Athletic training is an allied health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) that "encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergent, acute, or chronic injuries and medical conditions." There are five areas of athletic training listed in the seventh edition (2015) of the Athletic Training Practice Analysis: injury and illness prevention and wellness promotion; examination, assessment, diagnosis; immediate and emergency care; therapeutic intervention; and healthcare administration and professional responsibility. Athletic trainers (ATs) generally work in places like health clinics, secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, and other athletic health care settings, usually operating "under the direction of, or in collaboration with a physician." Overview The percent of ATs in a medical team varies greatly in different settings: secondary schools (24%), colleges and universities (16%), clinics/hospitals (including physician practices) (18%), professional sports and performing arts (3%), industrial/corporate settings (3%), academia (3%), youth sports (1%), military/government/law enforcement (1%), and administration (3%). In all U.S. states except California, practicing athletic trainers are required to have state credentials. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, there are more than 58,000 athletic trainers around the world. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics projects that employment of the athletic trainers is estimated to grow by 19% between 2018 and 2028. Employment settings Athletic trainers work in various settings—from youth sports to collegiate-level sports, the Olympics, or even professional sports. Clinical situations use trainers within sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, physical therapy, urgent care facilities, and physician assistants to ensure overall wellness. Performing arts like dance and music use athletic training to enhance athletic performance. Physically enduring jobs such as police, fire departments, and military branches utilize athletic training to support the physical well-being of their people. Athletic trainers focus on work environment efficiency (ergonomics) within manufacturing and industrial workplaces in a more commercial setting. Roles and responsibilities Scope The Board of Certification serves as the national certifying body for athletic trainers, and its Standards of Professional Practice outline the roles and responsibilities of certified athletic trainers. The standards include expectations such as "The Athletic Trainer renders service or treatment under the direction of a physician". State law determines the setting, limitations, and restrictions on what athletic trainers can and cannot provide. Referring Some patients and clients need treatment or consultation outside of the athletic trainer's expertise. In these cases, the athletic trainer's responsibility is to refer the patient