The Certified Athletic Trainer
The Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) is a highly edcuated
and skilled professional specializing in athletic health
care. 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, universities, sports medicine clinics, hospitals,
professional sports programs, corporate settings, the military and
industry. The ATC is recognized by the American Medical
Association (AMA) as an allied health care
professional, and must obtain licensure with the
Commonwealth of Virginia's Board of Medicine prior to
practicing athletic training.
Education
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a
bachelor's degreee, usually in athletic training. Prior to practicing
athletic training, one must successfully complete the
National Athletic Trainers Association's Board of
Certification (NATABOC) examination.
Regulation: National and the Commonwealth of Virginia
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the
requirements for certification established by the NATABOC
which is accredited by the National Commission for
Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The examination covers a
variety of topics within the six domains of athletic
training: Prevention of athletic injuries; Recognition,
evaluation, and assessment; Immediate Care; Treatment,
rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries; Organization
and administration; and Professional development and
responsibility. Once athletic trainers pass the
certification examination proving skills and knowledge
within each of the six domains, they use the designation
"ATC." To maintain the ATC credential with the NATABOC,
athletic trainers must obtain 75 hours of approved
continuing education each three year cycle.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, athletic trainers must
be licensed under the Board of Medicine. To qualify for
licensure under the Virginia Board of Medicine, athletic
trainers must be NATABOC certified.
|
