This year’s theme "We Prepare - You Perform”
Each year, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association dedicates the month of March to bringing information and awareness to the role of athletic trainers (ATs).
“When many people hear the word ‘athletic trainer’ they think of sports and athletic rehabilitation,” says Jason Pequette, senior director of sports medicine at ATI Physical Therapy. “While athletic trainers in schools, at athletic clubs and on the playing field account for the majority of our staff, their expertise is also needed in related fields caring for our ‘industrial athletes.’ We are excited that of our athletic trainers are able to come together this month to celebrate their profession!”
ATI Physical Therapy is one the largest employers of certified athletic trainers in the country, with over 535 ATs nationwide.
Both in the clinic and in the workplace, ATI utilizes the knowledge of athletic trainers to help the “Industrial Athletes.” ATI’s trademarked F.I.R.S.T.™ work conditioning program uses a sports performance based methodology to safely return injured workers back to their workplace following therapy. On the job site, ATI’s Worksite Solutions provides athletic trainers to industry partners to “coach” employees at their work site to help prevent and rehabilitate injuries.
The ATI Sports Medicine Department’s in-house committee is also facilitating events and education in celebration of National Athletic Training Month. This includes fundraisers for the ATI Foundation and children with physical impairments, distribution of information to affiliates, bulletin board postings at worksites, local schools, clubs and ATI Physical Therapy clinics, as well as useful tips posted on ATI’s Facebook page and Twitter throughout the month.
Often times, the difference in the professions of “athletic training” and “personal training” can be blurred. There is, however, a difference between the two. Athletic trainers are considered allied health care professionals, and must meet qualifications set by the Board of Certification, Inc., and the state licensing board. They coordinate care under the direction of a physician and other health care professionals, and are members of a health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association. All certified athletic trainers must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in order to practice athletic training.
For more information about the athletic training profession, visit the National Athletic Trainers’ Association website at www.NATA.org.