7 answers
Braxton
Student
Afton, Wyoming
1
Question
Updated
643 views
What is the best way to get practice to be an athletic trainer?
I’m going to college and got the path figured out, but I was just wanting to know if the best way is to do internships at public gyms, CrossFit, sports team’s athletic trainers, or other places. If anyone has some tips or suggestions, I would love some insight!
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7 answers
Michael Howard
Creative Director
16
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hello Braxton,
I’m a videographer specializing in filming professional athletes and trainers. Throughout my experience, I’ve worked with many talented individuals—some of whom transitioned from collegiate or professional sports into training after their playing careers ended. Their background in sports gives them an edge in attracting clients, as they can leverage their firsthand experience to teach and develop others.
The most successful trainers utilize social media to position themselves as experts in their niche. Whether it’s becoming a ball-handling coach or a shooting coach in basketball, building an online presence is key. While credentials and degrees are invaluable for credibility, growing your brand through platforms like Instagram and YouTube will truly set you apart.
Here are some strategies to get started:
Document Your Workouts & Training Sessions
Use your phone to film your workouts and training sessions. Consistently posting content, 1-2 times a week, will keep you top-of-mind for your audience and attract potential clients who see your expertise in action.
Offer Free Training & Build Case Studies
Work with a few friends or teammates for free and document their progress. Use their transformations as testimonials to showcase your coaching effectiveness. People are drawn to compelling stories, and having data to back up your methods makes your services even more appealing.
Collaborate with Other Trainers
Partner with trainers who have their own following. Cross-promotions help establish credibility and introduce you to a broader audience. The goal isn’t to become a celebrity but to build a community that trusts your expertise. This foundation will allow you to eventually sell workout programs, classes, or even products. While having a physical training location is great, establishing an online business will provide long-term stability and flexibility.
I hope this helps! If you ever need guidance on content strategy, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help.
Best,
Michael
IG @gve_mike
I’m a videographer specializing in filming professional athletes and trainers. Throughout my experience, I’ve worked with many talented individuals—some of whom transitioned from collegiate or professional sports into training after their playing careers ended. Their background in sports gives them an edge in attracting clients, as they can leverage their firsthand experience to teach and develop others.
The most successful trainers utilize social media to position themselves as experts in their niche. Whether it’s becoming a ball-handling coach or a shooting coach in basketball, building an online presence is key. While credentials and degrees are invaluable for credibility, growing your brand through platforms like Instagram and YouTube will truly set you apart.
Here are some strategies to get started:
Document Your Workouts & Training Sessions
Use your phone to film your workouts and training sessions. Consistently posting content, 1-2 times a week, will keep you top-of-mind for your audience and attract potential clients who see your expertise in action.
Offer Free Training & Build Case Studies
Work with a few friends or teammates for free and document their progress. Use their transformations as testimonials to showcase your coaching effectiveness. People are drawn to compelling stories, and having data to back up your methods makes your services even more appealing.
Collaborate with Other Trainers
Partner with trainers who have their own following. Cross-promotions help establish credibility and introduce you to a broader audience. The goal isn’t to become a celebrity but to build a community that trusts your expertise. This foundation will allow you to eventually sell workout programs, classes, or even products. While having a physical training location is great, establishing an online business will provide long-term stability and flexibility.
I hope this helps! If you ever need guidance on content strategy, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help.
Best,
Michael
IG @gve_mike
Thank you so much!!! I’ll definitely use those ideas, and I’ll reach out to you if I need any help!
Braxton
Great advice, Michael! Building an online presence is key, and your tips on documenting training and collaborating with others are spot on. It’s all about showcasing your expertise and building trust with your audience. Thanks for sharing!
Sir Flyer
@braxton No problem and looking forward to coming across your work someday! @Sir Thank you, it'a all about helping that next person in my mind so hopefully more can express them self with what I have provided.
Michael Howard
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Braxton! You’ve already got the path figured out? That’s awesome! You’re about to jump into the world of athletic training, where every day is like a mini superhero mission. Here’s the thing—gaining experience is key, and you’re already thinking along the right lines. Let’s break it down with some fun tips to get you started on the right foot!
