Athletic trainers (not to be confused with personal fitness trainers) are the front-line of defense and emergency care of athletes during competition or practice. They work primarily for college or professional sports teams, although some high schools and physical therapy clinics also employ athletic trainers. They are a part of the medical care system to prevent and treat injuries for athletes.
History
Athletic training did not have cohesive standards appropriate recognition until 1950 when the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) was founded in Kansas City. Since then, NATA had set professional standards which include formal education, certification, a code of ethics and research. Currently, athletic trainers are recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals.
Qualifications
Athletic trainers must have a minimum of a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university in athletic training or sports medicine, although 70 percent of American athletic trainers hold a master's degree or doctorate in sports medicine. Athletic trainers' education includes combination of academic courses and clinical experience in athletic training settings. In addition to CPR and first aid certification, athletic trainers must also be certified by NATA and be registered in the state where they do their practice.
Roles
Athletic trainers deals with injured athletes from the time of the initial injury, throughout the rehabilitation period, and the athletes' complete recovery period. They diagnose, assess, treat, and prevent injuries, often with the consultation of a team or consulting physician. They also apply protective or injury-preventive devices such as tape, bandages, and braces on athletes before, during, or after practice or competition.
Not only are athletic trainers directly responsible in all phases of athlete care, they can also provide guidelines to fitness trainers and strength coaches for athletes who wish to pursue higher levels of physical performance.
Earnings
The salary of athletic trainers depends on their experience and job responsibilities, and varies by job setting. Median annual wages for athletic trainers were $39,640 in May 2008. According to the Bureau Labor of Statistics, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,450, while the top 10 percent earned more than $60,960. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,070 and $49,250.
Employment
Although most athletic trainers work in professional and college sports settings, many of them do their practice in high schools, physical therapy clinics, hospitals, chiropractic offices, and fitness centers. Some work as professors and teachers at universities and directors, while a few became entrepreneurs by opening up their own business or practice in sports medicine and fitness training.
References
- "Essentials to Athletic Training"; Daniel Arnheim, William Prentice; 2002
- " Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition"; Bureau of Labor Statistics; 2010
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