What is Athletic Training?

Athletic training is a specialized, and increasingly important part of the health care system. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment,and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules andregulations.Athletic training is an allied health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association, Health Resources Services Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Where Do Athletic Trainers Work?

Athletic trainers’ work in a variety of settings that can include but are not limited to high schools, colleges, universities, professional sports teams, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, physicians’ offices, corporate and industrial institutions, military, and the performing arts.

What Kind of Education Do Athletic Trainers Have?

Athletic training academic curriculum and clinical curriculum follow the medical model in design and implementation.The athletic training curriculum is centered around five domains:Injury/Illness Prevention & Wellness Protection, Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis, Immediate & Emergency Care Treatment & Rehabilitation,and Organizational & Professional Health & Well-being. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited master’s degree program effective August, 2022. Currently more than 70% of athletic trainers have a master’s degree in athletic training or a related field.

If you are a current high school student and interested in athletic training, you can learn more about the profession by following the links for the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, the Texas Tech Sports Medicine Program, or the Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Health Professions in the important information and links tab above.