1. Internships Are Like the Secret Passcode
Internships are like the golden ticket to getting real-world experience. Whether it's public gyms, CrossFit, or sports teams, all of them can provide you with invaluable experience. You’ll learn everything from how to tape an ankle like a pro to knowing when to step in and say, "Hey, you need to ice that." So, apply early, and don’t be afraid to reach out to places, even if they don’t have an internship advertised. Sometimes the best opportunities are just a cold email away.
2. Shadowing Is Your New Best Friend
Think of shadowing as your training montage. You know, like the ones in movies where the hero gets stronger, faster, and more awesome with every passing second. By shadowing a professional athletic trainer, you’ll soak in all their knowledge. You’ll get to see what goes into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and what an actual day looks like for them. You might even get to hold the ice packs! 😎
3. Volunteering—It’s Like Testing the Waters
If you’re not quite sure where you want to go, volunteering with local sports teams or high school programs is a low-pressure way to dip your toes in the water. You’ll get to see if athletic training at a high school game fits your vibe, or if you want to be working with more serious athletes. Either way, you’ll be learning tons while helping athletes stay safe!
4. CrossFit: The Wild Card
CrossFit is a unique environment where you’ll see some wild moves (and maybe a few too many backflips). If you can handle the energy, working with CrossFit trainers can teach you to manage high-intensity workouts and assess functional movements. It’s all about learning to spot form flaws before someone hurts themselves. CrossFit athletes tend to be…a bit competitive, so be ready for the adrenaline to be off the charts! 😄
5. Keep Networking—The More People You Know, The Better
Remember that the world of athletic training is small but mighty. Go to conferences, meet with fellow trainers, and build connections. You never know when someone will have an opening for a position, or when they might offer you the chance to work with a team you’ve dreamed about. Networking = opportunities, so don’t be shy to introduce yourself!
In short, be proactive, open-minded, and embrace every learning opportunity you can. Whether it’s through internships, volunteering, or shadowing, each experience will give you more knowledge and prepare you to be the best athletic trainer ever. And hey, when you’re taping that first sprained ankle, you’ll feel like a total hero. 💪
1. Internships Are Like the Secret Passcode
Internships are like the golden ticket to getting real-world experience. Whether it's public gyms, CrossFit, or sports teams, all of them can provide you with invaluable experience. You’ll learn everything from how to tape an ankle like a pro to knowing when to step in and say, "Hey, you need to ice that." So, apply early, and don’t be afraid to reach out to places, even if they don’t have an internship advertised. Sometimes the best opportunities are just a cold email away.
2. Shadowing Is Your New Best Friend
Think of shadowing as your training montage. You know, like the ones in movies where the hero gets stronger, faster, and more awesome with every passing second. By shadowing a professional athletic trainer, you’ll soak in all their knowledge. You’ll get to see what goes into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and what an actual day looks like for them. You might even get to hold the ice packs! 😎
3. Volunteering—It’s Like Testing the Waters
If you’re not quite sure where you want to go, volunteering with local sports teams or high school programs is a low-pressure way to dip your toes in the water. You’ll get to see if athletic training at a high school game fits your vibe, or if you want to be working with more serious athletes. Either way, you’ll be learning tons while helping athletes stay safe!
4. CrossFit: The Wild Card
CrossFit is a unique environment where you’ll see some wild moves (and maybe a few too many backflips). If you can handle the energy, working with CrossFit trainers can teach you to manage high-intensity workouts and assess functional movements. It’s all about learning to spot form flaws before someone hurts themselves. CrossFit athletes tend to be…a bit competitive, so be ready for the adrenaline to be off the charts! 😄
5. Keep Networking—The More People You Know, The Better
Remember that the world of athletic training is small but mighty. Go to conferences, meet with fellow trainers, and build connections. You never know when someone will have an opening for a position, or when they might offer you the chance to work with a team you’ve dreamed about. Networking = opportunities, so don’t be shy to introduce yourself!
