Athletic trainers play a role in the prevention, recognition, treatment and rehabilitation of injured athletes. Athletic trainers work under the supervision of physicians and are trained in emergency care. Athletic trainers are recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals and should not be confused with fitness trainers or personal trainers.
Training
A bachelor's degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program is usually the minimum requirement, but many athletic trainers also hold a master's or doctoral degree. Many athletic trainer positions are in schools and universities, so teaching is a part of the job. Most of these positions also require a teaching license. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, training programs "include formal instruction in areas such as injury/illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities and nutrition."
Licensure and Certification
Forty-seven states require athletic trainers to be licensed or registered. To be licensed as an athletic trainer, certification from the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) is required. Certification requires a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited athletic training program and passing a rigorous examination. Athletic trainers must continue taking medical-related courses and adhere to the BOC standards of practice. Currently, the states of Alaska, California, West Virginia and the District of Columbia do not require licensure.
Settings
The athletic trainer works as a part of the athletic department in secondary schools, colleges and universities. In high schools and colleges athletic trainers work to prevent and treat athletic injuries, which may happen during practice or competition. Athletic trainers may teach at a high school during the day. Athletic trainers may also work at a sports medicine clinic working with patient treatment and rehabilitation, with professional sports teams, dance companies, the military and even some companies that specifically employ athletic trainers.
Job Prospects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that "job prospects should be good for athletic trainers in the health care industry and in high schools." Athletic training positions have low turnover rates, especially those with schools and sports teams. However, there is expected to be growth in the number of athletic trainer positions in health care, fitness and sports centers.
Earnings
The salary of an athletic trainer varies by job setting. Most work full-time and receive benefits. In 2008 median annual wages for athletic trainers was $39,640, while the top ten percent earned more than $60,960.
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