Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians and other allied health professionals to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients across age and care continuums. The practice of Athletic Training encompasses prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities. ATs work under the direction of physicians, as prescribed by state licensure statutes. Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training program. Accredited programs include formal instruction in the above-mentioned areas, as well as clinical education experiences during each of the 5 semesters of the program.