Athletic Trainers

Description

Athletic trainers help athletes stay fit and healthy. They tape elbows, knees and ankles to prepare the athlete before a sporting event. When someone is injured during practice or a competition, the athletic trainer assesses and evaluates the injury. They develop a treatment for the injury, and refer the athlete to a specialist if needed. Athletic trainers are used in the college and professional level of sports. This field is growing at the high school level.

Working Conditions

Athletic trainers often work evenings and weekends. They attend practices and competitions for a variety of sports.

Salary

Beginning athletic trainers should expect to earn a salary of about $25,000. Trainers who work with college athletes earn a little more and those who work for schools usually earn a teacher's salary plus an additional amount for their training duties. Trainers for professional teams earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year.

Helpful Skills and Subjects to Study

To prepare for a college program, students should take courses in health and the sciences, especially biology and chemistry, as well as physical education.

Related Jobs

Physical therapists, sports coaches, aerobics instructors, and sports physicians are related closely to athletic trainers.

Education & Training

A bachelor's degree in physical education, physical therapy, or other area related to health care is the minimum requirement. Trainers should also earn a certificate from the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Job Outlook

There will be competition for trainer positions. Many people want to enter this field, so those with the best education and training will have the most success finding a job.

Sources for Additional Information

American Sports Medicine Association
660 West Duarte Road, Suite 1
Arcadia, CA 91007
818-445-1978

National Athletic Trainers' Association
2952 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75247-6196
214-637-6282
www.nata.org