Columbus Regional Health employs athletic trainers that work in our community at Columbus North, Columbus East, Hauser, IUPUC, and the CRH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine practice. Being onsite at each school allows us to connect with student athletes and educate them on their health and wellbeing, as well as to provide medical services as needed and many times right at the onset of the injury. Athletic trainers are the one healthcare provider that is with a student athlete throughout the entirety of their injury. This one-on-one care allows us to provide the emotional support and trust that student athletes need. A recent research article showed that over 80 percent of the injured collegiate athletes in the study relied on their athletic trainer for empathy, love, trust, and caring support during their recovery.
Athletic trainers undergo 5-6 years of education followed by continued education throughout their career. During college, ATs experience clinical rotations with multiple sports, clinics, and internships with experienced health care providers. This allows us to have the best hands-on experience possible. Athletic trainers sit for board certification before becoming certified and are licensed in 49 states. Athletic trainers play a major role in the active individual’s life whether it's injury prevention or recovering from surgery. If you are an athlete or have a student athlete, I encourage you to get to know your athletic trainer! For more info on CRH Sports Medicine, visit CRH.org/sports.
Kate Cockerham MS, LAT/ATC
Columbus North Athletic Trainer
Columbus Regional Health Sports Medicine