Evaluates and advises individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses, or maintain peak physical fitness. May provide first aid or emergency care.

This career is part of the Health Science cluster Therapeutic Services pathway.

A person in this career:

• Evaluates athletes' readiness to play and provides participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
• Cares for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
• Conducts an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
• Assesses and reports the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
• Performs general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
• Applies protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
• Plans or implements comprehensive athletic injury or illness prevention programs.
• Collaborates with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
• Advises athletes on the proper use of equipment.
• Travels with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.