Many people believe that athletes have a glamorous occupation. While the job does have its perks, being an athlete also comes with risks. Both amateur and professional athletes routinely suffer from sports-related injuries ranging from bruises and sprained muscles to broken bones and concussions. The job of a sports trainer is to help keep athletes safe, healthy and fit for the game. Sports training is a high-pressure job that involves making on-the-spot major medical decisions that can potentially affect an athlete's entire athletic career.
Injury Prevention
The primary agenda of a sports trainer is to reduce an athlete's risk of getting injured by teaching the athlete how to stay safe while exercising and participating in sports games. A sports trainer may show an athlete how to properly execute certain exercise moves or advise the athlete to wear a supportive brace. Sports trainers will also construct exercise plans designed to help athletes maintain strong muscles, make nutritional recommendations designed to promote a healthy diet and deliver therapeutic treatments aimed at encouraging overall wellness.
Injury Treatment
According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, sports trainers are charged with providing and coordinating medical services like diagnostics, emergency care, on-site treatment and long-term rehabilitation. When necessary, sports trainers are expected to confer with other physicians or medical specialists regarding an athlete's diagnosis and treatment. A sports trainer will continue to assess an athlete's progress and may ultimately make recommendations regarding his or her ability to resume regular activities.
Requirements
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most organizations require sports trainers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Sports training programs provide students with both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Most states also require sports trainers to become certified by the Board of Certification. Certified sports trainers must periodically complete continuing education classes in order to maintain their certification. While not required, sports trainers holding a master's degree or higher will have a better chance of securing more advanced positions. A sports trainer can advance his or her career by getting promoted from assistant sports trainer to head sports trainer, or by changing employers.
Schedule and Wages
Professional sports trainers typically work a full-time, 40-hour-a-week schedule. Some may have to travel or work overtime on occasion. The exact salary of a sports trainer depends on his or her position and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the median annual wages for sports trainers was $39,640. However, sports trainers with advanced credentials may earn significantly more.
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