What is an athletic trainer? Why your student-athlete needs one

Each spring, I watch the same scene play out on sidelines across Northeast Georgia: a student-athlete goes down, and, within seconds, someone is already running out onto the field to check on them. As a sports medicine physician and high school team doctor, one of the questions I hear most often from parents on the sidelines is: Who is the person running onto the field to tend to the injured athlete?

The athletic trainer: Your athlete’s first line of care

At most schools, that professional is a certified athletic trainer (AT) — a highly trained health care provider who works in collaboration with physicians to deliver comprehensive on-site sports medicine care. In my role on the sidelines and in the clinic, I consider the AT an essential teammate. They are with our student athletes every day — taping ankles at 3 p.m., monitoring practices at 5 p.m., and standing ready for whatever game night brings.

Here’s what athletic trainers handle day to day:

• Injury prevention services: screening, taping, bracing, and training-load monitoring. 
• Emergency care: scales from simple first aid to coordinating EMS for serious injuries. 
• Clinical evaluation and on-field/clinic diagnosis guidance
• Therapeutic interventions: manual therapy, modalities, and return-to-play progressions.
• Rehabilitation: support for sports injuries or medical conditions that affect performance.

Because ATs are present at the time of injury, they often see the mechanism of injury firsthand. That real-time perspective helps them triage quickly and communicate effectively with me, other medical providers, and, when needed, Emergency Medical Services.

My kid sustained an injury during practice or a game. What are the next steps?

One of the biggest advantages of having an athletic trainer on campus is the ability to move from concern to a clear plan immediately. When an injury happens:

1. Monitor: Monitor a safe environment for sport training, practices, and competitions such as extreme weather conditions (extreme heat, extreme cold, lightning) and coordinating with officials and coaches regarding need to suspend or postpone play.
2. On-site evaluation: The AT performs a thorough assessment on the field or in the training room.
3. Triage and communication: They contact me (or another sports medicine physician) as needed and update families with next steps.
4. Right care, right time: Based on the injury, they guide you toward the appropriate setting—sports medicine clinic, urgent care, or, in rare cases, the emergency department.
5. Follow-through: ATs coordinate protection (bracing, crutches), arrange imaging referrals when indicated, and outline early rehab or rest.

My athlete is having discomfort but no obvious injury. Can the athletic trainer help?

Yes. Not every problem is a dramatic fall or collision. Overuse soreness, new‑season aches, and subtle performance-limiting issues are common as we shift from winter to spring workloads. Your certified athletic trainer will:

• Take a targeted history by accounting for training changes, equipment, growth spurts, and previous injuries.
• Perform focused tests to identify potential issues early
• Treat or refer: Many concerns can be addressed with modification, targeted exercises, or therapy the AT can start immediately; when physician evaluation is warranted, the AT fast-tracks that connection

Early conversations with the athletic trainer can prevent minor issues from becoming season‑altering (or ending) injuries.

Training, licensure, and where athletic trainers work

Athletic Trainers are not only educated but also well-trained, credentialed healthcare professionals. After completing an accredited program, every AT must pass a national board exam before they can practice – and in many states, including Georgia, they also hold a state license. On top of that, they are required to complete continuing education to keep pace with recent advances in sports medicine. And, if that wasn’t enough education, around 70% of ATs then go on to earn a master’s degree or higher to hone their skill. The breadth of settings whereyou’ll find them reflects just how transferable their training is. Some of these include: 

• Recreational Parks
• Secondary schools
• Colleges/Universities
• Professional athletes
• Large and/or Special Competition events
• Large corporations (Coca-Cola, Delta, Amazon)
• Performing Arts
• Rodeo
• NASA
• NASCAR

Partnering for healthier, stronger athletes

As we move deeper into the spring season, remember that no one navigates the demands of sports alone — not your student‑athlete, not your coaches, and not our school or community. Your athletic trainer and your broader sports medicine team are right there with your athlete, from the first practice to the last game of the season.

Here in Northeast Georgia, we’re fortunate to have the NGPG Athletic Training Program, which places skilled, licensed athletic trainers in numerous high schools and colleges throughout the region. These ATs work side‑by‑side with athletes daily and collaborate closely with our physicians to keep care connected — from the sidelines and the training room to the clinic. Their presence is one of the greatest advantages our student‑athletes have as they transition into the busy spring season.

If your child has an injury, ongoing discomfort, or just needs an evaluation to stay at their bestbefore the season ramps up, our team is here to help. At NGPG Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, we partner directly with our ATs to provide student-athletes the kind of care that’s built around how they actually move, train and compete.