Exploding Myths About Athletic Trainers
March is National Athletic Training Month! Our Athletic Trainers (ATC’s) provide injury and illness prevention, emergency care, examination and clinical assessments, and therapeutic interventions of injuries and medical conditions. Many of OPA’s ATC’s are medical assistants and care for patients daily in a clinic, as well as cover community and high school sporting events in the area.
MYTH: All athletic trainers do is hand out ice, tape ankles and fill water bottles.
The American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognize athletic training as an allied health care profession. Athletic trainers should not be confused with personal trainers or “trainers” who focus solely on fitness and conditioning.
To get a better understanding of what athletic trainers do and their extensive background and education, please read: