Find out How To Become an Athletic Trainer. Learn about the job description and responsibilities and the steps to starting a career in sports training. To work as an AT,
You must have a bachelor’s degree or an entry-level master’s degree from a college or university that offers an athletic training education programme certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). In addition, a major in athletic training must be available in the athletic training programme. Athletic trainers collaborate with doctors to treat and prevent medical disorders that result in impairments, disability, or functional restrictions.
Developing and implementing rehabilitation plans, identifying and diagnosing injuries, and providing emergency treatment or first aid are just a few of the responsibilities of an athletic trainer. In addition, educational facilities, physician’s offices, fitness and recreational sports centres, the military, and professional sports teams are all common employers for athletic trainers.
Others jobs require working weekends and evenings, and some even need working outdoors in all types of weather. So what kind of salary can you expect from this job? Earnings vary widely depending on the employer and level of expertise. Still, according to the U.S., Athletic trainers, in general, earned an average annual salary of $49,280 in May 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Let’s take a look at the stages of becoming an athletic trainer.
Should I Become an Athletic Trainer?
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree common
- Degree Field: Athletic training
- Licensure/Certification: Certification or licensure is required in most states; CPR certification needed
- Key Skills: Decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented; compassion
- Salary: $46,940 (2015 average salary for all athletic trainers)
How To Become an Athletic Trainer
1.Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in athletic training is required for this position. In addition, human movement sciences, first aid and emergency care, anatomy and physiology, and injury and sickness prevention are included in this programme. Students also receive hands-on clinical training under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer.
2.Gain Experience
Although many businesses would consider fresh graduates with no prior work experience, acquiring work experience while still in school can help students become more competitive job seekers. In addition, summer internships are available for students who want to learn how to establish treatment plans, conduct patient evaluations, document injuries, and communicate with medical personnel.
3.Obtain Certification and Licensure
Athletic trainers must be certified by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers or licenced by the state in most states. Completion of a recognized athletic training school and passing a certification exam are both required for certification.
Clinical examination and diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, and emergency care are all included in this test. Passing the same certification exam can typically satisfy state licencing requirements. Earning continuing education credits and maintaining basic life support certification are required to keep certification and licencing current.
4.Consider a Master’s Degree
A graduate degree in sports training, while optional, might be beneficial to trainers who work at the collegiate level or who want to develop their careers. A curriculum like this allows students to learn more about exercise and sports medicine, exercise physiology, and advanced athletic training. The majority of master’s programmes are two years long and combine laboratory work with clinical internships.
An accredited athletic trainer degree programme and licence or certification are required for a profession as an athletic trainer. However, some businesses prefer trainers who have some hands-on experience, and a graduate degree can lead to prospects for progression.
