Trainer? What's in a name, anyway?

Questions about the Athletic Training profession? You can find more useful information in this video.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Meet the Athletic Training staff for Safe Sports Network
• More information on what is Athletic Training
• General Profile of Athletic Trainers
• Need a laugh? Check out our "Can I Get a Trainer?" video!

You've seen us on the sidelines, on the field and in the clinic.  For those not in the know, it's very likely that you've referred to us as "Trainers" and not by our proper name.  Our profession, Athletic Training, often gets lumped in with Personal Training, not just because of the nickname "Trainer," but also from not knowing what each profession is designed to do.  "So what's the difference?", you may ask.  Well, there are quite a few distinctions that separate the two, from required education & accreditation to the tasks we perform on a daily basis.  Here are just a few of them:

Athletic Trainers:

• Work to prevent, examine, treat and rehabilitate athletic injuries.
• Requires completion of at least a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training.
• Work under the direct supervision of a physician.

Personal Trainers:

• Design and implement plans to improve fitness.
• May or may not have a degree in Exercise Sciences.