Athletic trainers play an important role in the management, prevention, recognition and rehabilitation of injured athletes. These are the professionals often seen on TV running onto the field during games when an athlete is injured. Under the supervision of a licensed physician, athletic trainers administer immediate emergency and follow-up care.

Sports and Athletic Trainers also develop athletic injury prevention and treatment programs using their knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy and pathology. Athletic trainers also provide a very important communication link between the injured athlete, the physician, the coach, and sometimes the athlete's family, to determine when it’s right to return to practice and competition.

An average Athletic Trainer’s day may include the following: prepare athletes for practice or competition, including taping, bandaging and bracing; evaluating injuries; developing conditioning programs and implementing treatment and rehabilitation programs. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum or meet other requirements set by the Board of Certification.