Certified athletic trainers are highly qualified allied health professionals educated and experienced in dealing with the health care problems of athletes. Athletic trainers are skilled in the prevention of injuries, evaluation of injuries, and rehabilitation.
Most commonly, athletic trainers are seen at the professional sports level as well as the collegiate and high school levels, and most recently in sports rehabilitation centers. These individuals are highly educated and must go through many hours of field experience before they can practice as athletic trainers.
Once the education and experience is complete, an exam is taken by the trainer. This exam is given by the National Athletic Trainers Association. The exam is very comprehensive and challenging: a great means of measuring the knowledge it takes to be an athletic trainer.
In the state of Ohio, as well as in many other states, athletic trainers must be licensed by the state. To be eligible for licensure, trainers must be nationally certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association first. These credentials allow them to practice athletic training legally in the state of Ohio. This information is important to athletes as well as to parents. Make sure your sporting event or high school sports teams have a certified athletic trainer at the events. The difference could mean the safety and well-being of you or your athlete.
