Certified
Athletic Trainer Defined
The National Athletic Trainer Association (NATA) has defined a certified
athletic trainer as “An allied health professional who has
successfully completed the college/university undergraduate degree,
fulfilled the requirements for certification of the National Athletic
Trainers Board of Certification and has passed the NATA certification
examination administered by the NATA Board of Certification.
The
Student Athletic Trainer Program at Cuesta College follows the general
guidelines from the National Athletic Trainers Association by preparing
students for transferring, and ultimately taking the certification
exam. The athletic trainer’s professional preparation is directed
toward the development of specified competencies in the following
domains: risk management and injury prevention, pathology of injuries
and illnesses, assessment and evaluation, acute care of injury and
illness, pharmacology, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise,
general medical conditions and disabilities, nutritional aspects
of injury and illness, psychosocial intervention and referral, health
care administration, professional development and responsibilities.
Through a combination of formal classroom instruction and clinical
experience, the athletic trainer is prepared to apply a wide variety
of specific health care skills and knowledge within each of the
domains.
Cuesta
College provides a foundation for any student interested in the
field of Athletic Training. Clinical experience coupled with the
course work offered is a great stepping-stone to any accredited
four-year college or university.
Cuesta
College Athletic Training Program Goals
To learn and apply concepts in athletic injury care including injury
prevention, first aid, rehabilitation and reconditioning, evaluation
and recognition of injuries and organization and administration
of an athletic training room. Students gain valuable observation
hours and clinical experience necessary to transfer to a four-year
university.
Requirements
for Eligibility
Students who wish to become student athletic trainers should have
completed or be registered in a college level “Prevention
and Care of Athletic Injuries” course and received a “B”
grade or higher. Upon acceptance into the Student Athletic Trainer
Program, credit units are available depending on number of hours
completed. First Aid and CPR certification are strongly recommended.
 Responsibilities
of Student Athletic Trainers
Student athletic trainers should be self-motivated and have the
initiative to find their own answers to athletic training room decisions.
The head athletic trainer is not the only resource the students
should expect to learn from. For this reason, various resources
are available to the student including peers, books, class notes,
and journals. A strong background in first aid and common sense
is advantageous.
Examples of intern responsibilities include taping and wrapping,
evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries, and coverage of team
practices and events under the supervision of a certified athletic
trainer. If qualified, student athletic trainers can apply such
modalities as ice, heat, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation,
and assist with first aid and rehabilitation.
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