The Graduate Sports Medicine program at Georgia State University celebrates National Athletic Training Month by recognizing the many excellent Athletic Trainers that serve the athletes of the greater Atlanta area. 
Currently, our 26 graduate research assistants from throughout the US and international locations, provide integral medical support to the surrounding Division I, Division III, and both public and private high schools.
Athletic trainers are a vital part of a Sports Medicine team whether on the playing field or court, in a clinical setting, or an educational setting. They act as ‘eyes and ears,’ keeping the athletes safe and healthy while seeing them on a daily basis. Establishing rapport and respect, while getting to know the situations surrounding the injuries puts them in the best position to objectively progress them back to sport post injury.
Athletic Trainers, recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals, are those who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. GSU’s graduate sports medicine program allows students to have the opportunity to gain professional experience in the field as a certified athletic trainer, while indulging in the classroom, laboratory, and research education to further their knowledge as health care professionals. As the society of medicine continues to grow and change, a critical component of this program is emphasizing the importance of continuing their education. Athletic Trainers across the country will gather for the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Annual Meeting & Clinical Symposia in St. Louis, Missouri, June 26-29th, 2012.