Minimum Master's Degree Requirement

The prospect of making a Master's Degree the minimum requirement to practice Athletic Training has been discussed for the last several years. What are the thoughts on the effects this would have on the profession of athletic training? What effects would it have both academically and clinically? Could this be potentially beneficial or detrimental to the recognition and respect of the athletic training profession?

National Athletic Training Month

Happy Athletic Training Month!!! What are YOU doing to help celebrate?

Educating the Public

This topic came up in almost every response to the last topic. How do we educate people who do not have access to us, such as the general public. Also, how do we continue and improve education to the people who DO have access to Athletic Trainers, i.e Athletes, coaches, phycisians, other medical professionals etc. What are some opinions and suggestions on what HAS worked, HAS NOT and most importantly, what ACTION can we as Athletic Trainers start taking towards educating people?

Definitions

TRAINER
Function: noun
1 : one that trains
2 : one (as a machine or vehicle) used in training
3 : a person who treats the ailments and minor injuries of the members of an athletic team
THERAPIST
Function: noun
: one specializing in therapy; especially : a person trained in methods of treatment and rehabilitation other than the use of drugs or surgery


Going by these definitions alone, what are peoples opinions on how accurately our name describes what we do? We're looking to stimulate discussion within the profession on the topic of changing our name from Athletic TRAINER, to Athletic THERAPIST. Please post your opinions. If you are uncomfortable leaving your name, please let us know what setting you work in. Thanks!