How to Become an Athletic Trainer: Is it the Right Career for You?

Athletic Trainer Career Video

Choosing the right career can be complex, especially when your interests and passion collide with your skillset. If you’re passionate about sports, health, and helping others, a career as an athletic trainer might be the perfect fit. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an athletic trainer, including job duties, salary expectations, the labor market, and more, helping you decide if this career path aligns with your goals.

What Does an Athletic Trainer Do?

Athletic trainers are essential healthcare professionals specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries. Their work spans various environments, from high schools and colleges to professional sports teams and rehabilitation centers. They are responsible for ensuring that athletes stay in top physical condition, recover quickly from injuries, and perform at their best. Here’s a more detailed look at their key responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities of an Athletic Trainer

Injury Prevention
One of the most critical roles of an athletic trainer is to help prevent injuries before they occur. Trainers educate athletes on the proper techniques for physical activity, emphasizing safe practices to avoid strain and injury. They design and implement customized training programs that address an athlete’s needs, focusing on strength-building, flexibility, and balance. Trainers also guide athletes on proper warm-up and cool-down routines and recommend exercises to enhance mobility and flexibility. In addition, they assess risk factors, such as improper equipment or previous injuries, to prevent future harm. This proactive approach helps athletes maintain peak performance and avoid long-term damage.

Emergency Care
Athletic trainers are often the first healthcare providers to respond in the event of an injury. They are trained in emergency care protocols and must be prepared to act quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations. Common injuries they manage include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and concussions. For example, suppose an athlete suffers a concussion during a game. In that case, the athletic trainer assesses the severity of the injury and follows specific concussion management protocols to ensure the athlete’s safety. In more serious injuries, trainers stabilize the athlete and coordinate with other healthcare professionals for further evaluation and treatment.

Rehabilitation and Recovery
After an injury, athletic trainers play a crucial role in an athlete’s rehabilitation and recovery. They develop individualized rehabilitation programs designed to speed up recovery while ensuring that athletes are not pushed too hard too soon. These programs often include therapeutic exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Athletic trainers help athletes gradually reintroduce physical activity safely and sustainably, minimizing re-injury risk. Trainers also monitor the athlete’s progress throughout recovery, adjusting the rehabilitation plan as needed to reflect improvements or setbacks.

Record-Keeping
Athletic trainers maintain detailed records of all injuries and treatments. They track athletes’ progress through rehabilitation, documenting injury details, the treatments applied, and any modifications made to the treatment plan. These records are crucial for medical purposes, ensuring that athletes receive appropriate care. They are also essential documents for insurance claims and the athletic program’s overall management. Accurate record-keeping is vital for monitoring an athlete’s recovery, making informed decisions, and providing necessary data in the event of legal or insurance-related issues.

Collaboration with Medical Staff
Athletic trainers rarely work alone. They often collaborate with a team of medical professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, sports psychologists, and coaches, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the athlete’s health. For example, suppose an athlete requires surgery for a torn ligament. In that case, the athletic trainer will assist in post-surgical rehabilitation, ensuring the athlete follows a recovery plan that aligns with the surgeon’s recommendations. Communication between the trainer and other healthcare professionals is vital to ensure the athlete receives the best possible care and to minimize the chances of complications or re-injury.

Education and Advocacy
Athletic trainers also educate athletes, coaches, and even the community. They advocate for safe sports practices, proper nutrition, and injury awareness. They may hold seminars or workshops on topics such as heat illness prevention, hydration, and correct use of equipment. Their role in educating others helps improve overall awareness and reduces the frequency of preventable injuries.

Administrative Tasks
Beyond hands-on patient care, athletic trainers are involved in various administrative duties. They manage inventory for medical supplies, including first-aid kits, braces, and rehabilitation equipment. They may also be responsible for scheduling treatments, communicating with athletes and coaches about recovery timelines, and ensuring that all necessary forms and documentation are completed for insurance purposes. This administrative work is crucial for maintaining a well-organized, efficient athletic training program.

Athletic Trainer in a Variety of Settings
While athletic trainers are commonly associated with sports teams, they can work in many other settings. This includes working in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and even industrial settings, helping prevent workplace injuries. Some athletic trainers may focus on specific populations, such as youth athletes or older adults, where the injury prevention strategies may differ. Trainers in these settings may also take on additional roles, such as managing chronic conditions or conducting wellness assessments.

In all of these areas, the goal of an athletic trainer is clear: to ensure that athletes recover from injuries and remain at peak performance, promoting long-term health and safety. Their multifaceted role encompasses various medical, educational, and preventative duties essential to any athletic program’s success.

