Certified athletic trainers are medical professionals who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur in athletes and the physically active. Athletic trainers should not be confused with personal trainers from the fitness industry. Primary responsibilities include injury prevention, reduction of further injury by administering immediate care, development and implementation of rehabilitation programs and development of appropriate policies, including return-to-play guidelines.
Athletic trainers are certified by an independent organization that sets the standards for certification. Currently, athletic trainers must possess a bachelor’s of science degree from a college or university with an accredited athletic training program, however more than two-thirds hold a master’s degrees. Athletic trainers must also pass a certification exam. To maintain the ATC (athletic trainer, certified) credential, an athletic trainer must complete 80 hours of continuing education every three years.
The Ohio Department of Health has announced new legislation referred to as Lindsay’s Law which addresses Sudden Cardiac Arrest in youth athletes. The law went into effect on August 1, 2017. You can read more about Lindsay’s Law on the Ohio Department of Health web site:
The following resources were developed to implement Lindsay’s Law. Follow the links below to view the video and read the pamphlet. After you have reviewed the material, it is imperative that you return to this page and submit the form below, affirming that you have viewed the material.