Athletic Trainers

Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.

Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.

Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.

Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.

Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.

Plan or implement comprehensive athletic injury or illness prevention programs.

Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.

Advise athletes on the proper use of equipment.

Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.

File athlete insurance claims and communicate with insurance providers.

Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.

Accompany injured athletes to hospitals.

Inspect playing fields to locate any items that could injure players.

Develop training programs or routines designed to improve athletic performance.

Teach sports medicine courses to athletic training students.

Recommend special diets to improve athletes' health, increase their stamina, or alter their weight.

Conduct research or provide instruction on subject matter related to athletic training or sports medicine.

Confer with coaches to select protective equipment.

Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, or bruises.

Lead stretching exercises for team members prior to games or practices.

Perform team support duties, such as running errands, maintaining equipment, or stocking supplies.