What is the Working Environment for an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic trainers work in various settings depending on their specialties, interests, and the organizations they are employed. Some typical environments include:

Typical Workplaces for Athletic Trainers:

  • Sports Teams and Organizations: Many athletic trainers work with professional, collegiate, or high school sports teams. They are present at games and practices to manage injuries in real time.
  • Hospitals and Clinics: Some athletic trainers work in healthcare settings, providing rehabilitation services for injured patients and supporting medical teams in recovery programs.
  • Schools: Schools often employ athletic trainers to care for student-athletes, ensuring they are fit for physical activity and treating any injuries that occur.
  • Fitness Centers: Some athletic trainers work in gyms or fitness centers, guiding clients through injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
  • Corporate Wellness Programs: Corporate wellness programs may also employ athletic trainers to assist in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall health management for employees.

Typical Work Hours:

Athletic trainers may work irregular hours, depending on the needs of the athletes or teams they work with. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common, especially during game seasons.

How Do You Become an Athletic Trainer?

To become an athletic trainer, you must meet several educational and certification requirements. Here’s the step-by-step process:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: The first step to becoming an athletic trainer is to complete a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field, such as kinesiology. Accredited programs are available at universities and colleges.
  2. Complete Clinical Experience: As part of your education, you will need to complete hands-on clinical hours in which you work with real athletes under the supervision of certified athletic trainers.
  3. Obtain Certification: Once you have earned your degree, you must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a licensed athletic trainer. This certification ensures you have the knowledge and skills to perform the job effectively.
  4. Pursue Continuing Education: To maintain your certification, you must take continuing education courses and renew your certification every few years.
  5. Specializations: While not required, many athletic trainers choose to specialize in areas like orthopedics, sports psychology, or rehabilitation, which may require additional certifications or education.

Check out the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) for further educational programs and certification information.

What is the Salary of an Athletic Trainer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for athletic trainers in May 2022 was $53,000. However, salaries can vary depending on location, level of education, experience, and the setting where the athletic trainer works. For instance, athletic trainers in professional sports teams or large healthcare organizations may earn significantly higher salaries than those working at schools.

For more information on salary expectations, visit BLS: Athletic Trainers.

What is the Labor Market for an Athletic Trainer?

The demand for athletic trainers is expected to grow in the coming years due to an increasing focus on physical fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 17% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Factors Driving Demand:

  • Growing Popularity of Sports: As more individuals engage in competitive and recreational sports, the need for athletic trainers to manage injuries and help prevent them will rise.
  • Workplace Safety: As more businesses adopt health and wellness programs, the demand for athletic trainers in the corporate sector may grow.
  • Aging Population: Older adults increasingly participate in fitness activities, creating opportunities for athletic trainers to assist in rehabilitation and injury prevention.

For detailed information about job outlook, visit BLS: Athletic Trainers Labor Market.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being an Athletic Trainer?

Like any career, becoming an athletic trainer has pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown:

Pros:

  • Job Satisfaction: Helping athletes recover and prevent injuries can be incredibly rewarding.
  • Growing Job Market: With a projected increase in demand, athletic trainers can look forward to job security.
  • Variety in Work: Athletic trainers work in different settings, from sports teams to schools, offering variety in their daily tasks.
  • Opportunity to Make a Difference: Athletic trainers play a crucial role in an athlete’s health and performance, giving them the chance to impact someone’s life directly.

Cons:

  • Extended Hours: Evening, weekend, and holiday work are often required, which can be tiring and may interfere with work-life balance.
  • Physical Demands: The job can be physically demanding, especially during events or games when immediate care is necessary.
  • Emotional Stress: Being responsible for an athlete’s recovery can be stressful, especially when injuries are severe.

What Are Related Jobs for an Athletic Trainer?

If athletic training seems like a good fit for your skills, but you want to explore other options, here are a few related career paths:

  • Physical Therapist: Physical therapists help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries or surgeries.
  • Sports Psychologist: Sports psychologists work with athletes to improve mental health and performance through cognitive training and therapy.
  • Exercise Physiologist: Exercise physiologists design fitness programs to improve health and fitness, often working with individuals who need rehabilitation.
  • Kinesiologist: Kinesiologists study human movement and help patients recover from injury through specialized exercise regimens.
  • Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists assist individuals in recovering their ability to perform daily activities after an injury or illness.

What Types of Jobs Can an Athletic Trainer Pursue?

While athletic training is fulfilling, an athletic trainer can pursue several related fields and jobs. These include roles in sports management, fitness, and even education. Athletic trainers can work as team therapists for various sports teams or rehabilitation specialists in hospitals or fitness centers.

What Websites Are Best for Finding Athletic Trainer Jobs?

Here are some top websites where athletic trainers can search for job opportunities:

  • Indeed: A major job board where athletic trainers can find positions in various settings.
  • LinkedIn: A professional networking platform that frequently lists athletic trainer positions.
  • National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA): The NATA has a job board specifically for certified athletic trainers.
  • Glassdoor: Glassdoor offers job listings and reviews on various employers that hire athletic trainers.

