The Sports Medicine program is an outreach program that places full-time Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) at local high schools to provide practice and game athletic coverage.
The Sports Medicine Department works closely with orthopedic physicians and clinical staff to supply athletic training coverage to participating Knox County High Schools. Our program also offers part-time ATCs to the Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic located at St. Mary’s Health & Fitness Center.
Certified Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in athletic injuries within the following domains:
Prevention of athletic injuries
Recognition, evaluation and immediate care of athletic injuries
Rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries
Healthcare administration
Professional development
As part of a complete healthcare team, the ATC works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other healthcare professionals, athletic administrators, coaches and parents.
Athletic training is different than personal training. Athletic trainers are certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification and must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum and pass a three-part test administered by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification. They are also required to obtain continuing education credits and meet individual state licensing requirements. Athletic trainers in Tennessee are licensed through the Board of Medical Examiners.
