Athletic trainers represent a growing segment of the health-care industry. The job is projected to grow by 37 percent by the year 2018, much faster than the average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Not to be confused with personal trainers, sports trainers must obtain at least an undergraduate degree in athletic training; many continue their education to earn a master's or doctorate degree. Sports trainers are found in a variety of job settings, including professional and collegiate sports, hospitals and even the military.
Injury Treatment/Rehabilitation
Sports trainers are often the first responders when an athletic injury occurs. If a player is down on the field, athletic trainers will assess the situation, stabilize that athlete if necessary and follow protocols to call for an ambulance or physician. Because they first assess the injury, they may make recommendations to physicians as to how to treat it and supervise an athlete's rehabilitation exercises. In addition to physical therapy exercises, sports trainers may tape, ice or brace an athlete's injury to rehabilitate the player.
Injury Prevention
Sports trainers are present in the weightlifting room, at practice and on game days. In each setting, trainers can recognize and mitigate the potential for injury. They may demonstrate proper form to lift a weight or tape a player's ankle before a game to prevent strain. Sports trainers use their knowledge of body mechanics and common injuries to anticipate problems, helping to reduce the number of injured athletes.
Administrative
Sports trainers in all levels of organizations have administrative duties, such as filling out patient charts. Administrative duties include maintaining paperwork on athletes who are on the red-shirted or injury lists and who are unable to play. Trainers may have to fill out incident reports surrounding injuries. They also may be responsible for ensuring athletic and first-aid equipment is up to standards and may reorder equipment.
Communication
Sports trainers are considered allied health professionals and are recognized as such by organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians. Being an allied health professional means sports trainers work with physicians to communicate treatment suggestions and progress. In addition to communicating with physicians, athletic trainers must communicate with sports team administration, such as coaches or athletic directors, regarding the status of a player's injury or training process. As representatives of an athletic organization, sports trainers must be able to speak knowledgeably with family members, players and press regarding injury updates.
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