History of Athletic Training

First Ever Athletic Trainer

1881

James Robinson was hired by the Harvard University track and football team as the first ever athletic trainer.

Samuel "Doc" Bilik

1916

Wrote "The Trainers Bible," the main source used by athletic trainers through the 1950's. He continued to update his book as he continued to learn and ended up releasing 9 editions all the way through 1956.

Frank and Chuck

1918

Beginning of Cramer chemical Co. that was established after Chuck developed his own cream for his sprained ankle. The company name was later changed to Cramer Products inc. Fun Fact: the HBU athletic trainers use Cramer tape to ensure the safety of our athletes.

Athletic Trainers and the Olympics

1932

The Cramer brothers were among the first athletic trainers on staff for the Olympics

The First Aider

1933

The development of The First Aider, and informative news article that was developed by Chuck and Frank Cramer and mailed out to athletic trainers nationwide.

First NATA

1938

This was the first time that National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) was founded, but by 1944 it had folded.

NATA

1950

The development of the National Athletic Trainers' Association for the second time. It is still functioning to this day.

First Female NATA member

1966

Dorothy "Dot" Cohen was the first female to become a member of NATA.

NATABOC

1969

NATA established the NATA-BOC (Board of Certification) to create a certification process for early-entry athletic trainers.

Major course of study

1986

At least 10 schools had established athletic training as a main course of study.

Allied Health Care Profession

1991

Atheltic training is finally recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession.

Females in the NBA

1997

Michelle Leget became the first female assistant athletic trainer in the NBA.

Game Ready

1997

Foundation of Cool Systems Inc. a company that developed the Game Ready machine that athletic trainers use for rehab, treatment, and recovery of athletes

Julie Max

2000

First female elected as NATA president.

Becoming Certified

2004

Up until now, people were allowed to take the certification exam as long as they had completed an internship. From this point forward, the only way someone is allowed to take the test is if they have graduated from an accredited athletic training program.

CAATE

2006

The Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education became independent of the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training. It assesses Athletic Training programs annually.