It seems inappropriate to continue to use the name athletic training, because it does not clearly suggest the tasks of the profession. Historically, athletic training has been associated with conditioning and maintaining high physical efficiency in athletes. In the late nineteenth century, the athletic trainer's role still was regarded as limited to the conditioning of athletes; however, as indicated by a 1990 role delineation study, athletic training should be characterized as a paramedical profession, concerned with the care, treatment, and prevention of athletic injuries. As the field continues to evolve and earn respect as a legitimate scholarly pursuit, it must adopt a name which will be accepted and understood by both the public and the academic community.