Wondering how to become an athletic trainer? This guide covers everything you need to know, from the education and certification required to the essential skills that will help you succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to specialize, you’ll find clear steps to help you get started in this exciting career.
Key Takeaways
- Athletic trainers are integral healthcare professionals who work in various settings, and the job market for this role is expected to grow significantly.
- To become a certified athletic trainer, one must complete an accredited program, pass the Board of Certification exam, and meet continuing education requirements.
- Career advancement in athletic training is possible through further education and experience, with opportunities ranging from head athletic trainer to athletic director.
The Athletic Trainer’s Path: Understanding the Profession
Athletic trainers are unsung heroes in sports and beyond, providing essential care for athletes in various settings. From educational institutions to professional sports teams, these professionals play a crucial role in:
- Preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries
- Designing and implementing injury prevention programs
- Rehabilitating athletes after injuries
- Providing emergency care on the field
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the overall well-being of athletes
Job opportunities for athletic trainers are expected to grow by an estimated 14% from 2022 to 2032.
Becoming an athletic trainer is about more than choosing a career – it’s about impacting lives positively.
Defining the Role of an Athletic Trainer
The role of an athletic trainer extends beyond the sidelines of a sports event. These professionals collaborate with physicians, coaches, and physical therapists to provide comprehensive care for athletes. They play a vital role in developing rehabilitation programs for injured athletes, ensuring a safe and efficient return to physical activity.
Their services aren’t confined to a single setting; athletic trainers work in diverse environments, from schools to healthcare facilities, offering many opportunities.
Workspaces and Opportunities
The athletic training field offers a wealth of diverse job opportunities. Athletic trainers may find rewarding roles in:
- Professional sports teams
- Military
- Law enforcement
- Performing arts
In the military and law enforcement sectors, athletic trainers deliver primary care, minimize the risk of injuries, and maintain the health of service members and personnel through sports medicine practices.
The range of opportunities available enables most athletic trainers to discover a niche that perfectly marries their passion and skills, as is the case with many athletic trainers.
Educational Foundation: Degrees and Courses
A robust educational foundation marks the start of the journey towards becoming a certified athletic trainer. Typically, a degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is a requirement for many athletic training positions. Many employers look for this accreditation when hiring professionals in the field. The curriculum includes courses in human anatomy, physiology, and physics, providing students with a holistic understanding of the human body and its response to physical activity.
Bachelor’s Degree Essentials
A Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology lays the foundation for a career in athletic training. This degree offers practical competencies in communication, creative thinking, motivation, and a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Core courses typically include athletic training skills assessment, field experience, and therapeutic exercises in athletic training, equipping students with essential knowledge and hands-on experience.
Advancing with a Master’s Degree
While a bachelor’s degree lays the foundation, many aspiring athletic trainers choose to advance their education with a master’s degree. These programs shift the focus from formal instruction to clinical experience and research, preparing students for advanced roles within the field.
Master’s degree programs in athletic training cultivate skills including clinical diagnosis of sports-related injuries, proficiency in exercise and nutrition, and provision of counseling on mental health.
Gaining Real-World Experience
Beyond the classroom, gaining real-world experience is pivotal in shaping a successful career in athletic training. Internships offer the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, develop crucial skills such as rehabilitation techniques, work with student-athletes, and become proficient in CPR.
On the other hand, volunteering offers the opportunity to contribute to the community and cultivate leadership skills.
Internship Insights
Internships at sports team organizations offer:
- Invaluable hands-on experience
- Networking opportunities
- A diverse array of experiences across professional baseball teams, NFL teams, and other sports organizations
These internships serve as more than stepping stones – they act as launchpads for flourishing careers in athletic training.
These experiences enhance clinical proficiency and adaptability and provide dynamic, challenging, and personally rewarding experiences.
Volunteering Ventures
Beyond internships, volunteering for university sports programs or local athletic events offers additional avenues to gain practical experience. Through volunteering, students can develop leadership skills, enhance their time management and organizational abilities, and gain new technical expertise. It’s also a potent demonstration of a student’s dedication to the field of athletic training, showcasing their commitment to their community and their profession.
Certification Journey: Becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer
Becoming a certified athletic trainer is a significant milestone on this career path and choosing what personal trainer certification is for you. To achieve this, individuals must complete a CAATE-accredited program, pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, and meet continuing education obligations.
This process, endorsed by the National Athletic Trainers Association, ensures that certified athletic trainers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide exceptional care to athletes.
