Athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries in people who are physically active.

Athletic trainers work with athletes of all ages and sports, including:

• High school sports teams
• College sports teams
• Professional sports teams
• Individual athletes
• Health clubs

Athletic trainers make sure athletes are in good shape and ready to play. Many of their tasks involve preventing injuries.

They show athletes how to exercise correctly and may lead a team through stretching exercises prior to each practice or game. They suggest diets and exercises to improve athletes' strength. They also verify that players have a physical examination and are cleared to exercise or play.

Athletic trainers help coaches choose equipment that will prevent injuries such as concussions. They instruct athletes on the proper use of safety equipment.

Athletic trainers monitor athletes with minor injuries. For protection, they tape, wrap, or brace ankles, fingers, or other parts of the body before practices and games. After workouts, athletic trainers massage athletes' limbs to relieve soreness and strains.

When an athlete gets hurt, athletic trainers help determine how serious the injury is. They provide emergency first aid and may go with the athlete to the hospital. Athletic trainers confer with doctors and physical therapists to set up a therapy routine. They also work with the athlete, coach, and family to decide when the player can return to play.

Athletic trainers may also have some administrative duties. For example, they may meet with school administrators, the athletic director, or coaches to discuss budgets, training, and schedules.