Athletic therapy or athletic training is the medical treatment given by a certified athletic trainer. Certified athletic trainer is the title given by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) to a health care professional qualified to practice athletic training in the United States. All athletic trainers must meet national qualifications, but responsibilities will vary by state. Certified athletic therapists complete similar degrees and training, and are regulated by the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association (CATA).
Education
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher in athletic training, kinesiology, exercise physiology, exercise science or a related Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education-approved program. Athletic training students take courses in anatomy, human biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, emergency medical care and orthopedic conditions. Athletic training students must complete a minimum of 1,200 clinical hours. These internships take place in sports programs and rehab facilities at high schools, colleges, hospitals and/or physical therapy clinics. After completing a bachelor's program, students may sit for the NATA exam. Students who complete college course work and pass the national exam may apply for national certification and the appropriate state registration or licensure.
Job Description
The primary role of the athletic trainer will vary by setting. In most places, the athletic trainer provides direct medical care for acute, chronic and emergency situations. Care may include the prevention, treatment, reconditioning, rehabilitation, clinical evaluation, diagnosis and documentation of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries
Job Setting
Certified athletic trainers may work in a variety of job settings. Traditional settings usually include high school and college athletic training rooms and sports medicine clinics. Athletic trainers may also be employed in nontraditional roles such as physician extenders in doctors' offices, occupational athletic trainers in corporate settings and part of the emergency care team in ambulatory medical centers.
Salary
Salary will vary by work experience, job setting and location. Most athletic trainers in a traditional setting work 10-month contracts. According to the 2008 NATA salary survey, the national average for an athletic trainer with four years' experience is $41,000 a year. In metropolitan areas, for the same experience, the annual 10-month salary is approximately $55,000.
Hours
Athletic trainers may be expected to work extended nights and weekends, depending on job requirements. During football and other high-risk sports seasons, athletic trainers may work Saturdays and/or 60-plus-hour weeks. Athletic trainers may also be required to travel with teams during long weekends and holidays.
Member Comments