Athletic Training Terminology

Certified Athletic Trainers
 Unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses.

 

NATC Terminology
NATA’s policy is not to use the ATC acronym as a noun.  ATC is an acronym that describes a credential, not a person, and it should only be used following the name of a certified individual.  Using the ATC acronym as a noun inhibits the Board of Certification’s ability to protect the ATC credential against misuse. In other words, NATA and the BOC cannot protect the copyright on the ATC mark if it becomes known as a common noun.

 

Physical activity removed from mission statement
The NATA districts and the board of directors have voted to remove the term “physical activity” from the NATA mission statement.  The new statement for NATA is:
"The mission of the National Athletic Trainers' Association is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to advance the athletic training profession."

 

Definition of Athletic Training (approved by NATA Board of Directors in October, 2007)

Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients.  Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

 

Typical patients and clients served by athletic trainers include:

  • Recreational, amateur, and professional athletes
  • Individuals who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries
  • Those seeking strength, conditioning, fitness, and performance enhancement
  • Others delegated by the physician

 

Some places athletic training services are provided include:

    • Athletic training facilities
    • Schools (K-12, colleges, universities)
    • Amateur, professional and Olympic sports venues
    • Clinics
    • Hospitals
    • Physician offices
    • Community facilities
    • Workplaces (commercial and government)