Athletic Trainer

sports · health care · injury prevention

Certified specialists. Athletic trainers are licensed health care professionals who have gone through special training and testing. The American Medical Association has officially recognized them as part of the health care team since 1990.

Injury detectives. When an athlete gets hurt, athletic trainers figure out what happened and decide if the player can keep going or needs to sit out. They use their knowledge to spot problems quickly on the sidelines.

Prevention experts. Athletic trainers teach athletes how to stretch properly, use correct techniques, and stay in great shape so they don't get injured in the first place. This is often their most important job.

Treatment & recovery. They treat sprains, strains, and other injuries using ice, taping, exercises, and other methods to help athletes heal faster. They also make sure players don't come back to sports too soon.

Team members. Athletic trainers work at schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and fitness centers. You'll often see them standing on the sidelines ready to help when something goes wrong.