What is Athletic Training?
Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an allied health care profession.
What is an Athletic Trainer?
Certified athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules and regulations. As part of the health care team, services provided by athletic trainers include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes athletic training as an allied health care profession, and recommends certified athletic trainers be in every high school to keep America’s youth safe and healthy.
Athletic trainers are sometimes confused with personal trainers. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skillset, job duties and patients of an athletic trainer and a personal trainer. The athletic training academic curriculum and clinical training follows the medical model. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited baccalaureate or master's program, and 70% of ATs have a master's degree. Athletic trainers have an educational background in human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition and psychology/counseling. Certified athletic trainers also participate in extensive clinical affiliations with athletic teams under appropriate supervision.
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc. (NATABOC). The certification examination administered by NATABOC consists of a written portion with multiple choice questions; a practical section that evaluates the skill components of the domains within athletic training; and a written simulation test, consisting of athletic training related situations designed to approximate real-life decision making. This last portion of the test evaluates athletic trainers' ability to resolve cases similar to those they might encounter in actual practice. Once certified, he or she must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified. In the state of Virginia, ATCs are required to be licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Athletic Training Services
The Athletic Training Room is a co-educational facility at Lake Braddock where injured athletes can be evaluated and/or treated for their condition. Should we suspect an injury that requires imaging or further evaluation by a specialist, we will communicate with parents about setting up a visit with our team physician if they don't already have a relationship with an orthopedic.
Athletic Training Room Hours
Monday – Friday: 2:45 pm - end of competitions/events or start of last practice
***Schedules subject to change due to holidays, teacher work days, and early dismissals.***
All schedule changes will be posted via Instagram & Twitter - @bruins_atp
Rehabilitation Services
The Athletic Training Room is equipped with ice, moist heat packs, a whirlpool, an electric stimulation and ultrasound machine, as well as various exercise devices. We have standing orders from our team physician to use these modalities. Although we typically see more acute and chronic conditions on the day-to-day, we also have plenty of experience in the recovery and rehabilitation of post-surgical procedures (ACL reconstructions, meniscus repairs, labrum repairs, etc).
Pre-Participation Exams
A physical exam is needed for participation in a sport, including out-of-season activities. A VHSL physical exam form (FCPS is only accepting the Revised 2021 version at this time) must be dated on or AFTER May 1, 2024 for an athlete to be eligible for the 2024-2025 academic school year. This physical is then valid until June 30th of 2025.
***Each year, the Athletic Training Program puts together a night where student-athletes can come and get their physical exam completed for the upcoming academic school year. This event is typically scheduled during the last week of school to avoid any scheduling conflicts, like awards nights, graduation, or Spring Sports teams making a run for States! This serves as a fundraising opportunity for the program and helps us provide medical supplies, maintain our athletic training room amenities, and ultimately promote the health of your student-athletes! Keep an eye out for announcements about Sports Physical Night and other upcoming fundraisers via our Instagram & Twitter accounts (@bruins_atp) or subscribe to the Athletics News You Choose weekly emails.
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