What is an Athletic Trainer?

March is National Athletic Training Month!

Did you know that before Dr. Austri Monette got her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, she received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training? This is where her love of sports medicine started. National Athletic Training Month is an important opportunity to outline all athletic trainers' skills and highlight their importance in sports safety.

Most of us see the roles of athletic trainers on the professional sports fields. An athlete gets injured during a game, and the athletic trainer runs out on the field to assess the player and determine what further medical treatment may be needed. The exact situations can range from mild injuries to life-threatening injuries, and ATC's need to have the skills to handle the spectrum. This requires quick thinking, critical decision-making, and a life-long commitment to evidence-based medicine.

Athletic trainers also have the education and skills to provide injury prevention, return-to-sport rehabilitation, and critical incident management. As of 2022, athletic training education is now a master's degree.

While most of us think of athletic trainers on the fields/courts of professional sports, collegiate sports, and youth sports, they can also work in a variety of settings. Some ATCs work in professional settings, such as emergency departments, urgent cares, and physician practices. Other ATCs may work in industrial settings, including occupational health departments, military branches, or even performing arts.

No matter the setting, athletic trainers are a critical member of the healthcare team and provide a safer approach to work, life, and sports. So, don't forget to thank your local athletic trainer this March for all the hard work they do!