• Exertional Sickling
• Environmental and Weather-related Health Conditions
• Dental and Oral Injuries
• Weight Management
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Early Onset Osteoarthritis   
• AT's refer to specialists for healthcare topics that are outside their scope of practice.                                                                                                                      

Why use athletic trainers?

Athletic trainers provide medical services to all types of patients, not just athletes participating in sports, and can work in a variety of job settings. Athletic trainers relieve widespread and future workforce shortages in primary care support and outpatient rehab professions and provide an unparalleled continuum of care for the patients.  Athletic trainers improve functional outcomes and specialize in patient education to prevent injury and re-injury. Preventative care provided by an athletic trainer has a positive return on investment for employers. ATs are able to reduce injury and shorten rehabilitation time for their patients, which translates to lower absenteeism from work or school and reduced health care costs.

• Elementary schools, middle schools and high schools; colleges and universities; amateur and professional sports organizations.
• Hospitals, clinics and private practices. 
• Corporate and industrial work places.
• The United States Armed Forces.
• Police and Fire departments.
• Performing Arts.