According to the NATA (National Athletic Trainers' Association) a Certified Athletic Trainer is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. With education grounded in the sciences, an athletic trainer is concerned with the prevention, care and evaluation of athletic injuries. Skills are also developed in rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries and health care administration.

At the forefront of an athletic trainers activity is the welfare of the athlete. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and other athletic health care settings.

Skills

• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Proficiency in observing behavior and making assumptions based upon observations
• General knowledge of health sciences
• Physical stamina and strength
• Good manual dexterity
• Good vision
  

Values

• Health
• Valuing the human body
• Desire to make a contribution
• Interest in public health and safety
• Patience
• Persuasive nature
• Self-discipline
• Sensitivity
• Thoroughness
• Attention to detail
  

Leisure Activities

Strategies