A certified sports trainer, or athletic trainer, is a professional individual who coordinates with physicians, coaches and other sports and health care professionals to improve athletic performance and help athletes recover from injury. Unlike personal trainers, athletic trainers are considered health care professionals and must complete extensive training before becoming certified. Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, including college and professional sports programs, and the average salary as of January 2011 is between $32,000 and $49,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Step 1
Enroll in an accredited athletic trainer bachelor degree program. Enroll in a master's degree program if you already have a bachelor's, or earn a second bachelor's degree. Consult the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education for a list of schools.
Step 2
Apply to take the BOCACT, certification exam in your last semester of your bachelor's or master's degree program. Contact the BOC for instructions on applying for and scheduling the exam.
Step 3
Contact the state in which you would like to practice for any addition requirements for practicing within that state. For example, Michigan requires a state license in addition to the BOCACT certification.
Step 4
Apply for a license, if required, in the state in which you wish to practice. Each state regulates its own licensing process. The BOCACT offers a list of all state regulations, complete with contact information for each state agency.
Tips and Warnings
- The college or university where you achieve your training should also provide certification and licensing information in the program office or in the career or placement office. Your academic adviser should also be able to assist you.
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