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Jaelyn
Student
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How would a college athletic training career compare to a military AT career?
I'm looking at getting my graduate degree in AT, but still trying to see which direction I should go after. I would like to compare hours, responsibilities, clients, etc.
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1 answer
Ben Scheu
Athletic Trainer
15
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Hi there Jaelyn!
Such a good question — and as an AT, I hope I can give you some insight that’s helpful as you explore your options!
Just so you know a bit about me: I’ve worked in both Division I and Division III collegiate settings, and I spent a short stint in the world of professional sports. While I don’t have personal experience in the military setting, a close mentor of mine worked as an AT in the military for two years and generously shared his perspective with me — so I’ll break this down into two parts: traditional settings vs. military.
Traditional settings — like colleges, high schools, and professional sports — can be incredibly fun and rewarding. The pace is fast, the environment is high energy, and you’re surrounded by people who are motivated to get better. You form strong relationships with your athletes, work closely with coaches and other healthcare providers, and really feel like part of a team. The flip side? It can be a grind. The hours are long, nights and weekends are usually packed, and work-life balance can be tough...especially in-season!
Military settings offer many of the same upsides. You’re still working with a generally healthy, highly motivated population who are eager to get back to full strength. But there are some key differences. From what I’ve learned, the pace can feel more structured and less chaotic than a college or pro season. There’s often more consistency in scheduling, better benefits, and a clearer chain of command. Plus, there’s a strong emphasis on injury prevention and functional performance, which can be really fulfilling if you’re passionate about proactive care. Of course, the setting may be more formal and the culture different than athletics, so it depends on what energizes you most.
At the end of the day, both paths offer amazing opportunities to grow as a clinician and make a real difference in people’s lives. My advice? If you're at all curious about the military route, reach out to someone who's done it and ask for a 15-minute chat. Most people are more than willing to share their experience and help you find the right fit.
You’re asking the right questions,! Keep exploring the options, and trust that you’ll land where you’re meant to be!
Such a good question — and as an AT, I hope I can give you some insight that’s helpful as you explore your options!
Just so you know a bit about me: I’ve worked in both Division I and Division III collegiate settings, and I spent a short stint in the world of professional sports. While I don’t have personal experience in the military setting, a close mentor of mine worked as an AT in the military for two years and generously shared his perspective with me — so I’ll break this down into two parts: traditional settings vs. military.
Traditional settings — like colleges, high schools, and professional sports — can be incredibly fun and rewarding. The pace is fast, the environment is high energy, and you’re surrounded by people who are motivated to get better. You form strong relationships with your athletes, work closely with coaches and other healthcare providers, and really feel like part of a team. The flip side? It can be a grind. The hours are long, nights and weekends are usually packed, and work-life balance can be tough...especially in-season!
Military settings offer many of the same upsides. You’re still working with a generally healthy, highly motivated population who are eager to get back to full strength. But there are some key differences. From what I’ve learned, the pace can feel more structured and less chaotic than a college or pro season. There’s often more consistency in scheduling, better benefits, and a clearer chain of command. Plus, there’s a strong emphasis on injury prevention and functional performance, which can be really fulfilling if you’re passionate about proactive care. Of course, the setting may be more formal and the culture different than athletics, so it depends on what energizes you most.
At the end of the day, both paths offer amazing opportunities to grow as a clinician and make a real difference in people’s lives. My advice? If you're at all curious about the military route, reach out to someone who's done it and ask for a 15-minute chat. Most people are more than willing to share their experience and help you find the right fit.
You’re asking the right questions,! Keep exploring the options, and trust that you’ll land where you’re meant to be!
Thank you! This was super helpful!
Jaelyn