Athletic trainers and sports medicine team members are responsible for the health and safety of college and professional athletes. From treating a sports-related injury to overseeing the athlete's nutritional status and preventing future injuries, the fields of athletic training and sports medicine involve intricate and personalized patient care.
Athletic Training
An athletic trainer typically begins his work with a patient after an injury. Typically, these injuries are directly related to sports or common among athletes. After evaluation and treatment of the injury, the athletic trainer determines a rehabilitation program for the injured athlete. Once the patient has recovered and returned to his sport, the athletic trainer also provides advice on preventing additional injuries.
Sports Medicine
The practice of sports medicine involves the medical treatment of athletes and their sports-related injuries. Although sports medicine physicians most often treat musculoskeletal injuries, they also treat athletes for other medical conditions, such as acute illnesses, high blood pressure or heat illnesses. The sports medicine physician monitors the athlete's various medications, evaluates him before sports performances and evaluates his daily nutritional status. A sports medicine team often involves nurses, physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, nutritionists and dietitians.
Role
Within a sports medicine team, the athletic trainer plays a crucial role in the athlete's rehabilitation and return to his sport. Once the injured athlete has been observed and treated by the surgeon or physician, he proceeds to the athletic trainer for rehabilitation. The athletic trainer is also an important link in the team's communication channel. In fact, he often serves as the link between the physician, the coach and the athlete and his family.
Other Careers
Many athletic trainers also teach at the high school or college level. At the high school level, athletic trainers often teach physical education courses. At the college level, athletic trainers commonly teach sports medicine courses. Athletic trainers might also be hired by private companies to help employees develop safe and effective fitness programs.
References
- Society For Academic Emergency Medicine: Sports Medicine
- Education-Portal: Sports Medicine Career Options and Employment Outlook
- Education-Portal: Sports Medicine - Athletic Trainer: Career Education Overview
- Mayo School of Health Sciences: Athletic Training Career Overview
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine: About the Program - Division of Athletic Training
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