Sports Medicine is a medical specialty that deals with medicine and its affect on athletes. Athletic Training is a sub-specialty that deals with the prevention, recognition, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Athletic trainers provide daily health care coverage to professional teams, colleges and universities and high schools. Athletic trainers also work in hospitals, clinics and industry.

The athletic trainer has expertise in emergency medicine, nutrition, strength and cardiovascular training, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Athletic trainers must pass a national certification test (sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers Association) that consists of an oral, written and practical exam. Once they pass that exam, they can practice as a certified athletic trainer.