This March is National Athletic Training Month. We want to promote and celebrate the profession of athletic training (AT) around the world. A proud sponsor of National Athletic Training Month is the National Athletic Training Association (NATA). NATA has more than 45,000 members world-wide and this month we want to celebrate all AT’s and their work. This year’s slogan is, “ATs Are Health Care.” ATs are not only health care providers to athletes, but also provide care to soldiers, workers and performers.

An AT is a health care professional who collaborates with physicians to provide emergency care and prevention, diagnose and treat injuries and medical conditions for people in work, life and play including athletes, industrial workers, military service members and public servants.

ATs are not the same as personal trainers or “trainers.” ATs are health care professionals who provide more health care services than fitness and conditioning. ATs are also part of a team of professionals who work collaboratively including, physicians, physical therapist, emergency medical technicians, physician assistants and psychologist. ATs are here to provide a continuum of quality care for the patients we are working with, no matter what field they are in.

A day in the life of an AT ranges from, acute life-threatening injuries to chronic illness or injury. ATs are equipped to treat and manage acute injury situations, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and heat illnesses. For the active and athletic population, ATs are the first line of care. ATs are with the athletes the day the injury happens, through rehabilitation programs and present when the patient returns to activity. Since ATs are with these patients daily, there is a personal relationship built. This ensures quality individual care for every patient.

This March, we hope you get to know you’re local AT and learn more about their qualities and expertise as a health care professional. AT’s are at your high schools, colleges, hospitals, physical therapy offices, military bases, performance centers and more. This is National Athletic Training Month; remember “ATs Are Health Care.”

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