Providing your employees with the proper care is a crucial part of any workplace health and safety program. However, determining which healthcare professionals are best suited for your organization’s unique needs can be a challenge. In this article, we’re exploring the diverse roles of licensed healthcare providers—Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, EMT/Paramedics, and Occupational Therapists—to give you the insights you need to make the best decisions for your organization.
Quick note: We’re focusing on licensed healthcare providers for this article, which means roles like massage therapists and nutritionists, while valuable, are outside the scope of today’s discussion.
Allied Health Professionals in Occupational Settings
In the occupational health setting, allied health professionals are your go-to experts for various specialized care needs that extend beyond the reach of your typical doctor or nurse. These roles include Athletic Trainers (ATs), Physical Therapists (PTs), EMT/Paramedics, and Occupational Therapists (OTs).
These skilled healthcare professionals handle the nuanced details that often escape the general practice. From manufacturing floors to corporate offices, allied health professionals are everywhere. They are in offices ensuring proper ergonomics; they are in factories making sure the assembly line staff are not at risk for repetitive stress injuries; they are in high-stress occupations offering mental health support.
When it comes to occupational health, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t cut it. Every industry has unique challenges and risks, and that’s where these specialized roles come into play. But why does this specialized approach matter? Let’s get to know these essential healthcare professionals better.
Athletic Trainers (ATs)
In the world of occupational health, Athletic Trainers (ATs) are masters of musculoskeletal care, assisting before anyone even realizes there’s a problem. They’re the first responders for musculoskeletal issues in the workplace, yet their invaluable skills are often underutilized.
These skilled professionals possess a unique set of abilities tailored for early intervention and the prevention of workplace injuries. In an environment where a single injury can grind productivity to a halt or have long-term consequences for employees, having an AT on your team is like having a safety net for your workforce.
Athletic Trainers specialize in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which are among the most common work-related health issues, affecting millions each year. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and muscle strains not only cause discomfort but can severely impact work performance but can severely impact work performance, productivity, employee morale, work comp costs. Right from the outset, ATs are trained to identify MSD issues and “facilitate/implement prevention strategies swiftly.
License & Certification:
- BOC Athletic Trainer: This is the gold standard certification for Athletic Trainers, overseen by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer.
- LAT/ATC (Licensed per state and cred): State licenses ensure the trainer is up-to-date with local regulations and guidelines, offering an extra layer of credibility.
- CPR, First Aid, and BLS: These are your basic life support certifications. Athletic Trainers don’t just focus on injury prevention; they also receive training to handle emergencies.
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: ATs must first obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training from an accredited program, often in Exercise Science.
- Master’s Degree: In 2020, the professional athletic training degree was elevated to the master’s degree level, meaning that all ATs must complete a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training in order to enter the profession.
- BOC certification: To practice, ATs must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
- State license: Regular renewals and continued education are mandatory to maintain licensure.
Occupational Skillset & Advantages:
- Injury Prevention: This is the bread and butter for ATs. They can identify high-risk behaviors and environments and implement strategies to prevent injury.
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Functional Movement Screens
- Orthopedic Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis: If someone does get hurt, an AT can quickly assess the situation, offering immediate evaluations.
- Immediate & Emergency Care: ATs are trained in immediate care procedures to stabilize an injured worker before further medical treatment arrives.
- Return to Work: Beyond immediate care, ATs also plan long-term rehabilitation programs to assist industrial athletes in re-entering the work force
- Organizational and Professional Health and Well-being: ATs are able to embed themselves seamlessly into any onsite management team to assist with company initiatives, safety teams, new hire trainings.
Physical Therapists (PTs)
Dedicated healthcare professionals focusing on improving mobility, Physical Therapists (PTs) bring extensive training, including doctoral education, to the table. They possess academic and clinical expertise, uniquely positioning them to restore function and enhance mobility. These skills are particularly vital in occupational settings where repetitive strain and work-related injuries are prevalent.
Specializing in comprehensive, long-term recovery approaches, PTs are your go-to experts in helping individuals regain and sustain functionality. Whether it’s addressing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back issues, PTs are highly skilled at treating a spectrum of workplace-related ailments.
License & Certification:
- PT: This is shorthand for a licensed Physical Therapist. It marks the rigorous education and clinical training they’ve undergone.
- CPR, First Aid, BLS: Much like ATs, PTs are also trained in Basic Life Support, another indicator of their versatility and emergency preparedness.
Educational Requirements:
- Doctoral Degree: This is years of rigorous academic and clinical training. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is the entry-level requirement for PTs, including theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.
Occupational Skillset & Advantages:
- Ergonomic Assessment: PTs can evaluate a workspace for physical health risks and suggest improvements. They’re the people you want scrutinizing your office chair and the height of your computer monitor.
- Perform Wellness Screen: It’s not just about treating illness but preventing it. PTs can perform wellness screens to assess an individual’s health and potential risk factors.
