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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Athletic Trainers.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Athletic Trainers.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 18%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
If you're interested in a career where you can help athletes prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries, becoming an athletic trainer might be the right path for you. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started in this rewarding profession.
Before diving into the educational requirements, it's important to have a clear understanding of what an athletic trainer does:
The first step to becoming an athletic trainer is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Look for programs that focus on athletic training, kinesiology, or sports medicine. Your coursework will likely include subjects such as:
While you're pursuing your degree, it's crucial to get practical experience:
After earning your bachelor's degree, you must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). The exam covers areas like injury prevention, clinical evaluation, and professional development. You can find more information and resources on the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer website.
While not always required, a master's degree can enhance your knowledge and may improve job prospects. Graduate programs offer advanced study in areas such as:
Most states require athletic trainers to be licensed or registered. The requirements vary by state but generally include:
Check with your state's health or medical board for specific requirements.
To maintain your certification and licensure, you'll need to complete continuing education courses regularly. These courses keep you informed about the latest research, techniques, and trends in athletic training.
Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings including:
Networking with professionals in the field, attending conferences, and joining professional organizations can help you find job openings and advance your career.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, you can build a successful career as an athletic trainer. Remember to check authoritative sources like National Athletic Trainers' Association for updated information and resources tailored to this profession.
To pursue a career as an athletic trainer, you'll typically need:
Yes, certification is an essential part of becoming an athletic trainer. You will need to:
Maintaining your certification involves:
Key skills for athletic trainers include:
Athletic trainers can work in a variety of settings:
The demand for athletic trainers is expected to grow due to:
For up-to-date information on job outlook, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yes, there are specialties within the field, such as:
Specialization may require additional education, experience, and sometimes certification.
Career progression for athletic trainers may look like this:
For comprehensive information about becoming an athletic trainer, check out resources provided by:
These organizations offer detailed information about educational programs, certification requirements, and professional development opportunities.