Risk Management Athletic Trainer

A Risk Management Athletic Trainer keeps Athletes on their feet by helping them prevent injuries and maintain good health. Athletes at all skill levels must be in top physical shape to remain competitive. The Risk Management Athletic Trainer focuses on training methods that reduce the likelihood of injury — both in training and during competition.

As a Risk Management Athletic Trainer, you work alongside Professional Athletes, Sports General Managers, Physicians, and Coaches. Each member of the training team has one priority: to keep the Athlete in top shape.

Each time a Player enters the field or competition area, a health risk is taken. When a top Player is injured and cannot play, the entire team suffers. Your job is to prevent the injuries by teaching proper technique.

Unlike a traditional Athletic Trainer who focuses merely on physical condition, a Risk Management Athletic Trainer focuses on what’s right for overall health. Utilizing knowledge from coursework in kinesiology, health, physical training, physical fitness, and biology, you make decisions for others.

For example, Bobby is sacked at his own 30-yard line and remains on the field. When assessing his injury, you must decide if it’s merely a twisted ankle or something more serious. An Athlete can usually play through minor injuries, with little or no long-term effect on his career. However, a torn ligament can mean several surgeries and will likely only get worse if he continues to use it.

After weighing the risks of further activity today versus the rewards of having him play for the rest of the season, you determine that he must be taken off the field. Your decision may not always be popular, but it’s the right one!