SCOPE OF PRACTICE
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Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who work closely with physicians to optimize the engagement and involvement of patients and clients in athletic activities, work, and daily life. The field of athletic training encompasses a comprehensive approach that includes injury prevention, assessment, injury management, and rehabilitation of a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The primary goal is to minimize the development of subsequent impairments, functional limitations, disability, and societal restrictions through effective management and care.
1 Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection
The ATC has the knowledge and skills to recognize the risks associated with injury and implement an appropriate plan to minimize these risks. This involves planning, implementing, and interpreting pre-participation screening, to identify potential predisposing factors to musculoskeletal injury and health-related disorders. The ATC can synthesize information from these findings and formulate an appropriate evidence-based intervention.
2 Clinical Evaluation
The ATC possesses the requisite knowledge and skills to identify and assess an individual's condition, enabling them to determine the most suitable course of management. This assessment employs a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach that integrates considerations of neuromusculoskeletal, physiological, and psychosocial aspects while taking into account the individual's overall health and lifestyle factors. Based on this holistic evaluation, a clinical impression is formulated, serving as the foundation for developing an evidence-based management plan that aligns with the individual's needs.
3 Immediate and Emergency Care
Athletic trainers are educated and trained to provide standard immediate and emergency care procedures to patients and clients. Athletic trainers also recognize the needs of consulting other healthcare professionals and make timely referrals accordingly.
4 Injury Management and Rehabilitation
The ATC has the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate the recovery of function, return to physical activity, and high levels of performance through a clinically reasoned approach, which incorporates evidenced-based therapeutic intervention, and exercise. Throughout the management of the individual, the ATC has the skills to objectively monitor the intervention strategy and determine the need for appropriate modification. A holistic approach allows optimal recovery, through consideration of the multifactorial needs of the individual.
5 Professional Responsibility and Development
Athletic trainers possess the skills necessary to develop, administer, and manage a healthcare facility and associated venues that provide healthcare services. Athletic trainers have the skill set to utilize human, physical, and fiscal resources to provide efficient and effective healthcare services.