Athletic Training

Athletic Training

What are Athletic Trainers? Specialized health care professionals Care for injuries in those with active

lifestyles

What do ATs do?

ATs specialize in the…

Prevention,Recognition,Treatment (Acute Care), and Rehabilitation…

…of athletic injuries.

ATs vs. CPT

Athletic Trainers Treat Injuries Work with athletes Bachelor’s Degree Certified by one

organization

ATs vs. CPT

Personal Trainers Fitness Plans Work with public Certification only Many certifying

organizations

AT or ATC?

ATC: Certified Athletic Trainer Credential only Ex: John Doe, ATC

AT: Athletic Trainer (noun) Example John Doe is an AT

Communication

ATs must stay calm during emergencies

Must communicate effectively with: Injured athlete Parents Coaches Sports medicine team

Communication

Communication

ATs must use positive communication Be honest and direct Use layman’s terms Stay objective (stick with facts) Have a plan in place Focus on the solution Listen to and answer concerns

Communication

What to avoid: Passing the panic Arrogance Beating around the bush Being “brutally honest” Medical jargon Hinting at blame

Title IX

Federal legislation in effect since 1972

Title IX prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of sex.

The result of Title IX: Increase in female athletic participation Greater need for qualified ATs

Work Settings

Traditional: HS, College, Professional Teams

Non-Traditional Hospital & Clinical,

Industrial/Occupational, Military, Performing Arts, Physician Extender, Public Safety, Non-traditional Sports

Work Settings

High School 200-500 Athletes Often 1 AT per HS

Occasionally 3-4 ATs Position descriptions:

Full-time AT (40 hours/week) Part-time AT + Part-time teacher (40-50

h/wk) Part-time AT + Part-time clinic (40 h/wk)

Typically no weekend duties

Work Settings

College/University 200-500 Athletes 3-20 ATs

Often employ graduate assistants (GAs)

Staff ATs typically oversee 75 Athletes 40-60 hours/week, weekend duties,

travel Depending on staff size

Moderate-High Budget/Resources Support of Sports Medicine Team

Work Settings

Professional Sports 30-100 Athletes 1-4 ATs

Depending on team size, sport, and level of competition

40-60 hours/week Weekends, travel required

during season Moderate-High

Budget/Resources

Work Settings

Military 1 AT per 1000 “Soldier-Athletes” Typically employed at US military

bases 40 hours/week No weekend duties, no travel

NATA

National Athletic Trainers’ Association Professional Organization Services to members:

Research/Education Career Center Annual Meeting

Educational Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in athletic training

Classes in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and biomechanics

Clinical experiences under appropriate supervision

Education Requirements

Commission Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) Accredit all Athletic Training Education

Programs (ATEPs) Rigorous Coursework

Certification

Certifying body: Board of Certification (BOC) Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree Graduate from ATEP Certification Exam

Certification

Accredited ATEPs in SC Charleston Southern

University College of Charleston Erskine College Lander University Limestone College University of South

Carolina Winthrop University

Certification

Certification exam: Computerized test Multiple choice Simulation Scenarios Anatomy “hot spots”

Approximately 4 hours long

***Update from book***

Certification

AT must maintain certification Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Seminars, additional coursework,

professional presentations 30 min = 1 CEU, 25 CEUs/year

Before ATSAs

Many daily medical duties If school has one AT:

Spend too much time on ice/water

Not enough time for patient care

If no AT: Assistant coach carries out

duties Conflict of interest (injuries)

ATSA

Athletic training student aides High school students Gain valuable experience Enable Athletic Trainer to focus energy

Needs of the entire program

Ideal ATSA Program

Three-year program Grades 10, 11, and

12 Sports Med class

Taught at the end of the day

Lab science Athletic Training

Room

ATSA Program

ATSAs help AT after school Must be supervised by AT Help with tasks that do not require AT

ATSA Responsibilities

Stock first aid kit Check equipment Stock ice chests Fill water bottles Check injury list

from previous day Communicate with

AT and coaches

ATSA Responsibilities

Help with the treatment and taping

Clean ATR before and after events

Update supply list

Check out equipment

Maintain proper ATR atmosphere

Have fun!

Head ATSA

Senior student in leadership role Experience with

ATSA program Proficient in skills Able to work well

with others Leadership qualities

Gain experience leading a team

Head ATSA Responsibilities

Set the ATSA schedule one week in advance

Conduct weekly ATSA meetings

Communicate expectations to ATSAs

Head ATSA Responsibilities

Communicate daily with coaching staff

Communicate directly with program director

Check that all paperwork is completed

Complete a final report at the end of the season

Sports Medicine Funding

Sources include: State vocational

dollars Basic education

funds Student

Government Athletic booster

clubs Grants

Sports Medicine Funding

Sports Med considered a vocational class Can be funded with education money AT salary often comes from teaching Supplies may be funded by education money

Must be used for educational purposes

Sports Medicine Funding

Labels: Appropriate (A), Inappropriate (I)___ Buying tape for sports medicine class.___ Buying taping tables for the ATR.___ Buying a golf-cart for the ATs, which ATSAs can drive.___ An AT using the injury tracking system for the ATR which was purchased for class___ The AT using extra tape from class to tape an athlete.

Sports Medicine Funding

Labels: Appropriate (A), Inappropriate (I)___ An ATSA using tape which was bought for class to tape an athlete.___ An AT giving out a pair of crutches from the classroom to an athlete.___ Buying water bottles for the ATR___ Buying a lightning detector which you plan to use in class and during games.___ The AT giving out bandages from the classroom to athletes.

Reflection Questions

1. How do ATs and physicians work together to treat concussions?

2. Why should every high schools have an AT?

3. If the athlete with the concussion in the film didn’t have an AT, do you think he would be allowed to play?

4. What might happen if he played?