Athletic Trainer

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It is the opinion of many that athletic trainers and physical therapist are the same; however, I have found the two to be nothing alike. Athletic trainers are defined as healthcare professionals who assist athletes and other physically active people to prevent and identify injuries related to physical activity. They work to manage and rehabilitate acute athletic injuries. On the other hand, physical therapist are defined as healthcare professionals who assist patients in developing, restoring, and maintaining movement and physical function. They work with individuals of all ages and fitness levels with chronic or acute injuries or illnesses. Although athletic trainers and physical therapists are both medical professionals who help their patients …show more content…

Athletic trainers generally work in high schools, colleges, university athletics, or in a sports medicine clinic with athletes or physically active people. Athletic trainers with a prominent education occasionally receive the opportunity to work with a professional sports team, however it does not happen often. Physical therapist job settings include hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and physical therapist centers where they treat patients for injury, illness, or chronic diseases. Their patients range from infants to elders. Physical therapists also have the advantage of working what are known as office hours, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., whereas athletic trainers often work long hours due to team practices and …show more content…

To become a certified athletic trainer, one must first earn a Bachelor's degree from an accredited program and then complete an accredited professional athletic training program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification. The current standard for Professional AT Programs is: CAATE accredited professional athletic training programs must result in the granting of a Master’s degree in athletic training. This process usually takes about five years. On the other hand, to become a certified physical therapist, you must first earn a Bachelor’s degree and then complete an accredited Physical therapy program where you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination issued by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy in order to earn one’s certification. This process takes about seven years at the least. Sometimes the process can take longer due to clinical hours and completing one’s

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