Athletic Training Information

Contact Information

Brindy Skinner, AT, ATC

Office: 616.494.2235

Cell: 616.502.4570

Fax: 616.393.7556

Athletic Training Room Hours:

Monday thru Friday 2:00 p.m.-until the end of a practice or game

Saturday: Hours vary

Sunday: Closed

Holidays: TBA

Who are Athletic Trainers?

Athletic Trainers are allied healthcare professionals who provide care for people of all activity levels. They specialize in the prevention, recognition, evaluation, assessment, and rehabilitation of injuries. They also provide treatment and immediate care of injuries and illnesses.

How can you become an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic Trainers, ATC (Athletic Trainer Certified) must obtain at least a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
Must pass an exam before earning the ATC credential. The exam is administered through an independent Board of Certification (BOC).
Once certified they must maintain certification by participating in continuing education and receiving credits of 80 units every 3 years.
Must adhere to practice guidelines set forth by a national certifying agency-National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification or NATABOC.
As of January 1, 2011 to practice Athletic Training in the State of Michigan you must be licensed. Athletic Trainers who are licensed have the AT credential listed after their name.

Where do Athletic Trainers work?

Athletic Trainers work in a variety of settings including: schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, physicians offices, corporations, industry and even military environments.

What can your Athletic Trainer do for you or your student-athlete?

Evaluate and care for acute or chronic injuries
Provide sport specific rehabilitation and physical medicine
Prevent injuries through education, taping and bracing
Provide education and educational resources on various health-related issues (i.e. nutrition and skin infections)
Coordinated care between physicians and other allied health care professionals
Provide referrals for rehabilitation and physical therapy services
Offer information on Sports Performance Training by Holland Hospital
Assist with secondary insurance questions and claim information

What do you do if you (student-athlete) or your child has received an injury?

Report to the Athletic Trainer as soon as possible
Based on evaluation a home treatment form or physician referral form will be given with further instructions.
If you choose to seek care from a physician please note the following:
- A written note from the physician with return to play guidelines and or restrictions must be received before the athlete will be allowed to return to play.
Contact the Athletic Trainer if you have any questions

Informational Websites:

Holland Hospital Performance Training

The National Athletic Trainers Association

The Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association

Michigan Athletic Trainers Society

The Gatorade Sports Science Institute

Kids Health