Athletic training is a popular undergraduate major. Athletic trainers aid athletes and coaches in the prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation process that comes along with participation in sports. Athletic trainers are often the first individuals to respond to sports-related injuries and also serve as a resource for helping athletes prevent and treat injuries. The minimum requirement to become an athletic trainer is an undergraduate degree as well as taking a certification exam through your state of residence. Individuals with undergraduate degrees in athletic training have a variety of options when it comes to education and career paths.
Opportunities
An undergraduate degree pairs you for a variety of opportunities in the field of athletic training. Upon completion of a four-year degree program, you will be prepared to take the Board of Certification Examination. This test certifies you as an athletic trainer in your state. Being a certified athletic trainer is what leads to employment opportunities. With a four-year degree, you can work as an athletic trainer at a high school, college or university. You can also become an athletic trainer at a number of private, corporate and community-based health care systems. Some athletic trainers even go on to become trainers with professional sports teams. If you do not want to head straight to the workforce after graduation, graduate level training is an option. Graduate programs enhance your marketability and will increase the likelihood of employment at larger universities and with professional athletic teams.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in athletic training combines classroom and clinical experiences. Students are taught about anatomy, physiology, injury prevention and the treatment of injuries in a classroom setting. Field-work or clinical work exposes students to the daily work routine of athletic trainers. Students may spend time at high schools, college or health care facilities to gain knowledge and put to work the skills they have acquired in the classroom. A Bachelor of Science prepares a student for entry-level work in athletic training. This can be the pathway to a career for some. Other students may choose to go on to physical therapy or medical school at the completion of their bachelor's degree program.
Teacher Certification
To work in a high school setting, many athletic trainers are required to be teachers. Athletic trainers are teachers during the day and work practices as well as games after school hours. This may lead to advanced opportunities at colleges or universities once a trainer has gained experience. To teach, athletic trainers must also possess a teaching certificate. Many athletic training students opt to work with their college's school of education to receive a teaching certificate while they complete their undergraduate course work in athletic training. This opens up multiple opportunities at once for some students.
Continuing Education
Even if a student wishes to finish their education after the completion of bachelor's degree or a bachelor's degree with a teaching certificate, continuing education for athletic trainers is a must. Students must always have an emergency cardiac care certification and be up-to-date with the National Athletic Trainer's Association Board of Certification. Re-certification includes continuing education credits in new fields of research and technology in the field of athletic training.
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