athletic trainer
noun
plural athletic trainers
: a health care professional who is typically licensed or certified to assess, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal injuries and other medical conditions usually resulting from participation in sports
An athletic trainer or physical therapist can help you modify your plan and educate you about stretching and interventions so you can finish your training and race.—Amanda Dyslin
Athletic trainers work in collaboration with a physician to provide excellent clinical care on and off the field. … Athletes need athletic trainers on their side not only for their health and well-being to aid in return to play, but also to be ready to respond to emergencies …—Molly Figgins
Some athletic trainers work in the typical practice settings like colleges and professional sports but there are also athletic trainers who practice … in the military, in the performing arts, in occupational health, in public safety, in the physician practice setting, and in health care administration.—Leslee Taylor
—abbreviation AT
Cite this Entry
“Athletic trainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athletic%20trainer. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.
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