Careers, Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine Team

Sports Psychologist

The professional who can advise the athlete on the psychological aspects of the rehabilitation

process and how to cope with an injury

Sports Medicine

The branch of healthcare that deals with evaluating athletes and preventing and treating injuries. These athletes will range from wheelchair basketball players to the extreme skiers.

Therapeutic Modalities

The use of heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to produce an increase or decrease in blood flow

Athletic Training

The division of sports medicine that deals with the care and prevention of the athletic injuries and the management of training methods used by professional or amateur athletes and the active population

Athletic Trainer (AT)

Allied Healthcare professional educated and trained in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries

Board of Certification (BOC)

The certifying organization for the athletic trainer

National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)

A not-for-profit organization, with more than 27,000 members nationwide, that is committed to the advancement, encouragement, and improvement of the athletic training

Strength and Conditioning Specialist (SCS)

A professional member of the sports medicine team who evaluates existing levels of fitness and athleticism, along with helping increase the strength and endurance of an individual or team while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

Group healthcare plan that provides a predetermined, prepaid medical care benefit package

Physical Fitness Programs

A method of exercise designed to prepare an individual to become physically able to do the activities he or she wishes to do in daily life, without causing undue physical stress

Physical Therapy Aide

An individual who is not licensed but is able to perform clerical tasks under the direct supervision of a physical therapist and physical therapy assistant

Physical Therapy Assistant

An individual who has earned a two-year associate's degree and is involved in clinical tasks, such as patient care and recording treatments, under the direct supervision of a physical therapist

Sports Medicine Team

Physician (captain), Athletic Trainer, Coach, Athletes, Community Healthcare Facility

School Sports Medicine Team

Athletes' Parents and School Administration

Nutritionist, Sports Psychologist, Coach, and/or Strength and Conditioning Specalist

members apart from AT on sports med team

The Coach

Help prevent further injury to a player by not permitting the athlete to return to play until it is deemed safe to do so by the certified AT or team or family physician

The Athlete

To carry out the instructions given by the doctor, AT, or coach

Athletic Training Student / Aide

An individual who is studying the skills necessary for the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletes

Hydrated

Processing water or fluid, especially in the tissues

Assumption of Risk

Acceptance of responsibility for the risks involved in the participation in a given activity

Liability

Legal responsibility to perform duties in a reasonable and prudent manner