Athletic Trainer
The athletic training job field is one of the fastest growing fields in the nation, with job opportunities from local school systems to professional sports teams. Read on to learn more about the degree requirements and training needed to pursue a career in this field.
Inside Athletic Training
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who deal with the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries and their related conditions. Many athletic trainers have a master's or doctoral degree, but a bachelor's degree is usually acceptable for entry-level positions in this field.
Students who enroll in an undergraduate program should expect to receive both classroom and clinical training that may include courses such as biomechanics, physiology, human anatomy and nutrition. In addition to receiving a bachelor's degree or higher, most states require athletic trainers to be certified. To obtain certification, trainers must first complete a degree program to qualify for the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) examination for athletic trainers (www.bocatc.org).
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the athletic training job field was expected to grow about 37% from 2008 to 2018, making it one of the fastest growing fields in the nation (www.bls.gov). Most athletic trainers receive benefits and work full-time. The BLS reported that the median wages earned by athletic trainers in May 2011 was $41,600.
Learn More About Athletic Training
Individuals interested in a career as an athletic trainer have a number of options to consider, including desired degree level, what school or schools would best suit them and career choices. Education-Portal.com offers many articles on the educational and career options open to you in this field.
Degree Options
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) estimates that nearly 70% of athletic trainers have at least a master's degree (www.nata.org), making advancement very competitive. Read on to learn more about the degree programs available in athletic training.
- Athletic Trainer Degree Program Overview
- Athletic Trainer Major and Undergraduate Programs
- Athletic Trainer Graduate Program Options
Study Options
There are approximately 350 accredited undergraduate programs available in the United States. Education-Portal.com provides information about athletic training programs and schools to help you make decisions.
- Athletic Training: How to Choose a College
- Top Schools in Athletic Training
- Online Certification in Athletic Training
Job Options
While the majority of athletic trainers find work in public and private schools, they are commonly found providing sports-related healthcare in hospitals, offices of healthcare practitioners, recreational sports centers, fitness centers and spectator sporting arenas.
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