In short, be proactive, open-minded, and embrace every learning opportunity you can. Whether it’s through internships, volunteering, or shadowing, each experience will give you more knowledge and prepare you to be the best athletic trainer ever. And hey, when you’re taping that first sprained ankle, you’ll feel like a total hero. 💪
Thank you so much!
Braxton
You are so much welcome, stay awesome and go rock the world!
Dr H
I completely agree with Dr. H's advice—internships, shadowing, and volunteering are key to gaining hands-on experience. One important tip from me: stay curious. Always ask questions, seek feedback, and keep learning, whether through education or observing others.
Also, remember to take care of yourself! Athletic training can be demanding, so prioritize your own wellness to be at your best for the athletes you work with. You’ve got this—excited to see you succeed!
Sir Flyer
Thank you and great advice, Sir Flyer! Curiosity and self-care are game-changers in any career, especially one as demanding as athletic training. Love the encouragement—your words could fuel the next great trainer out there! Keep sharing your wisdom! 💪👏
Dr H
Sir Flyer
Design, Entertainment and sport coaching
18
Answers
Zürich, Switzerland
Updated
Sir’s Answer
Hi Braxton,
Both responses which you already recieved offer valuable insights!
Dr. H emphasizes practical, hands-on experience like internships, shadowing, and volunteering, which are critical for learning real-world skills. Networking and gaining experience in various environments like CrossFit or sports teams is a great way to broaden your expertise. Michael’s advice highlights the importance of building an online presence and networking with others in the field, especially in today's digital age. His strategies around content creation and collaboration can help you stand out and grow your personal brand. Both perspectives are helpful, depending on whether you're looking to build a strong foundation in training or stand out in the field with a unique personal brand.
Here are a few more tips that might help you as you pursue your athletic training career:
1. Get Certified Early: If you can, start working on certifications like CPR, first aid, and other specialized certifications in athletic training. These will not only make you more marketable but also give you confidence when working with athletes.
2. Stay Current with Research: Athletic training is an evolving field, and new methods, tools, and injury treatments are constantly being developed. Regularly reading journals or attending webinars and conferences will keep you ahead of the curve.
3. Develop Soft Skills: Athletic training isn't just about physical skills. Building strong communication, empathy, and teamwork skills is key. You’ll need to effectively communicate with athletes, coaches, and other medical professionals, so honing those interpersonal skills is vital.
4. Create a Portfolio: Document your journey—whether it’s through photos, videos, or a written journal. This can be a valuable tool when applying for jobs or internships, showing potential employers your progress, skills, and passion for the field.
5. Stay Active and Fit: Being an athletic trainer means you’re often on your feet, moving quickly, and assisting with physically demanding tasks. Staying in good physical shape can help you avoid burnout and provide the best care for your athletes.
6. Work with a Variety of Athletes: If possible, try working with athletes across different sports. Each sport has its own unique injuries and demands, and experiencing a wide range of environments will make you a more well-rounded trainer.
7. Seek Out Mentorship: Find experienced athletic trainers or sports medicine professionals who can guide you, answer your questions, and give you advice based on their own experiences. Mentorship can be a huge boost to your growth.
By combining both practical experience and ongoing learning, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an outstanding athletic trainer!
Both responses which you already recieved offer valuable insights!
Dr. H emphasizes practical, hands-on experience like internships, shadowing, and volunteering, which are critical for learning real-world skills. Networking and gaining experience in various environments like CrossFit or sports teams is a great way to broaden your expertise. Michael’s advice highlights the importance of building an online presence and networking with others in the field, especially in today's digital age. His strategies around content creation and collaboration can help you stand out and grow your personal brand. Both perspectives are helpful, depending on whether you're looking to build a strong foundation in training or stand out in the field with a unique personal brand.
Here are a few more tips that might help you as you pursue your athletic training career:
1. Get Certified Early: If you can, start working on certifications like CPR, first aid, and other specialized certifications in athletic training. These will not only make you more marketable but also give you confidence when working with athletes.
2. Stay Current with Research: Athletic training is an evolving field, and new methods, tools, and injury treatments are constantly being developed. Regularly reading journals or attending webinars and conferences will keep you ahead of the curve.
