The National Athletic Training Association defines Athletic Training as “healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians." Athletic Trainers provide services in injury prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Then what is the big deal of calling ourselves Athletic Trainers and not trainers? Athletic Trainers must graduate from an accredited bachelors or master’s program, pass a Board of Certification exam, and complete continuing education requirements. These requirements are what we should use to push the term Athletic Trainer and not trainer. We are educated healthcare professionals who treat and prevent injuries and treat medical conditions. The next time your team asks for a “trainer” stand proud and introduce yourself as an Athletic Trainer.
Austin Krause, LAT, ATC