Athletic trainers are the front line of injury care in sports. "Recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals, athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of muscle and bone injuries and illnesses," according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Role
As an athletic trainer, you are responsible for the immediate assessment of an injury. In the sports arena, you are the first person on the field when an athlete goes down. It is your responsibility to determine if and when to allow a return to play, or if a physician referral is necessary. You use a series of questions and specific testing to determine the degree of injury. If the injury requires rehabilitation, you implement a program specifically designed for the injury and sport.
Education
Athletic trainers need at least a bachelor's degree. There are undergraduate and graduate program specifically designed for athletic training, either as a stand-alone major or as as part of a related science major. All these programs must follow the guidelines set forth by the National Athletic Trainer's Association. When you complete such a program, you must take a certification or licensing exam and required continuing education courses.
Opportunities
There are many opportunities for an athletic trainer in high school, college and professional sports. High school trainers often spend part of the day in a clinical setting. As a college trainer, you might also teach athletic training classes. Jobs in professional sports are highly competitive and time consuming. There also are opportunities in clinical and industrial settings, as well as other fields such as medical sales.
Misconceptions
Many people confuse athletic and personal training. Personal training focuses on healthy living, strength and conditioning. Personal training certification does not require a college degree. Many athletic trainers get an additional personal training certification.
Other Benefits
The field of athletic training is highly versatile,and it lets you make a difference in people's lives. You help athletes avoid injury, and if they are injured, you get them back on the field more quickly.
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