The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) grants accreditation to programs for the athletic trainer upon the recommendations of the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training (JRC-AT). As written in the Essentials and Guidelines For An Accredited Educational Program For The Athletic Trainer (p.5):

"The athletic trainer is a qualified allied health care professional educated and experienced in the management of heath care problems associated with sports participation. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic sports health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, and other athletic health care settings. The athletic trainer functions in cooperation with medical personnel, athletic administrators, coaches, and parents in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive athletic health care delivery systems. The athletic trainer's professional preparation is directed toward the development of specified competencies in the following domains: prevention of athletic injuries; recognition, evaluation, and immediate care of athletic injuries; rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletic injuries; and health care administration."