How Do I Know If I Should Be an Athletic Trainer?

Choosing a career as an athletic trainer is a significant decision that involves evaluating your skills, interests, and personal traits. It’s a demanding field that requires a blend of medical knowledge, physical stamina, and a passion for helping others. If you’re unsure whether this is the right career for you, there are several strategies you can use to gain clarity and insight into the profession.

1. Take a Career Aptitude Test

One of the most effective ways to assess whether you’re suited for a career as an athletic trainer is by taking a career aptitude test. These tests can help identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and personality traits, clearly showing your potential fit for various careers. One such test is the Free Career Fit Test™, which includes three distinct assessments: a career test, a career aptitude test, and a personality trait quiz.

  • Career Test: The career test focuses on your interests and skills, helping you explore different career paths that align with your natural abilities and preferences.
  • Career Aptitude Assessment: This part of the test evaluates your aptitude for various tasks and challenges common in different careers. It assesses your problem-solving skills, physical coordination, and ability to manage complex tasks, all of which are critical for an athletic trainer.
  • Personality Trait Quiz: Understanding your personality traits is key in determining whether an athletic trainer’s job matches you. As an athletic trainer, you’ll need strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and a compassionate nature. This quiz will help you identify traits common in successful athletic trainers, such as resilience, empathy, and a detail-oriented mindset.

The Career Fit Test™ will provide you with a Holland Code, a classification system based on six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. By comparing your Holland Code with the code for an athletic trainer, you can assess how closely your interests and personality traits align with the profession. For example, athletic trainers often fall under the Realistic and Social categories, as the job requires hands-on work and a strong desire to help others.

2. Analyze Your Strengths and Weaknesses

The Career Fit Test™ Premium Report and Skills Map™ provide an in-depth analysis of your abilities and talents, helping you understand how your strengths translate into a career in athletic training. These tools will highlight your key transferable skills, such as:

  • Physical Dexterity: Athletic trainers must have good manual dexterity for tasks like bandaging wounds, applying therapeutic techniques, and assisting in rehabilitation exercises.
  • Critical Thinking: Trainers are often required to assess injuries and determine the best course of action in a high-pressure environment. Your ability to think quickly and make sound decisions is essential.
  • Communication Skills: As an athletic trainer, you’ll work with athletes, coaches, and medical professionals. Clear and effective communication is vital for creating treatment plans, educating athletes on injury prevention, and providing emotional support.
  • Empathy and Compassion: A genuine desire to help others and an understanding of the emotional and physical challenges of injuries are key qualities for an athletic trainer.

The Skills Map™ will also provide an overview of how your skill set can be applied in different work environments, from high schools to professional sports teams, and suggest potential areas for further development.

3. Conduct Informational Interviews

Engaging in informational interviews is another valuable step in determining if a career as an athletic trainer is the right fit. This involves speaking with professionals working in the field to gain firsthand insight into the daily realities of the job. Informational interviews allow one to ask questions and learn about the challenges, rewards, and expectations of being an athletic trainer.

When conducting informational interviews, you may want to ask:

  • What does a typical day look like for an athletic trainer?
  • What are the most rewarding aspects of this job?
  • What challenges or obstacles do you face regularly?
  • How do you balance the physical and emotional demands of the job?
  • What skills are most important for success in this field?
  • How do you stay updated on best practices and new techniques in sports medicine?

These conversations will help you understand whether the work aligns with your interests and values and whether it fits your long-term career goals.

4. Take Advantage of Additional Resources

To further explore if being an athletic trainer is right for you, take advantage of online resources and professional associations. Websites like ONET Online provide in-depth descriptions of the athletic trainer’s role, including required skills, job outlook, and necessary qualifications. You can also explore associations like the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), which offers valuable information on professional standards, certifications, and educational pathways.

These resources can help you better understand the career requirements and provide up-to-date industry insights.

5. Evaluate Your Passion for Helping Others

Being an athletic trainer requires a deep passion for helping others. If you genuinely enjoy working with people, whether helping an athlete recover from an injury or teaching a young player how to prevent injuries, this could be a sign that athletic training is the right career for you. Ask yourself if you’re motivated by positively impacting someone’s health and well-being. You’re likely to thrive in this field if you find joy in seeing athletes overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as an Athletic Trainer?

To learn more about a career as an athletic trainer, check out these resources:

Conclusion

Becoming an athletic trainer offers the opportunity to combine a love for sports and health with a fulfilling career in helping others. By understanding the job requirements, working environment, salary expectations, and the steps to get started, you can determine if this career path aligns with your passions and strengths. Don’t forget to take the Free Career Fit Test™ to help you decide whether becoming an athletic trainer is right for you.