Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and athletes. Athletic training is not the same profession as personal training. Certified athletic trainers work with more than just athletes they can be found just about anywhere that people are physically active. The field of athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition.

Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a masters degree

To become certified athletic trainers, students must graduate with bachelors or masters degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification.  Once certified, they must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified.

If you are a student of Highlands High School or Middle School and are interested in learning more about Athletic Training and/or working as a Student Athletic Trainer at Highlands please contact Tracy Coffman by email at tracy.coffman@fortthomas.kyschools.us