Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers (AT), health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients across age and care continuums. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. ATs work under the direction of physicians, as prescribed by state licensure statutes.

AT Terminology

There are lots of terms related to athletic trainers and the field of athletic training. Much of this terminology relates to what and how athletic trainers fulfill their healthcare responsibilities. The National Athletic Trainers Association has great reference materials to learn about these terms. Visit their AT terminology page here.

How does one become an AT?

People who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is also enhanced through clinical education experiences.

There are 9 CAATE accredited Athletic Training Education Programs in the state of Tennessee. To learn more about each of these programs, visit our ATEP page here.

Want to Learn More?

If you want to know more about the athletic training profession, TATS would encourage you to meet the athletic trainer at your local school.

You can also find out more through the resources available at Athletic Trainers.org, a public service website created by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.