Who are athletic trainers?

What is Athletic Training?

Athletic training is a healthcare profession practiced by licensed Athletic Trainers (ATs) who collaborate with physicians to help patients and clients achieve optimal activity and performances.

ATs specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairments, functional limitations, or disabilities.

How to become a Certified Athletic Trainer

To become a Certified Athletic Trainer, individuals must:

  • Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited athletic training program

  • Pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam

  • Complete ongoing continuing education to maintain certification

In Utah, Athletic Trainers are licenses through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

Who Athletic Trainers Serve

ATs provide care to a wide range of patients and clients, including:

  • Recreational, amateur, and professional athletes

  • Individuals recovering from musculoskeletal injuries

  • Clients referred by physicians

  • People seeking strength training, conditioning, and performance enhancement

Where Athletic Trainers Work

Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Athletic training facilities

  • Schools (K-12, colleges, universities)

  • Amateur, professional, and Olympic sports venues

  • Physician offices

  • Hospitals and clinics

  • Community centers

  • Commercial and government workplaces

Athletic Trainers ≠ Personal Trainers

Athletic Trainers are not the same as personal trainers. Athletic Trainers are medically trained clinicians with rigorous education, certification, and licensing processes, working in healthcare environments under physician oversight.

In contrast, Personal Trainers focus on fitness and exercise guidance without standardized regulatory requirements.

Learn more about the differences