FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WINTHROP, Mass. – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) and its member institutions are excited to celebrate the 2017 National Athletic Training Month throughout March, in conjunction with the National Athletic Training Association (NATA).
The GNAC hands out a GNAC Athletic Trainer of the Year award annually each summer. This past year, Simmons College head athletic trainer Michael Welch was recognized.
Founded in 1995, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 12 member institutions and over 3,000 student-athletes across the New England region. Each year, the GNAC sponsors and administers 17 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunities and community involvement.
2017 National Athletic Training Month (NATM)
"Your Protection Is Our Priority"
The goal of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA) is to continue to reach those individuals and organizations that can help make a difference for athletic trainers when it comes to legislation, employment and public health.
Our intent is to educate stakeholders on the importance and value of athletic trainers to athletes, patients, clients and the public.
At this time of heightened media focus on concussion (and, as a result, athletic training), this is a good time to remind everyone of the breadth and depth of athletic trainer expertise in taking care of all kinds of injuries and all kinds of active people.
ATHLETIC TRAINER
An athletic trainer is an expert at recognizing, treating and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. ATs meets qualifications set by the Board of Certification, Inc., and adhere to the requirements of a state licensing board. ATs practice under the direction of a physician and are members of a health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association.
Requirements:
• Must obtain, at minimum, a bachelor's degree in athletic training
• Must pass a comprehensive exam to earn the ATC credential
• Must keep their knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education
• Must adhere to standards of professional practice set by one national certifying agency and to a national code of ethics
Daily Duties:
– Provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services
– Prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate injuries (acute and chronic)
– Coordinate care with physicians and other health care professionals
– Work in schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, corporations, industry, military, performing arts.
Visit the links below to better understand the fascinating world of Athletic Training.
