About Athletic Trainers 

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules and regulations.  As a part of the health care team, services provided by athletic trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.   

Athletic trainers are sometimes confused with personal trainers. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skillset, job duties and patients of an athletic trainer and a personal trainer. The athletic training academic curriculum and clinical training follows the medical model. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s program, and 70% of ATs have a master’s degree.  

Athletic Trainers in Arkansas are certified by the BOC, the only certification program for ATs and are licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training.

Education of Athletic Trainers

Competency-based approach in the classroom and clinical setting using a medical-based model.

5 Domains of Clinical Practice

  • Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion

  • Examination, Assessment, and Diagnosis

  • Immediate and Emergency Care

  • Therapeutic Intervention

  • Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

Students are instructed in the following subject matter:

  • Evidence-based Practice

  • Prevention and Health Promotion

  • Clinical Examination and Diagnosis

  • Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses

  • Therapeutic Interventions

  • Psychosocial Strategies and Referral

  • Health Care Administration

  • Professional Development and Responsibility

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INFOGRAPHICS