The certified athletic trainer is a highly educated 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 healthcare team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and other athletic healthcare settings.
Trainers work both on and off the field.
Education Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, usually in athletic training, health, physical education, or exercise science. Certified athletic trainers also participate in extensive clinical affiliations with athletic teams under appropriate supervision. This last portion of the test evaluates athletic trainers' ability to resolve cases similar to those they might encounter in actual practice. A North Park Athletic Trainer prepares a player for competition. Some high school athletic trainers are hired by school systems and may also teach.