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.

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.

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.

Athletic Trainer Related Articles

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
How to Become a High School Athletic Trainer: Career Roadmap

Learn how to become a high school athletic trainer. Research the education and career requirements, licensure and experience required for...

Salary and Career Info for an Athletic Trainer

Clients and patients seek out athletic trainers to receive education and assistance with developing an athletic plan and schedule to...

Athletic Trainer: Educational Requirements and Career Summary for the Field of Athletic Training

Prospective athletic trainers may need a bachelor's and a master's degree. Their training will involve extensive medical and scientific...

Top Ranked Criminal Justice Degree Program - Indianapolis, IN
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a nationally ranked university with recognized programs in law, health care and...
Top Ranked Computer Security and Network Security Degree Program - Atlanta, GA
Located in Georgia's capital city of Atlanta, the Georgia Institute of Technology offers a top-rated education to 20,000 students annually....
Where in Miami to Go to Get Certified As a CNA Nurse

The Miami area has several schools offering CNA programs. Learn about the programs and courses offered, admission info and program...

Online Higher Education Administration Graduate Programs

Administrative positions in higher education typically require at least a master's degree, with some preferring individuals to hold a...

26 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Doctorate
    • Master
        • MEd in Athletic Coaching
        • MEd in Sports Management
    • Non-Degree
        • Education Specialist in Sports Management

    When are you looking to start?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must live within close proximity to school locations
    • Must be graduated from high school by 2011
    School locations:
    • Arizona (1 campus)
    • Florida (1 campus)
    • Georgia (1)
    • New Jersey (1)
    • New York (4)
    • Texas (2)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Master
        • MS Sport Management: Certificate in International Sport Management

    What is your preferred start date?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    When would you like to start classes?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Which subject are you interested in?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate.
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Master
        • Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
        • Master of Science - Nursing
    • Bachelor
        • Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
        • BS in Health Science
        • RN to BSN

    When would you like to start classes?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • California (1 campus)
    • Colorado (1)
    • Minnesota (1)
    • Texas (1)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

    What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 17 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Master
        • MS in Sport Management - Tourism (Non-Thesis)
        • MS in Sport Management - Tourism (Thesis)

    What is your highest level of education?

Popular Schools