Welcome to the Training Room
August 26, 2009
Let’s start with who I am and what it is that I do. . .
My name is
Kathy Calder, ATC, LAT. What do those letters mean? ATC
stands for Athletic Trainer, Certified. To receive that
designation, I worked on my Master of Education degree taking
classes on sports injuries, first aid, taping and bracing, anatomy,
physiology, kinesiology, etc. Well over 1,200 hours were
served in an internship at the University of Nebraska under George
Sullivan, a founding father of the profession. I passed the
national exam for athletic trainers in 1981 and became a national
examiner in 1982. The letters LAT indicate that I am licensed
by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to practice
athletic training in this state. A lengthy exam must also be
taken to earn a trainer’s license in Nebraska.
As a licensed trainer (as well as other medical professionals) there is what is called a “scope of practice”. With my job designation here at Centennial I am to treat injuries to athletes using the equipment that is available to me. Although I am happy to help where I can, this is not considered a public clinic or rehabilitation center and I do not work with the public while on duty at school. There are several fine facilities in this area where training services are available to the general public.
What are my responsibilities? A trainer is concerned with the health and well being of the student athlete. We treat injuries, tape and brace to prevent further injury, visit with teams about nutrition, hydration, diet, strength and conditioning. I try to cover the high-risk sports of football and wrestling and as many other teams as possible. At this time my hours are limited to 17 ½ hours per week so everything will not have coverage. I will, however, respond as quickly as possible when called. Part of my job responsibilities is to supervise the weight room before and after school. These hours are included in the 17 ½ allowed for my services.
Please let me know if there is something I can do to help your student/athlete.
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