According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system. | 92% |
| Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures. | 89% |
| Advise against injured athletes returning to games or competition if resuming activity could lead to further injury. | 88% |
| Record athletes' medical care information, and maintain medical records. | 88% |
| Record athletes' medical histories, and perform physical examinations. | 86% |
| Examine and evaluate athletes prior to participation in sports activities to determine level of physical fitness or predisposition to injuries. | 83% |
| Coordinate sports care activities with other experts, including specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, or coaches. | 82% |
| Provide education and counseling on illness and injury prevention. | 81% |
| Advise athletes, trainers, or coaches to alter or cease sports practices that are potentially harmful. | 81% |
| Participate in continuing education activities to improve and maintain knowledge and skills. | 81% |
| Inform coaches, trainers, or other interested parties regarding the medical conditions of athletes. | 81% |
| Examine, evaluate and treat athletes who have been injured or who have medical problems such as exercise-induced asthma. | 80% |
| Supervise the rehabilitation of injured athletes. | 80% |
| Refer athletes for specialized consultation, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing. | 79% |
| Prescribe medications for the treatment of athletic-related injuries. | 78% |
| Inform athletes about nutrition, hydration, dietary supplements, or uses and possible consequences of medication. | 75% |
| Attend games and competitions to provide evaluation and treatment of activity-related injuries or medical conditions. | 75% |
| Develop and test procedures for dealing with emergencies during practices or competitions. | 75% |
| Advise coaches, trainers, or physical therapists on the proper use of exercises and other therapeutic techniques, and alert them to potentially dangerous practices. | 72% |
| Observe and evaluate athletes' mental well-being. | 70% |
| Select and prepare medical equipment or medications to be taken to athletic competition sites. | 69% |
| Conduct research in the prevention or treatment of injuries or medical conditions related to sports and exercise. | 69% |
| Prescribe orthotics, prosthetics, and adaptive equipment. | 67% |
| Evaluate and manage chronic pain conditions. | 66% |
| Develop and prescribe exercise programs, such as off-season conditioning regimens. | 64% |
| Provide coaches and therapists with assistance in selecting and fitting protective equipment. | 63% |
| Advise athletes on ways that substances, such as herbal remedies, could affect drug testing results. | 54% |
