Deficiency of athletic trainers in california secondary schools

Athletic trainers (ATs) prevent and treat sport-related and catastrophic injuries due to physical activity. However, not all secondary schools hire ATs to provide medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine athletic training services available in California secondary schools. Approximately half (51%, 143/278) of California secondary schools reported hiring an AT, however, only 35% (87/251) of schools hired a certified AT. Schools without an AT most commonly hired a paramedic, emergency medical technician, coach, or athletic director to provide medical care. Nearly two-thirds of California secondary schools lack an AT, dramatically fewer schools than the nationwide average of 70% of public and 58% of private secondary schools with a certified AT.