3. Develop Soft Skills: Athletic training isn't just about physical skills. Building strong communication, empathy, and teamwork skills is key. You’ll need to effectively communicate with athletes, coaches, and other medical professionals, so honing those interpersonal skills is vital.
4. Create a Portfolio: Document your journey—whether it’s through photos, videos, or a written journal. This can be a valuable tool when applying for jobs or internships, showing potential employers your progress, skills, and passion for the field.
5. Stay Active and Fit: Being an athletic trainer means you’re often on your feet, moving quickly, and assisting with physically demanding tasks. Staying in good physical shape can help you avoid burnout and provide the best care for your athletes.
6. Work with a Variety of Athletes: If possible, try working with athletes across different sports. Each sport has its own unique injuries and demands, and experiencing a wide range of environments will make you a more well-rounded trainer.
7. Seek Out Mentorship: Find experienced athletic trainers or sports medicine professionals who can guide you, answer your questions, and give you advice based on their own experiences. Mentorship can be a huge boost to your growth.
By combining both practical experience and ongoing learning, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an outstanding athletic trainer!
Dominic Willson
Athletic Training student
2
Answers
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Updated
Dominic’s Answer
Build a strong relationship with your high school athletic trainer by getting to know them and asking lots of questions. Aim to get your First Aid and CPR certification as soon as possible, and look for other certifications you can complete right now.
Practice, practice, practice! If you're learning how to tape ankles or any other techniques, keep practicing until you become quicker and more skilled. These tasks should become second nature so athletes can trust you to get them back on the field swiftly.
Stay curious and explore new techniques and research in the Athletic Training field. It’s always changing, and new discoveries are made all the time.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn.
Practice, practice, practice! If you're learning how to tape ankles or any other techniques, keep practicing until you become quicker and more skilled. These tasks should become second nature so athletes can trust you to get them back on the field swiftly.
Stay curious and explore new techniques and research in the Athletic Training field. It’s always changing, and new discoveries are made all the time.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn.
Sarah Fournier
Registered Nurse
4
Answers
Greene, Maine
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Braxton!
An Athletic trainer is a pivotal part of orthopedics and particularly the sports medicine specialists. The doctors rely on you getting the athlete back into tip top shape after an injury particularly! What's really great is when you can see the patient right after their initial injury, so you can get a better understanding of the complexities of different types of injuries and what impacts they can have on the function of the body parts. Here in Maine, we have some of our college AT students shadow or intern with an orthopedic doctor in the office, particularly the sports medicine providers, so they can learn how we diagnose problems and what treatments are out there. I would suggest reaching out to your mentor or possibly contacting your local orthopedic doctors' offices and see if this is an option where you are. Observing real time interactions with patients and doctors will ALWAYS be helpful in any kind of patient care occupation!
An Athletic trainer is a pivotal part of orthopedics and particularly the sports medicine specialists. The doctors rely on you getting the athlete back into tip top shape after an injury particularly! What's really great is when you can see the patient right after their initial injury, so you can get a better understanding of the complexities of different types of injuries and what impacts they can have on the function of the body parts. Here in Maine, we have some of our college AT students shadow or intern with an orthopedic doctor in the office, particularly the sports medicine providers, so they can learn how we diagnose problems and what treatments are out there. I would suggest reaching out to your mentor or possibly contacting your local orthopedic doctors' offices and see if this is an option where you are. Observing real time interactions with patients and doctors will ALWAYS be helpful in any kind of patient care occupation!
Thank you!! I’ll make sure to look for opportunites to job shadow them!
Braxton
Chris Harp
Athletic Trainer
17
Answers
Florence, Kentucky
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Professor of athletic training here.
Your question sounds a bit off. Your question asks about being an athletic trainer, but then the background you provide sounds more like personal training or strength and conditioning working with athletes.
Remember that athletic training is an allied healthcare profession working in the sports medicine field. This requires an entry-level masters degree from a CAATE accredited institution. You're probably looking at a undergraduate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, biomechanics, etc. and then following that up with the two years of graduate level work in athletic training. Most institutions that offer the athletic training masters degree commonly have what is known as a 3+2 pathway. Here, your fourth year is both undergraduate and graduate level work where some if not all graduate level work will count towards the undergraduate degree. You would essentially finish up your undergraduate degree in four years, and then have one more year to finish out your graduate degree in athletic training.
