ATC's specialize in preventing, evaluating, treating, and rehabilitating athletic injuries. The American Medical Association has recognized the field of athletic training as an allied healthcare profession since 1990. NATA (National Athletic Trainers' Association) is the national governing body for athletic training and national certification based on stringent criteria.
Once one becomes an ATC, the education doesn't stop there. Many ATCs pursue
Additionally, ATCs must meet stringent criteria for maintaining their certification by completing 80 continuing education units (CEU's ) every three years.
As part of the healthcare team, the ATC works under the direction of a licensed medical physician and in cooperation with other healthcare workers, coaches, the athletic director, principal, and parents.
The Athletic Training / Sports Medicine (ATSM) department is an exemplary educational/service program founded by James Onate, MA, ATC in 1997, the year SRMHS opened. Jeff Boyer, MAEd, ATC-L expanded and improved the program in 1999-2000. The ASTM department is currently under the direction of Eric C. Hall, MAEd , ATC-L, Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine. Student assistants now work alongside Coach Hall to form the ATSM Department.
Sports medicine is a specific career within the medical profession that specializes in the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries. Athletic training is a field of expertise within sports medicine. Often these two terms are used together as we do in our department here at SRMHS.
At SRMHS, our goal is to provide the best athletic health care possible to help our athletes be successful. Our mission is to keep all SRMHS athletes healthy. When unavoidable injuries occur, we provide the best possible care to get athletes healthy again so they can resume participation in their sport. With a qualified and experienced ATSM staff, the athletes as SRMHS are in good hands.
If you have any questions regarding the ATSM program at SRMHS or a career in athletic training/sports medicine, please contact the ATSM Department at any time!