Preparing for the BOC Exam
Preparation for the BOC exam represents a vital stage in the journey towards certification. This exam evaluates candidates’ proficiency in the five domains of athletic training, including:
- Injury prevention
- Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
- Immediate and emergency care
- Therapeutic interventions
- Healthcare administration
Recommended study materials include:
- Study Guide for the BOC Exam
- LabCE
- Bottomline
- Harr
These resources help candidates identify strong and weak knowledge areas and provide practice tests and explanations.
Continuing Education Commitment
Certification isn’t the end of the journey. Athletic trainers need to engage continuously in education to sustain their certification. This commitment ensures they stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field, acquire new knowledge and skills, and improve beyond entry-level practice. Continuing education can include activities such as post-certification coursework, live events, and online programs.
Licenses and Legalities: State Requirements
Athletic trainers must be licensed or certified in almost all states, ensuring they meet professional standards and qualifications. This licensing or certification is crucial for maintaining the quality and effectiveness of athletic training services. State licensing boards set the requirements for licensure, which can vary significantly. It is important for athletic trainers to understand the specific requirements in the states where they plan to work.
In addition to certification, having the right insurance, such as personal trainer insurance, is essential for both athletic and personal trainers. Insurance provides protection in case of accidents or injuries and adds to a trainer’s professionalism. Insure Fitness offers comprehensive insurance packages for personal trainers, covering general and professional liabilities. This kind of coverage is especially important for those who work independently or in multiple locations, ensuring they are protected from potential claims.
Navigating State Regulations
Despite its challenges, understanding state regulations is crucial in becoming an athletic trainer, as some states require athletic trainers to meet specific criteria. Requirements range from current BOC certification to specific educational criteria and even distinct coursework or apprenticeship experiences. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in consequences such as fines and the loss of certification.
Maintaining Licensure
The maintenance of licensure demands ongoing diligence. Athletic trainers must complete 50 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years for certification renewal. These CEUs can be obtained through activities like post-certification coursework, live event participation, and online programs.
Building Essential Skills for Success
Succeeding in athletic training involves more than just academic qualifications and certifications. It requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and decision-making abilities. These skills are crucial in providing effective care to athletes and ensuring a successful career in athletic training.
Developing Interpersonal Skills
In the domain of athletic training, interpersonal skills are of utmost importance. Building rapport with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare professionals is key to effective communication and care delivery. Skills such as the following are fundamental for success in this field:
- Good evaluation
- Effective communication
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Patience
Enhancing Professional Attributes
Equally significant are professional attributes such as keeping up-to-date with industry trends, improving assessment and treatment methods, and exhibiting ethical behavior.
Pursuing further education and specialized certifications can increase opportunities for career growth and higher-level positions in the field.
Career Advancement: From Assistant to Athletic Director
The career trajectory of an athletic trainer brims with potential for growth and progression. With experience and further education, athletic trainers can progress to positions like head trainers and athletic directors or transition into administrative roles.
Exploring Advanced Roles
Broadening career prospects may include obtaining further certifications, specializing in a particular sport or population, or moving to a different work environment. These advanced roles offer the opportunity to provide a broader range of services and establish oneself as an authority in a specific area.
Impact of Further Education
Pursuing further education, such as a doctoral degree or specialized certifications, can open doors to higher-level positions in the field. This not only equips professionals for advanced clinical practice and research positions but also serves as a requirement for securing more esteemed and lucrative positions within the industry.
Summary
Becoming a certified athletic trainer is a challenging yet rewarding path. From acquiring a solid educational foundation to gaining real-world experience, passing the BOC exam, and keeping up with continuing education, each step plays a vital role in shaping a successful career in athletic training. With strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to lifelong learning, athletic trainers can excel in their profession and make a significant difference in the lives of athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is needed to become an athletic trainer?
To become an athletic trainer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree. Still, many trainers also have a master’s degree, which most employers prefer. Completing a degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is important.
Can you make a living as an athletic trainer?
Yes, it is possible to make a living as an athletic trainer, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the work setting and experience level. The median annual wage for athletic trainers is around $48,000, with the highest earning potential in professional sports and performing arts events.
What is required to be an athletic trainer in California?
To become an athletic trainer in California, you must obtain state licensure through the California Board of Athletic Training by submitting official transcripts, proof of BOC certification, and any additional required documents. Additionally, you must graduate from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC).
What are the main duties of an athletic trainer?
The main duties of an athletic trainer include preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and implementing rehabilitation programs to help athletes recover and return to physical activity safely.
