What is the difference between an ATC and a personal trainer?
• At minimum, it is required that an ATC earn a Bachelor Degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. The education uses a medical-based education model; athletic training students are educated to serve in the role of physician extenders, with an emphasis on clinical reasoning skills. Educational content is based on cognitive, psychomotor, affective competencies and clinical proficiencies. A personal trainer does not require a bachelor’s degree. A personal trainer can become certified through various organizations after completing a series of weekend courses. Their education does not include recognition, assessment, managing and rehabilitating athletic injuries.
