Athletic trainers (ATs) play a vital role in the healthcare landscape, bridging the gap between physical activity and medical care. They specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. If you have a passion for sports and helping people stay healthy, becoming an athletic trainer might be the perfect career for you. Here’s a detailed guide on what athletic trainers do and the steps you need to take to become one.
What does an athletic trainer do?
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide various services:
- Injury Prevention: They develop and implement programs to prevent injuries. This includes creating conditioning programs, advising on proper equipment, and educating athletes on how to avoid injuries.
- Immediate Care: ATs are often the first responders when an athlete is injured. They provide first aid, emergency care, and make decisions about further medical care.
- Diagnosis and Rehabilitation: They assess injuries and illnesses, develop rehabilitation programs, and guide athletes through the recovery process to ensure they return to their sport safely.
- Education and Counseling: ATs educate athletes, coaches, and sometimes parents on injury prevention and health maintenance. They also provide psychological support to help athletes cope with injuries.
- Administrative Tasks: They may also handle administrative duties such as maintaining records, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
Steps to become an athletic trainer
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in athletic training or a related field. Coursework typically includes anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and emergency care.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Accredited programs include clinical education, where students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of certified athletic trainers. This practical experience is crucial for developing skills and understanding real-world applications.
- Obtain Certification: After earning your degree, you must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified athletic trainer. The exam tests your knowledge and skills in injury prevention, clinical evaluation, emergency care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- State Licensure: Many states require athletic trainers to be licensed. Requirements vary by state, so it's important to research the specific criteria where you plan to practice.
- Pursue Continuing Education: Athletic trainers must engage in continuing education to maintain their certification. This ensures they stay updated on the latest practices and techniques in the field.
- Consider a Master's Degree: While not always required, a master's degree can enhance your knowledge and skills, and potentially increase job opportunities and salary prospects.
- Find a Job: Athletic trainers work in various settings, including schools, colleges, professional sports teams, clinics, hospitals, and the military. Tailor your job search to the environment that best suits your interests and career goals.
Career outlook and advancement
The demand for athletic trainers is expected to grow, driven by an increased awareness of sports-related injuries and the need for preventative care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,the employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow by 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
As you gain experience, opportunities for advancement include roles such as head athletic trainer, director of athletic training programs, or transitioning into other healthcare or administrative roles.
Is the role of athletic trainer right for you?
Becoming an athletic trainer is a rewarding career path that combines a passion for sports with the opportunity to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of athletes. By following the steps outlined above, you can embark on a fulfilling journey that not only helps others stay active and healthy but also contributes positively to the broader healthcare landscape.
Want to learn about other in-demand healthcare professions? Explore more professions with shifts offered through the CareRev App.
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