Nebraska is among 47 states requiring athletic trainers to be certified by the Board of Certification Inc., an Omaha-based organization. Trainers aren't hard to find--the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there were 16,300 athletic trainers in 2008, including 100 in Nebraska. By 2018, the bureau estimates there will be 22,400 nationwide, a 37 percent increase.
Education
There are about 350 accredited undergraduate athletic trainer programs around the nation. The National Athletic Trainers' Association, however, estimates that most training doesn't stop at the undergraduate level. The organization says that 70 percent of trainers have a master's degree or higher. Certified trainers in Nebraska generally will have completed a college degree, passed a certification exam, and be enrolled in an average of 25 hours of continuing education classes every year.
Certification
Certified trainers must complete an entry-level education program certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, a Round Rock, Texas-based nonprofit organization. They are required to have completed an emergency cardiac class by a recognized national organization, such as the American Red Cross. Finally, all Nebraska trainers must pass a test administered by the Board of Certification.
Other Skills
As with other athletic trainers, certified athletic trainers in Nebraska should have outstanding communications skills. Nebraska athletic trainers also differ considerably from personal trainers in that athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician. They must be well-versed in diagnosing and treating injuries, as well as helping prevent them.
Places to Look
Nearly 40 percent of all Nebraska athletic trainers work for a hospital or other health care facility. The American Medical Association recognizes athletic trainers as allied health care workers, rather than fitness workers. Another 40 percent work in educational institutions, including high schools and universities. Almost 15 percent work in sports and recreational centers, and the remainder are employed by spectator sports teams. Contact the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers' Association for assistance in finding a certified athletic trainer.
Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median wage for athletic trainers in Nebraska was $39,460 in 2009. Figures vary, though, by different types of establishments. The bureau estimates that athletic trainers at fitness centers earn the least, with a median wage of $40,090 annually. The median is highest in the spectator sports field, where athletic trainers make a median salary of $54,710.
Member Comments