3 answers
Sophia
Student
5
Questions
Asked
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Is becoming an athletic trainer a realistic goal, is it competitive, should I shift towards looking into another career in sports medicine?
Becoming an athletic trainer caught my attention a few years ago. However, I do have an open mind to similar careers in the same field. #athletic-training #career
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3 answers
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
842
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
Like any question on this platform, the answer is often it depends. Being an athletic trainer is a realistic goal if you have the skill and the will to do the job. Athletics in the US is only growing as even at the high school level, there are trainers being brought in to help athletes improve. An athletic trainer can be a competitive to an athlete, even those who may not go into professional sports. It might just help them get into the college of their dreams. Your challenge is this - what do you think of your ideal goal is as an athletic trainer? Is it to work in a particular sport? Is it at a particular level - with professionals or amateurs? Do you want to work for sports teams, be independent, work in school athletic programs? I would say that you should check out sites like this for role details. https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/athletic-trainer?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo47I_OyB9gIVcxXUAR03zwiIEAAYASAAEgJ3T_D_BwE&aceid= I would recommend reading the job descriptions and ask yourself - Do I see myself doing this job? If you can see it, you can be it. Just like any job, the best way to have a long, enjoyable career is center the job around your strengths and what makes you happy. It may take a few jobs to figure out the right place for you. But if you know at least what you think will make you happy, that is a good place to start.
Gloria
Like any question on this platform, the answer is often it depends. Being an athletic trainer is a realistic goal if you have the skill and the will to do the job. Athletics in the US is only growing as even at the high school level, there are trainers being brought in to help athletes improve. An athletic trainer can be a competitive to an athlete, even those who may not go into professional sports. It might just help them get into the college of their dreams. Your challenge is this - what do you think of your ideal goal is as an athletic trainer? Is it to work in a particular sport? Is it at a particular level - with professionals or amateurs? Do you want to work for sports teams, be independent, work in school athletic programs? I would say that you should check out sites like this for role details. https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/athletic-trainer?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo47I_OyB9gIVcxXUAR03zwiIEAAYASAAEgJ3T_D_BwE&aceid= I would recommend reading the job descriptions and ask yourself - Do I see myself doing this job? If you can see it, you can be it. Just like any job, the best way to have a long, enjoyable career is center the job around your strengths and what makes you happy. It may take a few jobs to figure out the right place for you. But if you know at least what you think will make you happy, that is a good place to start.
Gloria
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Sophia
Valdimir Rice
Manager - Customer Service Ops
1
Answer
Updated
Valdimir’s Answer
Absolutely Sophia! Becoming an athletic trainer is a realistic goal. Fitness leads to longevity and in life and happier persons. At least that has been my experience. It is a competitive field yet there is vast opportunity to growth and carving out your own best fitness practices for health, strength and conditioning of athletes. Additionally, ensuring your programs include the mental aspect of life and fitness as lessons along the way. many people gravitate to and choose to the trainer that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed so they can trust them to not judge them while helping them achieve fitness and athletic goals. So, I would recommend a focus on you the person and how best you can give of yourself to care for and help others, that trumps the competition aspect as I believe good and positive energy is always rewarded. I hope this helps.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Sophia
Jennifer Giera, DPT, CLT, MDNC
Physical therapist
5
Answers
New Berlin, Wisconsin
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Sophia!
I have worked with athletic trainers in the school setting as well as healthcare. Many of the athletic trainers I know ended up going back to school to advance their career, many going to PT (physical therapy) school and joining my profession. I would admit there are definitely more job opportunities as a PT (hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities/assisted living, public schools, private companies, etc.). The athletic trainers I know all love high school sports, which is where a lot of them work. The biggest complaint I hear about that job includes hours/weekend demands, salary range, and job availability.
Ultimately, finding a job you love is going to be super important. If it’s athletic training, that’s great! If you’re uncertain, I would recommend looking at programs such as: physical therapy (doctorate degree), physical therapy assistant (associates degree), or exercise physiology.
I have worked with athletic trainers in the school setting as well as healthcare. Many of the athletic trainers I know ended up going back to school to advance their career, many going to PT (physical therapy) school and joining my profession. I would admit there are definitely more job opportunities as a PT (hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities/assisted living, public schools, private companies, etc.). The athletic trainers I know all love high school sports, which is where a lot of them work. The biggest complaint I hear about that job includes hours/weekend demands, salary range, and job availability.
Ultimately, finding a job you love is going to be super important. If it’s athletic training, that’s great! If you’re uncertain, I would recommend looking at programs such as: physical therapy (doctorate degree), physical therapy assistant (associates degree), or exercise physiology.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Sophia