What is an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. They work in collaboration with physicians and are often the first responders for emergency care in sports, schools, clinics, and industrial settings.
Typical Education
A Master's degree in Athletic Training is the typical entry-level education required for this occupation.
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Salary Range in the United States
The typical median annual wage for Athletic Trainers in the United States is $60,250 (as of May 2024). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,100.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Athletic Trainers
Day in the Life
How to Become an Athletic Trainer
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Complete a bachelor's degree, often in a related field like Kinesiology or Exercise Science, with prerequisite courses necessary for graduate school.
- Obtain a Master's Degree: Complete a professional program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This is the current standard for entry.
- Pass the Certification Exam: Pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).
- Obtain State Licensure: Apply for and receive the required license or registration from the state in which you plan to practice.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Participate in extensive supervised clinical practice hours throughout your education to gain hands-on experience in various settings.
Essential Skills
- Emergency Care and First Aid: Providing immediate, life-saving care for acute injuries or illnesses on the field or in the clinic.
- Injury Evaluation: The ability to systematically assess, diagnose, and determine the severity of musculoskeletal and general medical conditions.
- Rehabilitation Techniques: Designing and implementing therapeutic exercise programs to help patients recover and return to activity.
- Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintaining meticulous records of patient evaluations, treatments, and progression for legal and medical continuity.
- Interpersonal Communication: Building trust with patients (athletes, workers, etc.), collaborating with medical staff, and communicating effectively with coaches or employers.
Key Responsibilities
- Injury Prevention: Developing and implementing proactive strategies, such as creating conditioning programs, fitting protective equipment, and providing pre-participation physical exams.
- Clinical Diagnosis and Evaluation: Performing thorough assessments of injuries, utilizing clinical reasoning to determine the likely diagnosis, and formulating a treatment plan.
- Immediate and Emergency Care: Serving as the first responder for medical emergencies, administering first aid, and coordinating physician referrals and emergency transport.
- Treatment and Rehabilitation: Providing therapeutic interventions, modalities (like ultrasound or electrical stimulation), and supervised exercises to facilitate healing and functional return.
- Healthcare Administration: Managing medical records, handling insurance documentation, ordering supplies, and overseeing the organization and operation of the athletic training facility.
Five Common Interview Questions
- "Walk us through your process for evaluating a patient with a suspected ankle sprain on the field." (Tests knowledge of systematic injury assessment and on-field management.)
- "Describe a time you had to manage a medical emergency and how you ensured proper coordination of care." (Assesses emergency response skills, calm under pressure, and communication with EMS/physicians.)
- "What is your philosophy on return-to-play decisions, and how do you handle pressure from a coach or athlete to clear them too soon?" (Gauges professional ethics, clinical judgment, and ability to advocate for patient safety.)
- "How do you stay current with the latest evidence-based practices and professional literature in athletic training?" (Determines commitment to continuing education and professional development.)
- "Tell us about your experience using various therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation exercises." (Evaluates practical skill set and knowledge of treatment techniques.)
Questions?
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