Illinois

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who provide our community a safer approach to work, life, and sport.

Learn how athletic trainers in Illinois keep your state healthy, safe and thriving.

What's the Mission of the Illinois Athletic Trainers' Association?

The mission of the IATA is to improve the quality of health care in the State of Illinois through the advancement, promotion, and improvement of the athletic training profession for practicing Athletic Trainers in all settings, and to be proactive in creating effective partnerships in our communities, as well as among those interested in athletic training as a career. In addition, IATA provides a means for a free exchange of ideas for the Illinois athletic training field.

Illinois Safety Statistics

2756certified athletic trainers in Illinois.
5athletic training educational programs in Illinois.
16schools with the Safe Sports School Award in Illinois.
829secondary schools in Illinois.

What is an Athletic Trainer?

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association defines athletic trainers (ATs) as highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals specifically trained in the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical conditions and emergent, acute and chronic injuries. Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA)Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an allied health care profession. 

Where Are Athletic Trainers Employed?

Athletic trainers provide health care in many settings, from clinics and hospitals to performing arts and even aeronautics.

What's the Value of Employing an Athletic Trainer?

The value of an athletic trainers may differ in the eyes of the principal, school board member, athletic director, teacher, coach, parent, employer, legislator and student-athlete. At Your Own Risk has created handouts explaining the value that athletic trainers bring to many different organizations.

Six Ways You Can Get Involved in Illinois

Whether you are the parent of a student athlete or the administrator of a school district, you can do your part. Whether you are a legislator or an employer, you can make a difference. Here are some ways you can get involved in your community.

Contact the Illinois Athletic Trainers' Association

The Illinois Athletic Trainers Association, Inc. (IATA) is a professional membership organization for licensed athletic trainers (ATC) and others who support the athletic training profession in the State of Illinois. Incorporated as a general not for profit corporation in 1982 with just over 100 members, the IATA currently serves over 1600 members in a number of healthcare settings throughout the State of Illinois.

Apply for the Safe Sports School Award

The Safe Sports School Award recognizes schools around the country that take the crucial steps to keep their athletes free from injuries. Schools must fulfill specific safety criteria to qualify for this elite distinction, including the creation of a comprehensive athletic health care system and the coordination of pre-participation physical examinations.

Contact Your Athletic Training Regulatory Board

NATA is actively engaging legislators and other health care coalitions and organizations in an effort to raise the profile of the athletic training profession. Through our education efforts to these groups, we promote the recognition of ATs.

Sign Up for Legislative Alerts

Sign up to receive the latest information on NATA's legislative initiatives in your state.

Hire an Athletic Trainer

Every team deserves an athletic trainer. Learn more about hiring an AT.

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