Athletic Training is an allied health profession that falls under a vast scope of sports medicine professions recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA). Certified athletic trainers (ATC's) are highly educated and skilled professionals specializing in the prevention, recognition, management and rehabilitation of athletics-related injuries. They work in cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel to ensure the health of physically active individuals in secondary schools, colleges, universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industries and other health care environments.

For years, any college or university could have an athletic training program. But as of Jan. 1, 2004, such programs are now certified by the Commission on Accreditation of the Athletic Training Education. We are currently in the process of establish an advanced athletic training curriculum at the master's level.

Students who want to become a certified athletic trainer receive an estimated 800 hours of practical experience under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer, obtain a four-year degree in a CAATE accredited Athletic Training Education Program and successfully complete the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.