Athletic trainer's are recognized allied health providers by the American Medical Association. We have a national certification exam and most states require a license to practice athletic training. The definition of an athletic trainer from the National Athletic Trainer's Association website is as follows: "Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an allied health care profession"

After reading many of the comments on this board, those opposed to athletic trainers being allowed to dry needle in the state of VA do not seem to understand what an athletic trainer does or how they are trained.

Athletic trainers are NOT personal trainers. We are not suggesting someone with any random degree who took a weekend course and passed an exam with no standardization should be able to stick needles in someone. We are medical professionals trained to diagnose and rehabilitate injuries. We are first responders in the field of athletics. We receive training on general medical conditions as well so we know how to properly refer our patients to the correct professionals. We receive hundreds upon hundreds of hours of training in anatomy, physiology, evaluation and rehabilitation skills. This training occurs during supervised, hands on clinical experiences as well as structured classroom lectures and labs. We are MORE than qualified to perform the therapeutic treatment of dry needling. Please properly research the CAATE standards for athletic training education before exclaiming that athletic trainers do not have the proper skills or knowledge to perform this treatment.