WHAT IS AN ATHLETIC TRAINER?

Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity.  As part of a complete health care team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents.
Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum.  Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition.  Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences.  More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree.
Athletic training is not the same profession as personal training.  And certified athletic trainers work with more than just athletes – they can be found just about anywhere that people are physically active. 
To become certified athletic trainers, students must pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification.  Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified. 

Mission Statement
The Athletic Training Department is committed to enhancing the quality of health care for student athletes through prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses.  We are committed to developing and maintaining sports medicine facilities and to staff these facilities with highly qualified and motivated personnel whose foundation is built on the utmost ethical standards.
The Athletic Training staff is dedicated to the promotion of athletic training. All staff are involved in the teaching and education of student athletic trainers.  We desire to provide as many learning opportunities as possible.  These opportunities will prepare them to become athletic trainers of tomorrow.