Athletic Trainer

Your Fit

Income

$60K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

14.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Athletic Trainer?

An Athletic Trainer is a certified and licensed healthcare professional who collaborates with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. They are specialized in managing the health and well-being of athletes and physically active individuals.

Sample job titles:

Athletic Instructor, Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, Personal Trainer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Athletic Trainer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Athletic Trainer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$45K per year	$52K per year	$60K per year	$71K per year	$84K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Athletic Trainer do?

Work environment

Athletic Trainers work in a variety of settings including schools, universities, professional sports teams, clinics, hospitals, corporations, and fitness centers. Their environment can vary from indoor gyms and training rooms to outdoor sports fields, often requiring travel with sports teams and irregular working hours, including weekends and evenings.

Quick task list

Develops and implements injury prevention programs.
Conducts on-field assessment and management of injuries.
Provides emergency care and first aid.
Designs and supervises rehabilitation programs.
Collaborates with physicians and other healthcare providers in the care of athletes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Sports-Specific Training: Specializing in training and injury prevention tailored to specific sports.
Rehabilitation Specialist: Focusing on the recovery and rehabilitation of athletes post-injury.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Combining athletic training with strength and conditioning expertise.
Pediatric Athletic Training: Working specifically with child and adolescent athletes.
Orthopedic Technology: Specializing in the use of braces, casts, and other devices to support injury recovery.

Description

Athletic Trainers play a vital role in the sports and physical activity realm by ensuring the health and safety of athletes. They are equipped with skills to address the unique needs of athletes, including injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation. Athletic Trainers must be well-versed in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to effectively diagnose injuries and create appropriate treatment plans.

Beyond the physical aspects, Athletic Trainers also provide valuable education and counseling to athletes on topics such as nutrition, stress management, and injury prevention strategies. They must stay up-to-date with the latest research and practices in sports medicine to provide the best care.

The role of an Athletic Trainer is dynamic and requires adaptability. They work closely with other healthcare professionals and must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with athletes, coaches, and medical staff. Athletic Trainers often play a key role in helping athletes return to play safely and efficiently after an injury.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Having a direct impact on the health and success of athletes.
Being actively involved in sports and athletic activities.
Building strong, trust-based relationships with athletes and teams.

You might make a good Athletic Trainer if you are...

Passionate about sports and physical fitness.
Skilled in communication and enjoy working closely with others.
Detail-oriented, with an aptitude for problem-solving and critical thinking.
Able to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
Interested in healthcare and helping others achieve their physical best.

Pros:

Dynamic and exciting work environment.
Opportunities to work with diverse populations and sports.
High level of job satisfaction from helping athletes succeed and stay healthy.

Cons:

Potential for long, irregular hours, including weekends and evenings.
Risk of exposure to outdoor elements and travel demands.
Emotional stress from dealing with injured athletes and high-pressure situations.

How to become an Athletic Trainer

Typical education

To become an Athletic Trainer, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training is required, which typically takes 4 years. However, a Master's degree is increasingly common and sometimes preferred, adding an additional 1-2 years of education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology to understand the human body.
Physical Education to gain knowledge of sports and physical activity.
Psychology for understanding athlete behavior and motivation.
First Aid and Safety courses for basic emergency care skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in sports teams to understand the athlete's perspective.
Volunteering as a student trainer or assistant for school sports teams.
Joining health or science clubs.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a Bachelor's program in Athletic Training or a related field.
Complete an internship or gain hands-on experience through volunteering in sports medicine clinics or athletic departments.
Obtain certification from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC).

More resources

Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) - Provides certification information and resources.
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) - Offers educational resources and networking opportunities for Athletic Trainers.
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) - Lists accredited athletic training programs.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Provides additional resources and certification options in sports medicine and exercise science.

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