Their education provides an extensive background in biological health sciences. Many have dual degrees as a physical therapist or educators. All athletic trainers are formally educated in the prevention, recognition, assessment, management, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, as well as in the administration, education and counseling of the injured athlete. ATC's must also take continuing education courses to remain certified. The athletic trainer works in a number of areas and oversees various athletes.
Trainers are prepared to work with athletes individually or as a team or group.
The ATC may be found working with athletes in a number of settings, including high schools, colleges, professional teams and sports medicine clinics. The trainer works closely with school nurses, team physicians, team dentists and physical therapists as they promote safe competition and work with those players who do become injured. In addition to formal education, the ATC must be caring, mature, compassionate and responsible leader. The trainer spends considerable time with athletes and can give great insight and personal attention to an athlete dealing with an athletic injury. Locally, area high schools all work with athletic trainers.