As a licensed and certified Athletic Trainer, I (Makenzie) feel a sense of responsibility and pride to promote and educate the community on an athletic trainer’s (ATC) full scope of practice. Most of the general public view ATCs as a glorified water girl/boy— the person who tapes athletes’ ankles, or a fitness trainer, however, we are so much more!

Yes, preventative bracing, adequate hydration, and therapeutic exercise are all a part of the scope of an ATC. However, the expansive knowledge and skills that athletic trainers possess are so much more than what is seen on TV.

Recent events such as the cardiac arrest of Damar Hamilton, the ankle sprain of Patrick Mahomes in last year’s Superbowl campaign, and the laceration in the Navy hockey player’s neck have brought more attention to the multidisciplinary role ATCs play. Luckily, those events are rare, but it is a great depiction of the depth of knowledge, training, and quick action of ATCs.

So what is the full scope of an ATC and what can we do for you? Keep reading!

ATHLETIC TRAINER FAQs

What is an ATC?

Think of ATCs as the emergency medicine physicians of the Allied Health Profession.
ATCs are able to examine, diagnose, and provide therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation to both injuries and general medical conditions.
ATCs follow the NATA Code of Ethics and work alongside a licensed physician.

What is an ATC’s education/training?

An ATC must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
ATCs undergo didactic and clinical training in general medicine/primary care, orthopedics, emergency care, mental health, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and wellness/prevention; as well as, administrative skills.

Where do ATCs work?

Athletic Trainers work in a slew of settings.

Most commonly:
- Athletics: High School, Colleges, and Professional,
- Military/Tactical,
- Orthopedic Clinics,
- Performing Arts (i.e., Cirque du Soleil, travel with musicians/bands, etc.).
Emerging settings:
- Private practice
- Industrial/Corporate
  - i.e., Amazon is one of the largest employers of ATCs. Having an in-house ATC significantly reduces workers’ compensation costs, improves employee wellness, and increases employee retention rates

What is the difference between an ATC and a PT?

I describe ATCs as a cross between a paramedic and a PT.
Both are licensed healthcare professionals in the allied health profession and work alongside a physician license.
ATCs and PT are both capable of treating acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries, as well as post-operative cases
The biggest differences are:
- ATCs have general medicine and emergency care training and PTs can specialize in specific areas of rehabilitation.
- ATCs focus on both prevention as well as rehabilitation, whereas PTs focus is more on rehabilitation.

How can RÖRE Method’s ATCs help you?

RÖRE Method has been built and continues to become a glorified athletic training room to the general population and everyday athletes!
Most of our days are spent working with patients as rehabilitation professionals. However, we are also ready and able to help you navigate all aspects of the often intimidating medical system no matter the injury or condition/illness.

Thanks for tuning in! I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about what an Athletic Trainer is, and what they can do for you. As always, it is our goal at RÖRE to serve you and guide you towards a more holistically healthy life. And our training as ATCs is just one way we are able to make that happen.