Presented by Nu Omicron Chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu for Kids and Careers April 6, 2006

1. Profession of Athletic Training Presented by Nu Omicron Chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu for Kids and Careers April 6, 2006 Click to begin

2. Athletic Training • Athletic trainers assume total responsibility for overseeing the total health care of the athlete • Athletic Training became recognized in June 1991 as an American • Medical Association (AMA) allied health profession. An Athletic • Trainer by definition is a multi-skilled health care professional • who has a competency in the following educational domains: • Prevention of injuries • Evaluation of injuries • Immediate care of Injuries (First Aid and emergency care) • Referral of illnesses • Rehabilitation of injuries • Health care administration • Professional development • These skills are practiced on the physically active individuals of all athletic ability. The domains are evaluated regularly through a study called the role delineation study. This study examines the primary tasks of an Athletic Trainer. To become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) you must first pass a test given by the National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification. Click to continue

3. Primary Responsibilities Prevention of Athletic Injuries Treatment, Rehabilitation, andReconditioning of Athletic Injuries Recognition, Evaluation, and Assessment of Injuries Health Care Administration Immediate Care of Injuries Professional Development and Responsibility Referral of Illness 4. Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Reconditioning of Athletic Injuries involves a) supervision of rehabilitation programs b) incorporation of therapeutic modalities c) the inclusion of psychological intervention 5. Health Care Administration refers to a) record keeping b) ordering of equipment and supplies c) supervision of personnel d) establishment of policies and procedures in the athletic training room 7. Referral of Illness a) Work along side the physician to ensure the health of the athlete 3. Immediate Care of Injuries includes first aid and CPR skills which have to renewed regular basis 1. Risk management and injury prevention includes: a) developing training and conditioning programs b) ensuring a safe playing environment, c) selecting, fitting, and maintaining protective equipment d) explaining the importance of nutrition e) Administering medications when appropriate 2. Recognition, Evaluation, and Assessment of Athletic Injuries allow the ATC to a) participate in physical examinations, b) understand the pathology of injury and illness c) refer to medical care, and d) refer to support services 6. Professional Development and Responsibility requires ATC to serve as an educator and counselor. Click to continue

4. Prevention of Athletic Injuries Molding orthoplast for protection: providing additional support or making a protective shield to prevent further injury Ankle taping: one method used to assist an athlete who has injured an ankle, and progress in practice or participate needing additional support. Tib-fib fracture: can occur, whether ATC collaborates with others to prevent injuries Click to continue

5. Recognition, Evaluation, and Assessment of Athletic Injuries Athletic Trainers are many times the first on the field to evaluate an injury. They must be able to recognize an injury and act quickly. Evaluations are done on a daily basis by an Athletic Trainer. Some common areas of evaluation include knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle. After evaluating the injury the Athletic Trainer makes an assessment on the severity of the injury to the athlete. If the injury is too bad the Athletic Trainer will not allow the athlete to go back into the game. The Athletic Trainer may also use taping and bracing to help get the athlete back into the game. Click to continue

6. Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Reconditioning Swim-Ex Ice to reduce swelling and pain Agility Skills Electrical Stimulation for pain management or muscle re-education Whirlpools for pain management and Range of Motion Core stabilization Stretching Click to continue

7. Organization and Administration Athletic Trainers have to record daily treatment logs, injury reports, physician reports and rehabilitation exercises every day. Often these reports are put into a computer. The Athletic Trainer is also responsible for buying the supplies and equipment that is needed in the athletic training room. Click to continue

8. Professional Development Responsibilities • Once certified as an ATC, s/he must maintain his/her credentials by attending workshops, seminars, taking additional classes, submitting articles to professional journals, presenting professional papers, etc. These are called Continuing Education Units (CEUs). • Athletic Trainers are required to maintain 80 CEUs every 3 years. One hour spent in any of these activities is equivalent to 1 CEU. • References: • Prentice, WE (2003). Arnheim’s Principles of Athletic Training: A Competency-Based Approach: McGraw-Hill, Boston. • www.nata.org educator Click to continue