- Perform Functional Movement Screen: This is a crucial evaluation tool that examines the quality of essential movements. PTs use it to identify imbalances and asymmetries, which can be precursors to injury.
EMTs & Paramedics
Every second counts in medical emergencies, and it’s during these critical moments that EMTs and Paramedics truly shine. They undergo rigorous training for swift, life-saving interventions, making them indispensable resources in workplaces where immediate medical attention may be necessary.
When an accident or sudden illness strikes in the workplace, EMTs and Paramedics are your immediate lifeline. Their ability to deliver rapid and efficient medical care can often mean the difference between life and death, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, or any field where high-risk activities are part of the daily routine. Their presence provides the peace of mind from knowing qualified help is right there should the worst-case scenario unfold.
License & Certification:
- Certification (CEMT): The Certified Emergency Medical Technician (CEMT) status is a testament to their skill level and readiness to handle emergencies.
- Pass NREMT: EMTs and Paramedics must also pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) to become licensed, underscoring their competency.
- CPR, First Aid, BLS: Being certified in Basic Life Support, First Aid, and CPR is fundamental to their roles, ensuring they can handle a full range of medical emergencies.
Educational Requirements:
- Postsecondary non-degree award: A formalized period of instruction and field training prepares them for the unpredictable nature of emergency medical service. The length and depth of the training vary depending on state and local requirements.
Occupational Skillset & Advantages:
- Focuses on First Aid and Lifesaving Care: Their main job is to keep you alive and stabilize your condition until you can receive more extensive medical treatment.
- Assesses ACUTE Injuries and Illnesses: In moments of crisis, they quickly and accurately assess the situation to provide the appropriate medical response.
- Provides Emergency Medical Care: Whether administering medication, performing minor surgical procedures, or managing respiratory, cardiac, or trauma emergencies, their skill set is broad and immediate.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
When discussing workplace health and safety, we often focus on the immediate hazards and ways to prevent accidents. However, an equally important facet is the worker’s well-being, both physically and mentally. That’s where Occupational Therapists (OTs) come into play.
OTs bridge the gap between the physical demands of a job and the abilities of the individual performing it. OTs look beyond immediate ailments or issues to consider the entire context in which a worker operates. Their role is incredibly diverse, tackling issues from workplace ergonomics to mental well-being, making them indispensable members of occupational health teams.
License & Certification:
- NBCOT: OTs must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a rigorous test that ensures they meet national standards for expertise and ethics.
- CPR, First Aid, BLS: Like many healthcare professionals, OTs are certified in Basic Life Support, CPR, and First Aid, equipping them to handle emergencies if needed.
Educational Requirements:
- Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree: OTs often hold advanced degrees, providing them with a deep understanding of the physical and psychological factors that can impact an individual’s ability to perform their job effectively.
Occupational Skillset & Advantages:
- Treats the Whole Patient, Not Just the Ailment: OTs approach healthcare with the understanding that an individual’s well-being is the sum of multiple parts. They offer comprehensive evaluations and treatments that consider the complete picture of an individual’s life and work.
- Develops Specialized Treatment Plans: OTs craft treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of the worker, addressing everything from muscle strains to mental stressors.
- Provides Effective Education and Documentation: An integral part of an OT’s role is not just to treat but to educate. Whether instructing a worker on proper lifting techniques or providing ergonomic tips, education is always front and center.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Professional for Your Business
We’ve explored the unique roles that Athletic Trainers (ATs), Physical Therapists (PTs), EMTs/Paramedics, and Occupational Therapists (OTs) play in ensuring the health and safety of your workforce. Each has a specialized skill set tailored to address different challenges, so the question becomes: Who is the right fit for your organization?
If you’re seeking to hone in on Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)—which are some of the most prevalent work-related health issues out there—Athletic Trainers are invaluable assets. From initial triage and first aid to comprehensive injury prevention strategies and even developing warm-up programs, ATs can give you a multi-layered approach to tackle MSDs head-on. They can collaborate seamlessly with PTs from local clinics and nursing staff for case management, illustrating the power of cross-departmental collaboration in healthcare; their experience working in team-based settings allows them to seamlessly embed into an organization’s safety, HR, and operations teams to ensure optimal employee health and performance.
Investing in ATs isn’t just about addressing immediate needs; it’s about laying the groundwork for long-term workplace wellness. If you’re at a crossroads in occupational health strategy and wondering where to start in preventing MSDs, consider the multi-faceted skill set of an Athletic Trainer. Whether you’re looking to build a new program from scratch or augment existing healthcare services, ATs can offer versatile, tailored solutions that fit the unique challenges of your industry.
BIOKINETIX Can Help
Contact BIOKINETIX today to explore how our expertise in MSDs and our team of licensed ATs can help you build a more secure, productive work environment.
