Become an Athletic Trainer

What is an Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who work under the direction of or in collaboration with physicians. They provide a range of services including primary care, injury prevention, wellness education, emergent care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation. They can be found working in various settings such as:

  • Secondary schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Professional sports organizations
  • Performing arts organizations
  • Occupational health settings
  • Military and law enforcement agencies
  • Sports medicine clinics
  • Physician offices and hospitals
  • Higher education and research facilities

 

Begin Your Journey at Sierra College

 

Kinesiology

Volunteer

While Sierra College doesn't have a direct Sports Medicine path, we do provide an AA for transfer and a Certificate of Achievement in Kinesiology.

Please reach out to a Success Center Specialist for details.

Interested in volunteering in sports medicine as a student? Gain hands-on experience while learning injury prevention and management. As a volunteer, you'll assist the ATs with tasks like:

  • Taping
  • First aid
  • Traveling with football teams
  • Setting up and covering home athletic events and practices
  • Administering rehabilitation programs 

 

Continue Your Education

Education

Athletic Training is a graduate-level program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Accredited AT programs cover a range of subjects including:

  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Exercise physiology
  • Kinesiology/biomechanics
  • Emergency care
  • Injury/illness prevention and evaluation
  • Therapeutic modalities and exercises
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Athletic training program and healthcare administration.

In addition to coursework, students participate in supervised clinical experiences with certified ATs.

 

Certification

Certified ATs meet the criteria set by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC). This includes completing required coursework, clinical hours, and obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited institution before taking the certification exam. Once certified, ATs need to complete fifty hours of medically related continuing education every two years and follow a code of ethics.

For more information about accredited programs, visit CAATE

For more information about athletic training, visit NATA.