DETROIT -- The Wayne State University Department of Athletics recognizes March as National Athletic Training Month (NATM).

The 2026 NATM slogan is "Care You Can Count On" in recognition of the crucial role athletic trainers play in all matters related to their patients' health and safety.  In the collegiate and professional sport setting, Athletic Trainers are on the sidelines of practices and competitions, providing emergency medical care, first aid, and acute injury evaluation and management - they are typically the first on scene to an injury, and quickly make the appropriate triage decisions based on those evaluations, whether that is to treat on-site, refer to other medical personnel, or to call for an ambulance.  

Athletic Trainers also maintain clinical hours, where services include therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions, general recovery, and injury prevention.  This close relationship and constant connection with the athletes allows for appropriate return to play decisions, and personalized injury treatment and prevention plans.  Athletic Trainers also work closely with equipment managers to make sure all protective equipment passes annual certifications and fits the athletes properly - this includes but is not limited to helmets for football, lacrosse and hockey.  As a part of a comprehensive medical team, Athletic Trainers are also the liaisons between the athlete and the physician, surgeon, nutritionist, physical therapist, etc., and the main communicator to the coaching staff.  They literally provide the care that athletes and coaches count on and rely on.

While athletic trainers are traditionally found in the collegiate or professional athletic settings, they also work in physical therapy clinics, physician offices, hospitals, the military and with law enforcement agencies, and in any other setting where workers are physically active (such as Amazon distribution centers, airport baggage handling departments, or with utility crews/line workers).  Their education, skills, and experiences enable them to evaluate, assess, diagnose and treat a wide array of medical issues, including orthopedic trauma, general medical conditions, and concussions.  Athletic Trainers are also CPR/AED and first aid certified, meaning they are also qualified to assess and treat life-threatening conditions and injuries.  

The Warrior Sports Medicine Department is currently comprised of six Certified Athletic Trainers, who work with the 400+ student athletes that make up WSU's 18 athletic teams.  Tune in throughout the month of March as we highlight each of our Warrior Athletic Trainers, and help shine a spotlight on the Athletic Training profession.

Are you wondering how you can participate in NATM this year?

• Show Appreciation:  thank an athletic trainer in your life for their care, knowledge, and support.

1. Consider nominating an AT in your life for an award!

https://www.nata.org/membership/honors-and-awards#other-awards
https://www.michiganatsociety.org/honors-awards-committee

• Use Social Media:  share posts, photos, or videos using the official hashtag (#NATM2026, #CareYouCanCountOn) to highlight an athletic trainer or celebrate the profession.

1. Tag the NATA (@NATA1950) and the WSU Sports Medicine department (@waynestatesportsmed) 

• Share Experiences:  if you are an AT, share stories about your work or a favorite moment/memory

1. If you are an athlete, share how an has AT helped you
2. If you are an administrator, share how you value and recognize the ATs in your department

• Learn More:  explore the profession and discover where to begin if you are interested in becoming an athletic trainer.

1. https://caate.net/Search-for-Accredited-Programs 

• Visit NATA:  check the NATA website for resources, including logos, social media images, and sample proclamations to help with your recognition efforts. 

1. https://www.nata.org/advocacy/public-relations/national-athletic-training-month