Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied healthcare profession, and the AMA recommends certified athletic trainers in every high school to keep America’s youth safe and healthy. Specifically, the certified athletic trainer has demonstrated knowledge and skill in six practice areas or domains:
As part of a complete healthcare team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a physician and in cooperation with other healthcare professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. The certified athletic trainer gets to know each patient/client individually and can treat injuries more effectively.
Requirements to become a NATA certified Athletic Trainer:
Candidates must graduate from an entry-level CAAHEP Accredited Athletic Training Curriculum. Candidates must successfully complete an entry-level athletic training program accredited by CAAHEP, in no less than two academic years. For a list of CAAHEP Accredited Curriculum Programs please visit Candidates must also pass a three-part national certification examination.
Anatomy/Physiology
| Axial Skeleton | Appendicular Skeleton |
| Head/Neck: skull and face | Upper Extremity: shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand and fingers |
| Trunk: spine and pelvis | Lower Extremity: femur, lower leg, ankle, foot and toes |
| Superior | towards the head |
| Inferior | away from the head |
| Anterior/Ventral | front |
| Posterior/Dorsal | back |
| Medial | toward the midline of the body |
| Lateral | away from the midline of the body |
| Proximal | closer from the point of attachment towards the trunk |
| Distal | farther from the point of attachment to the trunk |
| Superficial | closer to the surface |
| Deep | farther from the body surface |