Athletic trainers are Certified and Licensed (in Kansas) health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training is practiced by Athletic Trainers and encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

Athletic training is not the same profession as personal training. Certified athletic trainers work with more than just athletes – they can be found just about anywhere that people are physically active.

• Secondary schools

• Colleges and universities

• Professional sports

• Hospitals, clinics, physician offices and sports medicine clinics

• Military and law enforcement

• Industrial and commercial

• Performing arts

Professional Organizations:
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) http://www.nata.org

Board of Certification (BOC) http://www.bocatc.org

Mid America Athletic Trainers Association (MAATA) http://maata.net

Kansas Athletic Trainers Society (KATS) http://ksathletictrainers.org

Parent/General Public Information http://athletictrainers.org

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum (bachelor or master’s) and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree. Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified.

Accredited Kansas Colleges