The National Athletic Trainers’ Association defines athletic trainers 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, Health Resources Services Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services as an allied health care profession.
Our athletic trainers (ATs) offer on-site medical services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Athletic trainers are unique health care professionals who provide a full continuum of care - from prevention through injury, recovery, return and then prevention quality improvement - for a variety of patients.
In the event of an injury on the job or field, ATs respond promptly to assess and provide medical care. They also focus on rehabilitation to ensure a safe return to activity. They enhance functional outcomes and focus on patient education to prevent injuries and re-injuries, leading to reduced healthcare costs and lower absenteeism from work or school. Additionally, ATs prepare emergency action plans and handle administrative tasks including record keeping. ATs provide peace of mind, ensuring that every team member is in safe hands, regardless of the setting. Consider an athletic trainer an invaluable investment for any team.
About Our Athletic Trainers
- Hold four-year college degrees from accredited athletic training programs, have passed the national Board of Certification Exam, and are licensed to practice in the state of North Carolina. For more information about athletic trainer certification and training, click here.
- Specialize in working with young athletes, designing programs tailored to their unique needs. We emphasize age-appropriate training, teach proper techniques, and use clear, accessible language to educate children about sports and related health issues.
- Adhere to all concussion protocols and guidelines set by the state of North Carolina. They evaluate young athletes with concussion-like symptoms to determine if a concussion has occurred and when it’s safe for them to return to competition.
- Remain committed to protecting the best interests of the children they serve, and act as liaisons between student-athletes, parents, and coaches, ensuring that athletes' health is prioritized. They evaluate and treat injuries on-site, provide guidance on at-home care, refer athletes and parents for additional treatment, and follow up to ensure that all athletes are recovering well.
Your Official Health Care Provider
Together with Atrium Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is proud to serve over 120 high schools throughout the Carolinas, offering one of the largest athletic training outreach programs in the nation. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist serves as the official healthcare provider and team doctors for various secondary schools, offering on-site athletic training services at each institution. Additionally, we provide comprehensive healthcare services, including team doctors and sports nutritionists, for numerous professional, collegiate, and youth sports organizations throughout the region. Our partners include the Carolina Panthers, Queens College, NASCAR, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, UNC Charlotte, Winston-Salem Dash, Charlotte Knights, NC Fusion, Charlotte FC and the Carolina Core FC.
"Certified athletic trainers are an integral part of our sports medicine team at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist,” says Heath Thornton, MD, medical director of the Athletic Training Outreach Program. “On the playing field or court, they act as our ‘eyes and ears,’ keeping athletes safe and healthy during practices, games and beyond."
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Certified Athletic Trainers' knowledge base includes:
- Valuation and assessment of musculoskeletal injuries and athletic-related illness
- Recognition and evaluation of head injuries and concussions
- Acute/emergency or on-field care of injuries
- Rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries
- Risk management and injury prevention
- General medical conditions and disabilities
- Health and wellness issues
- Nutritional counseling
- Develop and implement comprehensive emergency action plans for when serious injuries occur