As far as an internship and gaining experience, I would recommend that you work with your high school athletic trainer and see if you would be allowed to serve as a student aide. You may also be able to volunteer with your local hospital or orthopedic group and shadow a surgeon for a day to see what that side of sports medicine looks like. If you find the right surgeon, go watch surgery.
https://caate.net/Search-for-Accredited-Programs and search for accredited athletic training programs.
https://www.nku.edu/academics/chhs/programs/graduate/athletictraining.html and come talk to me about what we can offer you in the athletic training profession.
Your question sounds a bit off. Your question asks about being an athletic trainer, but then the background you provide sounds more like personal training or strength and conditioning working with athletes.
Remember that athletic training is an allied healthcare profession working in the sports medicine field. This requires an entry-level masters degree from a CAATE accredited institution. You're probably looking at a undergraduate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, biomechanics, etc. and then following that up with the two years of graduate level work in athletic training. Most institutions that offer the athletic training masters degree commonly have what is known as a 3+2 pathway. Here, your fourth year is both undergraduate and graduate level work where some if not all graduate level work will count towards the undergraduate degree. You would essentially finish up your undergraduate degree in four years, and then have one more year to finish out your graduate degree in athletic training.
As far as an internship and gaining experience, I would recommend that you work with your high school athletic trainer and see if you would be allowed to serve as a student aide. You may also be able to volunteer with your local hospital or orthopedic group and shadow a surgeon for a day to see what that side of sports medicine looks like. If you find the right surgeon, go watch surgery.
Chris recommends the following next steps:
Chris Harp
Athletic Trainer
17
Answers
Florence, Kentucky
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Professor of athletic training here.
Your question sounds a bit off. Your question ask about being an athletic trainer, but then the background you provide sounds more like personal training or strength and conditioning with athletes.
Remember that athletic training is an allied healthcare profession working in the sports medicine field. This requires an entry-level masters degree from a CAATE accredited institution. You're probably looking at a undergraduate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, biomechanics, etc. and then following that up with the two years of graduate level work in athletic training. Most institutions that offer the athletic training masters degree commonly have what is known as a 3+2 pathway. Here, your fourth year is both undergraduate and graduate level work where some if not all graduate level work will count towards the undergraduate degree. You would essentially finish up your undergraduate degree in four years, and then have one more year to finish out your graduate degree in athletic training.
As far as an internship and gaining experience, I would recommend that you work with your high school athletic trainer and see if you would be allowed to serve as a student aide. You may also be able to volunteer with your local hospital or orthopedic group and shadow a surgeon for a day to see what that side of sports medicine looks like. If you find the right surgeon, go watch surgery.
https://caate.net/Search-for-Accredited-Programs and search for accredited athletic training programs.
https://www.nku.edu/academics/chhs/programs/graduate/athletictraining.html and come talk to me about what we can offer you in the athletic training profession.
Your question sounds a bit off. Your question ask about being an athletic trainer, but then the background you provide sounds more like personal training or strength and conditioning with athletes.
Remember that athletic training is an allied healthcare profession working in the sports medicine field. This requires an entry-level masters degree from a CAATE accredited institution. You're probably looking at a undergraduate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, biomechanics, etc. and then following that up with the two years of graduate level work in athletic training. Most institutions that offer the athletic training masters degree commonly have what is known as a 3+2 pathway. Here, your fourth year is both undergraduate and graduate level work where some if not all graduate level work will count towards the undergraduate degree. You would essentially finish up your undergraduate degree in four years, and then have one more year to finish out your graduate degree in athletic training.
As far as an internship and gaining experience, I would recommend that you work with your high school athletic trainer and see if you would be allowed to serve as a student aide. You may also be able to volunteer with your local hospital or orthopedic group and shadow a surgeon for a day to see what that side of sports medicine looks like. If you find the right surgeon, go watch surgery.
Chris recommends the following next steps: