March is National Athletic Training Month, and it’s a time that recognizes the work of athletic trainers. Although most people won’t interact with these trainers on a daily basis, the work they do is essential for colleges and universities, clinics and hospitals, police departments, fire departments, and the military.

Athletic trainers design and implement programs to help strengthen their clients and to help them avoid injury during intensive workouts. Some of them also develop rehabilitation programs to help patients who are dealing with an existing injury. The priority of these trainers is to help the people they’re working with, and it’s for this dedication that they all deserve our thanks.

The History of National Athletic Training Month

This month was created just a few years ago by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. They created it to raise the public’s awareness about athletic trainers and the work that they do on a day-to-day basis.

Important Facts About Athletic Trainers

We wanted to highlight this profession so that everyone celebrating National Athletic Training Month can do so armed with knowledge. With that being said, let’s look at these fascinating facts below before continuing with an explanation of how this month is observed.

• Athletic training is recognized by all medical associations as an allied health care profession.
• In 49 states and the District of Columbia, athletic trainers have to be licensed.
• Athletic trainers are required to complete 50 units of continuing education to maintain their certification.
• Just like other medical professionals, athletic trainers abide by HIPAA laws.
• The National Athletic Trainers’ Association was founded in 1950, but athletic training existed before then.
• Athletic trainers are employed at doctors’ offices, industrial sites, high schools, colleges, and other organizations.
• Athletic trainers usually have a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree.

Observing National Athletic Training Month

The best way to observe this month is by thanking an athletic trainer in person. If that’s not possible, then the next best thing is to give a shout-out to one of them online using the hashtag #NationalAthleticTrainingMonth. People can also observe this day by learning more about this profession or even beginning a career path toward becoming an athletic trainer.

Every year, this month is observed with a special theme. For example, in 2018, the theme was “Compassionate Care for All,” and in 2020, it was “Athletic Trainers: Health Care Through Action.” These themes help to focus the attention of this month on certain areas of the profession.