Chapter 1: Athletic Training as a Profession Key Terms

Certification

A credential indicating specific training in a career specialty.

American Red Cross

A disaster relief organization founded in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881 by Clara Barton to aid US military and conduct peace time relief work.

Gynecologist

A doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system

Allergy

A hypersensitivity to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction.

Licensure

A mandatory credentialing process established by law, usually at the state level, that grants the right to practice certain skills and endeavors

Cardiologist

A medical specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart.

Primary Care Physician

A physician in a health maintenance organization who directs all aspects of a patient's care, including routine services, referrals to specialists within the system, and supervision of hospital admissions; also known as a gatekeeper.

Neurologist

A physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the nervous system.

Pediatrician

A physician who specializes in the care and development of children and diagnosis and treatment of children's diseases

Athletic Training

A profession dedicated to maintaining and improving the health and well-being of the physically active population and preventing athletics-related injuries and illnesses.

ATC

A professional who has attained a standard level of competence in the field of athletic training

Podiatrist

A specialist in care for the feet

Biomechanics

A study that uses principals of physics to quantitatively study how forces interact within a living body.

Student Assistant

Assists the AT by entering treatment data, taping athletes, stocking medical cabinets and bags, organizing the sidelines before games, hydrating the athletes, and preparing rehabilitation procedures. They can only function under direct supervision of an AT

School Nurse

Assists the AT team by identifying and caring for illnesses and disorders

Physics

Branch of science that involves the study of the physical world: energy, matter and how they are related.

Rehabilitation

Directing an athlete through exercises and treatments to help him/her return to normal function

Orthopedist

Doctor who corrects abnormalities in bones and joints

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Ensures that each athlete is in the shape to meet the demands of athletic competition

Reconditioning

Getting an athlete back into physical shape for athletic participation.

Sports Psychologist

Helps athletes with goal setting, anxiety, frustration, self-esteem, family issues, etc.

Dentist

Involved when the athletic injury is to the facial injury; provides mouth guards

Registered Dietician

Nutritional specialist who helps athletes construct a proper diet based on their level of activity and dietary needs.

Nutrition

Obtained from food and used by our bodies for growth and maintaining good health.

Ergonomics Specialist

Persons who measures, modifies, and adapts a work environment to prevent injuries

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Provides acute care for critical injury or illness

Physical Therapist

Provides rehabilitation for bone and joint injuries, head injuries, and muscle injuries and imbalances so that patients may return to normal physical function and active daily living.

Equipment Manager

Purchases and maintains appropriate protective and supportive athletic equipment.

Registration

Requires an individual to resister with the state before practicing athletic training

Kinesiology

Scientific study of human movement

National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)

Sets professional standards for athletic training

Massage Therapist

Specializes with muscles and tendons. Uses heat and massage techniques to improve circulation in order to remove spasms

X rays

Test to see if bones are damaged

Sports Medicine

The care of physically active people who have suffered athletic injury or illness

Pharmacology

The study of drugs and what they do to the human body

Chiropractor

Treats musculoskeletal disorders and retire normal function by manipulating bones.

Urologist

Treats problems of the Urinary Tract

Certified Athletic Trainer (AT)

a professional certified by a nationally recognized organization, who is skilled in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of those who are physically active

National Safety Council

an organization that certifies first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Physician Assistant

provide direct care services under the supervision of licensed physician

Board of Certification

regulatory board for the certified athletic trainer on a national level

Allergist

specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity, such as allergic reactions