Fitness enthusiasts may sometimes confuse the job titles "athletic trainer" and "personal trainer." Although practitioners of both professions deal with athletes and people trying to meet their own fitness goals, one deals more specifically with the medical aspects of those pursuing an athletic lifestyle. Each plays an important role in fitness world.
Job Description
Personal trainers provide motivation, instruction and the demonstration of exercise techniques to individuals in a one-on-one or class setting. Personal trainers may be included with other fitness workers such as those who teach yoga, Pilates and cardio exercise.
Athletic trainers, on the other hand help prevent and treat injuries. The American Medical Association recognizes athletic trainers as Allied Health Professionals; they are often the first health care workers on the scene when an accident occurs in an athletic competition or fitness facility.
Education
An athletic trainer must posses, at minimum, a bachelor's degree; however, with the field becoming increasingly competitive, aspiring athletic trainers may also wish to pursue master's and doctoral degrees. The minimum educational requirement for a person pursuing a career in personal training is a high school diploma.
Qualifications and Certifications
Personal trainers become certified by taking a test that includes a written as well as a practical section. You must also be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Certification is good for two years, after which a personal trainer must take continuing education courses. Certain specialties require additional accreditation.
Athletic trainers must successfully complete an undergraduate degree in athletic training as well as complete an exam administered by the Board of Certification. To retain her certification, an athletic trainer must complete continuing education requirements and adhere to BOC standards of practice.
Work Day
Most personal trainers are part-time employees who only work when they have a session or a class. Athletic trainers who work with sports teams often log longer hours, including practice sessions as well as competitions; they may work 40- to 50-hour weeks.
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