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Does being an Athletic Trainer take lots of work and study?
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ian’s Answer
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to carve out a successful career as an athletic trainer:
1. Acquire a Degree
To become an athletic trainer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as exercise science, kinesiology, or biology. Opt for a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education to ensure your eligibility for certification post-graduation. This educational journey will equip you with skills to assess injuries, administer first aid, and devise techniques to prevent illness. Your curriculum may include subjects like:
Human anatomy and physiology
Applied kinesiology
Exercise physiology
Nutrition
Pharmacology
Therapeutic exercises
Injury prevention and management
2. Undertake Clinical Training
Accredited programs usually offer clinical training opportunities, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a medical or health care setting. This could involve shadowing seasoned athletic trainers and performing basic tasks under their guidance. Consider a high school, college, hospital, rehabilitation center, or doctor's office for your clinical training to apply classroom knowledge in a practical scenario.
3. Get Certified
Upon earning your bachelor's degree from an accredited program, you can pursue certification to work as an athletic trainer. Most states necessitate certification for an athletic training license. You can contact the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer to schedule your certification exam. The board provides study materials and practice exams to aid your preparation. The four-hour exam assesses your understanding of:
Injury prevention and wellness promotion
Assessment and diagnosis
Immediate and emergency care
Therapeutic intervention
Health care administration
4. Craft a Resume
With certification in hand, it's time to prepare a resume to apply for athletic trainer positions. Your resume should highlight your education, clinical training, and certification to demonstrate your athletic training capabilities. If you have experience working in a gym or similar facility, include that as well. Tailor your resume to each job application to align your qualifications with the position requirements. Incorporate a professional summary at the top of your resume to quickly target keywords and attract the hiring manager's attention. Remember to proofread your resume each time you update it.
5. Pursue a Master's Degree
To stand out from the competition, many athletic trainers opt for a master's degree. Choose a graduate program that aligns with your career aspirations. These programs typically combine advanced coursework and clinical experience to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of the athletic training field.
What does an Athletic Trainer do?
An athletic trainer is a professional who aids athletes in preventing, managing, and recovering from injuries, and enhancing their performance. They assess injuries and collaborate with medical professionals to devise care plans for injured athletes. Athletic trainers often work with athletes during training sessions and formulate at-home treatment plans. They cater to professional, college, or youth athletes, among others who sustain sports-related injuries. Their duties often include:
Evaluating injuries and providing emergency care
Creating and implementing rehabilitation programs for injured athletes
Educating athletes on injury and illness prevention
Monitoring athletes' progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed
Maintaining detailed records of athletes' progress and recovery
Using equipment and tools to instruct athletes on safe exercise practices
1. Acquire a Degree
To become an athletic trainer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as exercise science, kinesiology, or biology. Opt for a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education to ensure your eligibility for certification post-graduation. This educational journey will equip you with skills to assess injuries, administer first aid, and devise techniques to prevent illness. Your curriculum may include subjects like:
Human anatomy and physiology
Applied kinesiology
Exercise physiology
Nutrition
Pharmacology
Therapeutic exercises
Injury prevention and management
2. Undertake Clinical Training
Accredited programs usually offer clinical training opportunities, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a medical or health care setting. This could involve shadowing seasoned athletic trainers and performing basic tasks under their guidance. Consider a high school, college, hospital, rehabilitation center, or doctor's office for your clinical training to apply classroom knowledge in a practical scenario.
3. Get Certified
Upon earning your bachelor's degree from an accredited program, you can pursue certification to work as an athletic trainer. Most states necessitate certification for an athletic training license. You can contact the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer to schedule your certification exam. The board provides study materials and practice exams to aid your preparation. The four-hour exam assesses your understanding of:
Injury prevention and wellness promotion
Assessment and diagnosis
Immediate and emergency care
Therapeutic intervention
Health care administration
4. Craft a Resume
With certification in hand, it's time to prepare a resume to apply for athletic trainer positions. Your resume should highlight your education, clinical training, and certification to demonstrate your athletic training capabilities. If you have experience working in a gym or similar facility, include that as well. Tailor your resume to each job application to align your qualifications with the position requirements. Incorporate a professional summary at the top of your resume to quickly target keywords and attract the hiring manager's attention. Remember to proofread your resume each time you update it.
5. Pursue a Master's Degree
To stand out from the competition, many athletic trainers opt for a master's degree. Choose a graduate program that aligns with your career aspirations. These programs typically combine advanced coursework and clinical experience to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of the athletic training field.
What does an Athletic Trainer do?
An athletic trainer is a professional who aids athletes in preventing, managing, and recovering from injuries, and enhancing their performance. They assess injuries and collaborate with medical professionals to devise care plans for injured athletes. Athletic trainers often work with athletes during training sessions and formulate at-home treatment plans. They cater to professional, college, or youth athletes, among others who sustain sports-related injuries. Their duties often include:
Evaluating injuries and providing emergency care
Creating and implementing rehabilitation programs for injured athletes
Educating athletes on injury and illness prevention
Monitoring athletes' progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed
Maintaining detailed records of athletes' progress and recovery
Using equipment and tools to instruct athletes on safe exercise practices
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
To become an athletic trainer in 2022, you must secure a master's degree before you can start practicing. This journey begins with a 4-year education to get your Bachelor's degree, ideally in a field like exercise science or biology. If you're a fan of science, these majors should appeal to you. However, be prepared for a rigorous academic journey, as these subjects demand a significant amount of study and effort. Some institutions offer a streamlined 3+2 direct entry program. In this setup, you can earn your Bachelor's degree in an accelerated 3-year program, followed by a 2-year master's in Athletic Training. Once you've completed your education, you must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) Examination in Athletic Training to start your career as an athletic trainer.
Take Biology and Human Anatomy classes in high school.
If your school has an athletic trainer, ask them if you can shadow them for an afternoon or two to get a feel for their job.
Cheri recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello Vincent. My son is pursuing a career in Athletic Training. His undergraduate degree is in Biology and he is looking to join a Masters program that specializes in Kinesiology and/or Physical Training. Whatever your career path takes you, please note you will have to complete formal training in an accredited College or University program. Talk to your school counselor about STEM scholarships. I wish you well on your academic journey.