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Athletic Training and Development Services

UPMC Sports Medicine athletic trainers are among the most dedicated sports medicine professionals in the business. We’re passionate about sports, and we want to keep athletes doing what they love.

With more than 200 full-time certified athletic trainers, we’re everywhere athletes are. We work with more than 75 high school, college, and pro sports teams throughout Pennsylvania. On and off the field, our athletic trainers are always ready to help.

Contact Us

To learn more about athletic training at UPMC Sports Medicine, call 1-855-937-7678.

What Is an Athletic Trainer?

An athletic trainer (AT) is a health care professional with special training in treating and preventing sports injuries.

ATs work with both student-athletes and professional athletes. They're on the front lines during practices and games, helping to keep athletes safe. They get to know the athletes and often become part of the fabric of the team.

Athletic trainers must be certified and licensed by their state. They often have similar educational backgrounds as physical or occupational therapists.

As any coach will tell you, an AT is a key part of the team, and they work to:

  • Evaluate injuries.
  • Provide immediate and emergency care.
  • Help with illness and injury prevention.
  • Help athletes rehab injuries.
  • Promote overall wellness.

How are athletic trainers different from personal trainers?

Athletic trainers and personal trainers differ in their education, skill set, and types of duties.

ATs have medical training, and their education follows a medical model. They learn how to treat injuries and care for sick athletes.

Personal trainers don’t have a specific degree requirement. But ATs must have at least a bachelor’s degree, and most have a master’s degree. 

Complete Athletic Training Services

Our athletic trainers cover a lot of ground from Pittsburgh to Erie to Williamsport. Our 75+ partner teams in western and north central Pa. count on UPMC Sports Medicine athletic trainers both in-season and off-season.

We offer:

  • On-site services. Our ATs provide health care services at home and away practices, events, and games. We also offer on-site weight assessments and tips for wrestling programs.
  • Conditioning guidance. Our ATs are available to advise and help with preseason, in-season, and off-season conditioning programs.
  • Prevention and screening programs. Through our Concussion Program, we offer ImPACT® baseline concussion testing. We also offer ACL injury prevention and screening programs.
  • Education and training camps. We offer sport-specific education programs for student-athletes, parents, and coaches. We also have sport-specific training camps and clinics.
  • Outreach programs. We offer medical coverage, lectures, and injury prevention screenings for performing arts groups and community sports events. In addition, ATs work directly with schools and coaches to create educational programs. We also give lectures and seminars that are open to the general public.
  • Seasonal Saturday Injury Clinic. During the fall, UPMC Sports Medicine ATs and other experts provide sports injury evaluations on Saturday mornings. Learn more about the Saturday Morning Sports Injury Clinic, or call 724-720-3008.

Our community sponsorships

UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development sponsors these organizations and events, among others:

Are You Interested in a Career in Athletic Training?

Athletic trainers are always in demand, and it’s a fast-growing field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, employment of ATs is projected to grow 14% by 2032. That’s a much faster rate than the average for other jobs.

In an effort to do everything we can to encourage students to study athletic training and work in this field, UPMC has two opportunities.

Meet Our Athletic Trainers

We serve schools and athletic organizations all across the state of Pa. Learn more about our athletic trainers.

Southwest Pa.

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh region, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

Find ATs Near You

Northwest Pa. and Western New York

Serving Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, McKean, Venango, Warren, and Chautauqua counties. 

Find ATs Near You

North Central Pa.

Serving Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties.

Find ATs Near You

Why Partner with UPMC for Athletic Training?

We’re an established, trusted program in Pa., offering:

  • World-class care. We’ve earned a reputation for excellence, helping athletes at all levels stay safe and improve performance. We’re the official sports medicine provider for 75-plus local sports teams, including professional teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Fast access. Partnering with UPMC Sports Medicine athletic training means faster access to sports medicine doctors, neuropsychologists, surgeons, physical therapists, sports performance experts, and sports nutritionists.
  • Unparalleled concussion expertise. We’ve pioneered concussion diagnosis and testing, through our ImPACT tool. We’ve set care standards for concussion management and return-to-play protocols, which many other concussion programs in the U.S. have adopted.