Back to Main PageThe Certified Athletic TrainerThe Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as the integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs and other athletic healthcare settings.
Our Education
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree from an CAATE accredited athletic training education curriculum program. All three full-time staff members at the UMass Lowell have at least a master's degree. All staff members are certified by the Board of Certification (BOC), a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Certification
Certified athletic trainers have fulfilled the requirements for certification established by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). The certification examination administered by BOC consists of a computer generated exam. To maintain certification athletic trainers must complete 50 hours of continuing education credits every two years, in addition to renewing their CPR and AED certifications.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the physically active worldwide. The association is committed to the advancement, encouragement and improvement of the athletic training profession. Founded in 1950, NATA today has more than 25,000 members worldwide. Scope of practice in Massachusetts
State law (MA General Laws, Chapter 112, section 23A) defines "athletic trainer" as any person who is duly licensed….and who limits his practice to schools, teams or organizations with whom he [or she] is associated and who is under the direction of a physician or dentist…" The same law define "athletic training" as the application of principles, methods and procedures of evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries, preconditioning, conditioning and reconditioning of the athlete through the use of appropriate preventative and supportive devices, temporary splinting and bracing, physical modalities of heat, cold massage, electrical stimulation, sound, exercise and exercise equipment under the direction of a physician. Athletic training includes instruction to coaches, parents, medical personnel and communities in the area of care and prevention of athletic injuries."
Licensure in Massachusetts
Athletic trainers must be licensed to practice in the state of Massachusetts. Only individuals licensed as athletic trainers by the Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions (Board) may use the title "athletic trainer."
