Chapter 1 Careers in Sports Medicine and Athletic

Chapter 1 Careers in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training

Sports Medicine • Branch of medicine that deals with injuries that occur to athletes and the active population of all ages – – – Prevention Research Education Evaluation Treatment Rehabilitation 2

Sports Medicine • Circle of Care – – – Athlete on field or individual in motion Immediate treatment of injury Diagnosis Rehabilitation Prevention Return to activity or field of play 3

Sports Medicine • Requires knowledge from such disciplines as: – – – Anatomy Physiology Kinesiology Strength training Psychology Nutrition 4

Career Opportunities • Career opportunities that are clinical in nature include: – – – Physician assistant Nurse Physical Therapist Physical Therapy Assistant Athletic trainer 5

Career Opportunities • Career opportunities that are clinical in nature include: – Chiropractor – Physical Therapy Aide – May find employment in hospitals, sports clinics, physicians’ offices, or other clinical environments. – May also be self-employed 6

Athletic Trainers • Athletic Training – Division of sports medicine – Encompasses prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions 7

Athletic Trainers • What does it take to be an athletic trainer? – Ability to work in a variety of settings, under many different conditions – Ability to travel and be on call – Must be prepared for various emergency situations – Desire to help and take care of people 8

Characteristics of a Successful Athletic Trainer • • • Dependability/time management skills Adaptability/organizational skills Critical thinking/problem-solving skills Leadership/communication skills Good judgment 9

Characteristics of a Successful Athletic Trainer • Sense of humor/people skills • Good physical health • Passionate about sports and helping others 10

CAATE • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education – To hold ATC credential, athletic trainers must earn a degree from a CAATEaccredited program and pass the Board of Certification certificate exam. – Accredited programs and exam information available at www. bocatc. org 11

CAATE • Mission – To provide comprehensive accreditation services to institutions that offer athletic training degree programs – To verity that all CAATE-accredited programs meet acceptable educational standards of professional (entry-level) training education 12

Board of Certification (BOC) • Certifying organization for the athletic trainer • Responsible for certification of athletic trainers since 1969 13

National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) • National membership organization for the profession of athletic training • Mission is to: – Enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers – Advance the athletic training profession 14

Strength and Conditioning Specialists • CSCS credential obtained after passing a written exam – To be eligible for the exam, you must have a current CPR and AED certificate and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. • CSCS has different identities, determined by job setting – Personal trainer, fitness instructor, strength and conditioning specialist, strength coach 15

Other Related Careers • • Teacher/College Professor Physical Therapist (PT) Physical Therapy Assistant/Aide Occupational Therapist (OT) Occupational Assistant/Aide Emergency Medical Responder Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 16

Other Related Careers • • Paramedic Exercise Physiologist/Biomechanics Massage Therapist Sports Psychologist Dietician Chiropractor Podiatrist 17

Other Related Careers • • • Orthotics/Prosthetics Specialist Physician Assistant Physician Orthopedic Surgeon Equipment Personnel 18

Personal Attributes Required for a Career in Sports Medicine • • • People skills Communication skills Leadership skills Compassion Good listening skills Ability to follow directions and work as team member 19

Personal Characteristics Required for a Career in Sports Medicine • • Healthy body Passionate about the profession Sincere desire to learn Positive attitude 20