March is National Athletic Training Month, a time to recognize the essential contributions of athletic trainers (ATs) across sports, schools, clinics and beyond. While many associate athletic trainers tape ankles and provide water, the reality is that they are healthcare professionals with expertise in injury prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation and overall wellness.
For stakeholders—including school administrators, healthcare executives, policymakers, parents, and coaches—understanding the impact of athletic trainers is crucial. Their presence leads to safer environments, improved patient outcomes, and stronger communities.
As we celebrate this month, let’s dive into why athletic trainers are the true champions of health care and why investing in them is a win for everyone.
A Highly Skilled and Essential Health Care Workforce
Athletic trainers are highly educated and credentialed medical professionals. They hold a high education in athletic training, are nationally certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) and must maintain continuing education credits yearly to stay at the forefront of healthcare advancements.
Their specialized training allows them to:
- Prevent injuries by identifying risk factors and implementing proactive strategies
- Execute critical emergency care when seconds matter
- Rehabilitate injuries to safely return athletes to activity
- Advocate for mental health and well-being
- Educate and mentor on best practices for safety and performance
Protecting Student Athletes & Reducing Risk in Schools
For school administrators, the presence of a full-time athletic trainer is a game-changer. Research consistently shows that having an athletic trainer on staff significantly reduces injury rates, improves concussion management and enhances overall student health.
Yet, despite their proven benefits, only 70% of U.S. secondary schools have access to an athletic trainer and only 48% have full-time coverage. The absence of athletic trainers leaves students vulnerable to delayed medical care, improperly managed concussions and preventable injuries—a liability that schools cannot afford.
Investing in athletic trainers means:
- Safer student athletes with expert care available on-site
- Lower long-term healthcare costs by preventing severe injuries
- Compliance with best-practice safety guidelines for sports medicine
- Increased parent trust in school sports programs
With these benefits of having a full-time athletic trainer, often athletic trainers have relationships with other local healthcare professionals in the community such as orthopedics, physical therapists, neurologists and other necessary providers. These relationships can streamline and expedite the process of post-injury care. Without the athletic trainers present to cultivate these relationships, families may struggle finding appropriate care on their own.
A commitment to full-time athletic trainers in every school is a commitment to student safety, well-being and athletic success.
Leaders in Emergency Preparedness & Injury Response
In sports, schools and community events, athletic trainers are often the first health care providers to respond when an emergency occurs. Their training in emergency action planning, CPR and AED use and life-saving interventions can mean the difference between life and death.
From cardiac emergencies and heat-related illnesses to catastrophic spinal injuries, athletic trainers are prepared, proactive and decisive in high-pressure situations. Their presence ensures a rapid and effective response that improves survival rates and reduces long-term complications.
For stakeholders, this means:
- Safer sporting events and workplaces with expert emergency care
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations
- Confidence that athletes, employees and community members are protected
A Call to Action: Support and Invest in Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers are more than just sports professionals—they are health care providers who champion to protect, treat and advocate for the well-being of those they serve.
As we celebrate National Athletic Training Month, we urge stakeholders to:
- Prioritize athletic trainers in schools full time
- Advocate for policies that improve athletic training workplaces
- Invest in secondary school athletic training departments
A world with more athletic trainers means a safer, healthier future for athletes, workers, students and communities.
This March, let’s recognize, celebrate, and elevate athletic trainers—because when it comes to health care, they are truly the champions.
About At Your Own Risk
At Your Own Risk educates employers, workers, legislators, school administrators, parents/guardians and student athletes about the value athletic trainers bring to the field, office and to everyday life. It offers tools to advocate for reducing the risk of injury by having an AT on your team.
About The Authors:
Tiffany Phillips, M.Ed, LAT, ATC, is currently the Head Athletic Trainer at Grapevine High School in Grapevine, Texas. She also serves as the NATA Secondary Schools Athletic Trainers' Committee District 6 representative. Before laying roots in the secondary school setting, Phillips’ career started in the DI and DII college, as well as the NFL. When not working, she enjoys walking the dogs, reading and going to sporting events with Kamden where they can frequently be found supporting former athletes.
Megan Olson, MS, LAT, ATC, is the current District 11 representative on the NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from Luther College and her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Ohio University. Megan’s works with Gundersen Health System in Onalaska, Wis., as an outreach athletic trainer for West Salem High School. Outside of work, Megan can often be found cooking, completing home improvement projects, or taking walks with her husband and dog.