What is an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. Accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. Classroom learning is enhanced through clinical education experiences. More than 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree.

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Meet Your Sports Medicine Staff - Liz Clark

Liz Clark, MED, LAT, ATC grew up in Massachusetts where she was a competitive gymnast and also competed in track and field. Liz attended West Virginia University where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training in 2005. Liz then went on to attend Alvernia College (now University) where she received her Masters degree in Urban Education in 2007. While at Alvernia, Liz worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer. She began working at Tulpehocken in August of 2005. Although her graduate assistant position was only for 2 years, Liz was fortunate enough to be hired by a local orthopedic group and was able to stay at Tulpehocken. She is now employed by St Luke's University Health Network. Liz obtained her Health and Physical Education Teaching Certification From Eastern University in 2008. She is currently pursuing a 2nd Masters Degree in Health Informatics from Slippery Rock University.

Seeing a Doctor?

Any athlete who sustains an injury or illness that requires them to see a physician needs to return a doctor's note allowing them to return to activity. You will also need to have your physician complete the PIAA Section 8 Form. This form should be completed at the time of final clearance and should be returned to the Athletic Office.