An athletic trainer certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. As an integral member of the athletic health care team, the athletic trainer works under the direction of a physician and in cooperation with other health care workers, athletic administrators, and coaches. Athletic training was at one time a male-dominated profession; however, since 1990, more than half of the athletic trainers certified by the NATA have been women, and 40% of all NATA members are women. Another major change in the profession has occurred in the past decade. There has been a significant increase in the scope of the athletic trainer's practice. At one time, athletic trainers worked in the traditional settings of high schools, colleges, and universities, and with professional teams. Now there are athletic trainers working in hospitals, sports medicine clinics, corporate and industrial health care programs, and athletic training curriculum programs.<sup>16 National Athletic Trainers Association brochure. The Certified Athletic Trainer. Dallas, NATA

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NATA-certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree, and over 70% of NATA members have master's degrees, usually in athletic training, health, physical education, or exercise science. Students must participate in extensive clinical affiliations under appropriate supervision. Once they have met the requirements to take the certification examination, they must pass a three-part test. This examination consists of a written portion, an oral/practical section, and a written simulation test. They may then use the designation of “ATC.”<sup>15 National Athletic Trainers Association brochure. Athletic Training Career Information. Dallas, NATA

Haga clic aquí para ir a la sección de Referencias</sup> To maintain certification, an ATC must complete 8.0 continuing education units every 3 years.

Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession. The athletic trainer specializes in five practice areas or domains: (1) prevention of athletic injuries; (2) recognition, evaluation, and immediate care of athletic injuries; (3) rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries; (4) health care administration; and (5) education and counseling.<sup>15 National Athletic Trainers Association brochure. Athletic Training Career Information. Dallas, NATA

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The athletic trainer can have a strong influence on young athletes as an educator and a role model to provide them with the basics for a lifetime of good health practices.