The Responsibilities of an ATC

The responsiblities of an ATC varies among settings, but the NATA and the NATABOC have defined the following domains of practice.

• Prevention of athletic injuries. ATCs prevent injuries through taping/bracing and through the design and execution of rehabilitative exercise programs.
• Evaluation and physician referral. Certified athletic trainers are highly skilled in evaluating athletic injuries and illnesses. Based on the severity of the signs, symptoms and special testing of the patient, the ATC then determines if referral to a physician is needed.
• Emergency care. Collision type sports such as football and some contact sports such as lacrosse have a high risk of catastophic injury associated with them. ATCs develop emergency protocols in order to care for these type of injuries in a safe and timely manner.
• Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning. Athletic trainers use special electrical and thermal modalities in conjuntion with hands-on techniques to treat injuries right in the training room. Athletes are directed through individualized, therapeutic exercise programs to help them recover from their injuries and prevent them from recurring.
• Organization and administration. ATCs are responsible for documenting and tracking athletic injuries through specific types of paperwork, such as treatment logs, injury assessments and physician notes. Also, the athletic trainer (with the help of the school nurse) ensures that every student-athlete has an updated pre-participation physical on file.
• Professional development and responsibility. To maintain his/her certification, the certified athletic trainer accumulates CEUs by attending conferences, workshops, seminars and through other educational oppurtunities such as publishing articles or books. Also, the ATC has an obligation to educate the public about the athletic training profession.