What Athletic Trainers Do

Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes. They work under the direction of a physician, as well as other healthcare providers.

Duties

Athletic trainers typically do the following:

• Apply protective or injury-preventive devices such as tape, bandages, and braces
• Recognize and evaluate injuries
• Provide first aid or emergency care
• Develop and carry out rehabilitation programs for injured athletes
• Plan and implement comprehensive programs to prevent injury and illness from athletics
• Do administrative tasks, such as keeping records and writing reports on injuries and treatment programs

Athletic trainers are usually one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur. Athletic trainers work under the direction of a licensed physician and with other healthcare providers. They often discuss specific injuries and treatment options or evaluate and treat patients as directed by a physician. Some athletic trainers meet with a team physician or consulting physician regularly. An athletic trainer’s administrative responsibilities may include regular meetings with an athletic director or other administrative officer to deal with budgets, purchasing, policy implementation, and other business-related issues.

Athletic trainers should not be confused with fitness trainers and instructors, including personal trainers. For more information , see the profile on fitness trainers and instructors.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition