Athletic trainers help athletes recover from or avoid injury. They evaluate, advise, and treat athletes and help them maintain peak physical fitness for participation in athletic competition. They may prescribe routine and corrective exercises to strengthen muscles, recommend special diets, and give massages. Athletic trainers may also render first aid to injured players, and/or treat chronic minor injuries and related disabilities to maintain athletes’ performances. Athletic trainers work closely with team physicians, coaches and athletes to ensure that peak performance is reached as safely and as quickly as possible after an injury has been sustained. They also help athletes prevent injuries in their chosen sport.

Areas of Specialization
Athletic trainers may specialize in certain populations (for example, children or adults) or in particular sports like football or basketball.


Work Environment
Athletic trainers may work in schools, colleges, universities, professional sports organizations, or sports medicine clinics.