Athletic trainers are licensed health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide medical care of sports injuries and medical conditions through:

• Injury prevention
• Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
• Immediate and emergency care
• Treatment and rehabilitation

Athletic trainers are required to obtain a degree from an accredited program and more than 70% hold a master’s degree or higher. Additionally, athletic trainers are required to pass a national board exam, obtain a license to practice in the state of Wisconsin and complete continuing medical education throughout their career.

In the clinic setting, our licensed athletic trainers work to improve patient experiences by offering:

• More efficient appointments for the patients and families
• Further education during the visit for the patient and family
• Home exercise programs
• Bracing, splinting and crutch training
• Coordination of referrals at the end of a visit
• Scheduling of follow up appointments
• Concussion baseline testing

In the community, the licensed athletic training staff provides:

• Medical event coverage
• Access for athletes at our partners schools in the school athletic training facilities
• Injury screenings and rehabilitation
• Concussion baseline testing
• Referrals and access to our sports medicine specialists
• Educational events and coaches clinics
• Community partnerships

Expert pediatric care: At Children’s Wisconsin, the utilization of the athletic training staff in clinic and on the sidelines helps us stand apart in bridging the gap between real time injury management and access to physician services within the Children's Wisconsin system. When your kid or teen experiences a sports injury, our athletic training staff works to establish coordinated care plans with all medical specialists involved — from physicians, to chiropractors, psychologists and physical therapists — to get your athlete back to their sport as safely and quickly as possible.