Athletic Trainers
Overview
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who help prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries for athletes of all levels. They apply protective gear like tape and braces, provide emergency first aid, and create personalized rehabilitation programs to get injured players back in the game. Using modern technology like ultrasound machines and movement analysis software, they work closely with coaches, doctors, and physical therapists in sports facilities, clinics, and schools. Most athletic trainers earn a bachelor's degree in athletic training and must pass a national certification exam to practice.
Did you know?
Most states require Athletic Health Specialists to obtain specific certifications such as NATA-BOC certification and maintain continuing education credits to practice legally.
At a Glance
$59,820.98 Avg/yr
Median Wage
Fast Growing
Growth
Reading Comprehension
Top Skill
Key Responsibilities
- Perform team support duties, such as running errands, maintaining equipment, or stocking supplies.
- Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
- Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.
- Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
- Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
- Inspect playing fields to locate any items that could injure players.
- Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.
- Accompany injured athletes to hospitals.
- Advise athletes on the proper use of equipment.
- Recommend special diets to improve athletes' health, increase their stamina, or alter their weight.
- File athlete insurance claims and communicate with insurance providers.
- Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
- Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
- Confer with coaches to select protective equipment.
- Develop training programs or routines designed to improve athletic performance.
- Conduct research or provide instruction on subject matter related to athletic training or sports medicine.
- Teach sports medicine courses to athletic training students.
- Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
- Plan or implement comprehensive athletic injury or illness prevention programs.
- Lead stretching exercises for team members prior to games or practices.
- Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, or bruises.
Career Considerations
Certification and Licensing Requirements
Most states require Athletic Health Specialists to obtain specific certifications such as NATA-BOC certification and maintain continuing education credits to practice legally.
Diverse Employment Opportunities
Career paths span professional sports teams, collegiate athletics, high schools, rehabilitation clinics, and corporate wellness programs across the expanding American sports and fitness industry.
Competitive Job Market
The field is highly competitive, particularly for positions with professional sports teams, requiring strong networking, specialized skills, and often geographic flexibility for career advancement.