Career Development Grid

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and illnesses related to sports and physical activity. They work with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare professionals to promote safe and effective physical activity and to help athletes recover from injuries.
Education and Training:
To become an athletic trainer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field. You also need to be certified by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) and licensed by the state in which you practice. Certification requires passing an exam, and ongoing continuing education is required to maintain certification.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Athletic trainers work with athletes and other physically active individuals to prevent and treat injuries related to sports and physical activity. They may provide first aid, evaluate injuries, develop treatment plans, and work with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. They also develop and implement injury prevention programs, educate athletes and coaches on injury prevention and management, and assist with rehabilitation and return-to-play decisions.
Earning Potential:
In the short term, athletic trainers can expect to earn an average salary of around $50,000 to $60,000 per year. In the long term, with experience and advanced certifications, athletic trainers can earn salaries of $70,000 to $80,000 per year or more.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Athletic trainers can advance their careers by pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree in athletic training or a related field. They can also specialize in certain areas, such as sports medicine, rehabilitation, or strength and conditioning. With experience and advanced certifications, athletic trainers can also become supervisors, administrators, or educators.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing athletic trainers is the high demand for their services, which can lead to long hours and a heavy workload. To overcome this challenge, athletic trainers need to be organized, efficient, and able to prioritize their tasks. They also need to be able to work well under pressure and communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare professionals.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
Athletic trainers can gain experience by working with sports teams, schools, and other organizations that offer physical activity programs. They can also volunteer at local events and participate in professional organizations, such as the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), to build their network and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
Job Prospects:

To become an Athletic Trainer, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or a related field such as Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Sports Medicine.
The degree program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
After completing the degree program, you will need to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified athletic trainer (ATC).
Additionally, many states require athletic trainers to be licensed or registered with their state’s regulatory board. This may involve completing additional training or continuing education courses to maintain your license or registration.
Overall, becoming an Athletic Trainer requires a combination of classroom education, hands-on training, and certification/licensing requirements.

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries and illnesses related to physical activity. Their typical job duties and responsibilities include:
1. Injury prevention: Athletic trainers work with athletes and coaches to develop injury prevention programs and strategies, such as warm-up exercises, stretching routines, and proper equipment use.
2. Injury assessment: Athletic trainers evaluate injuries and determine the best course of treatment, which may include first aid, rehabilitation exercises, or referral to a medical specialist.
3. Injury treatment: Athletic trainers provide immediate care for injuries, such as applying ice, bandaging, or immobilizing the affected area.
4. Rehabilitation: Athletic trainers develop and oversee rehabilitation programs for athletes who have been injured, helping them to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
5. Education: Athletic trainers educate athletes, coaches, and parents about injury prevention, proper nutrition, and other health-related topics.
6. Record-keeping: Athletic trainers maintain detailed records of injuries, treatments, and rehabilitation progress.
7. Emergency care: Athletic trainers are trained to respond to emergencies and provide first aid until medical help arrives.
8. Research: Athletic trainers may conduct research to improve athletic performance and injury prevention strategies.
Overall, athletic trainers play a critical role in keeping athletes healthy and safe, and helping them to recover from injuries so they can return to their sport as quickly and safely as possible.

The earning potential for Athletic Trainers can vary depending on factors such as their level of education, experience, location, and type of employer.
In the short term, entry-level Athletic Trainers can expect to earn an average salary of around $40,000 to $50,000 per year. However, with experience and additional certifications, they can earn upwards of $70,000 per year.
In the long term, Athletic Trainers who advance to leadership roles such as head athletic trainer or athletic director can earn salaries of $80,000 to $100,000 or more per year. Additionally, those who work in professional sports or with high-profile athletes may earn even higher salaries.
It’s important to note that while earning potential is a consideration, it’s also important to choose a career that aligns with your interests, skills, and values.

The opportunities for career advancement in the field of Athletic Training may include:
1. Specialization: Athletic trainers can specialize in specific areas such as sports medicine, orthopedics, rehabilitation, or strength and conditioning.
2. Advanced Education: Pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Doctorate in Athletic Training or related fields can lead to higher-level positions, such as teaching or research.
3. Management: Athletic trainers can advance to management positions, such as athletic director or sports medicine program director.
4. Entrepreneurship: Starting a private practice or consulting firm can provide opportunities for career advancement and financial growth.
5. Professional Development: Continuing education and professional development can lead to new skills and certifications, which can open up new career opportunities.
Overall, the field of Athletic Training offers various opportunities for career advancement, depending on an individual’s interests, skills, and goals.

The biggest challenges facing Athletic Trainers include:
1. Long and irregular work hours: Athletic Trainers often work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This can make it difficult to maintain a work-life balance.
2. High-pressure work environment: Athletic Trainers work in a high-pressure environment where they are responsible for the health and safety of athletes. They must be able to make quick decisions and respond to emergencies.
3. Physical demands: Athletic Trainers must be physically fit and able to lift and move heavy equipment and athletes. They may also be required to stand for long periods of time.
4. Emotional demands: Athletic Trainers may be required to work with athletes who are injured or going through a difficult time. This can be emotionally challenging.
To overcome these challenges, individuals interested in pursuing a career as an Athletic Trainer should:
1. Develop time-management skills to balance work and personal life.
2. Learn stress-management techniques to handle the pressure of the job.
3. Maintain physical fitness to meet the physical demands of the job.
4. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare professionals.
5. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or a professional counselor to manage the emotional demands of the job.

1. Internships: Look for internships with professional sports teams, college athletic programs, or healthcare facilities that offer athletic training services. This will provide hands-on experience and allow you to build relationships with professionals in the field.
2. Volunteer: Consider volunteering your time with local sports teams or community organizations. This will allow you to gain experience and make connections with coaches, athletes, and other professionals in the athletic training field.
3. Attend conferences and workshops: Attend conferences and workshops related to athletic training to learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.
4. Join professional organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) can provide access to resources, job listings, and networking opportunities.
5. Build relationships with professors and mentors: Your professors and mentors can provide guidance, advice, and connections to professionals in the field. Make an effort to build relationships with them and seek their advice on how to build your network and gain experience.

The job prospects for Athletic Trainers are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Athletic Trainers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an increase in awareness of sports-related injuries and the need for preventative care. Athletic Trainers are also becoming more common in non-sports settings, such as hospitals and clinics, which is expanding the job market for this profession.
In the future, the demand for Athletic Trainers is expected to continue to grow due to an aging population and an increase in physical activity among all age groups. Athletic Trainers will also play a vital role in preventing and managing injuries in sports and recreational activities. However, competition for jobs may increase as more people become interested in this profession. Therefore, it is important for aspiring Athletic Trainers to gain experience and education in the field to increase their chances of finding employment.

To succeed as an Athletic Trainer, one needs to possess the following skills and qualities:
1. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology: Athletic Trainers must have a solid understanding of the human body, how it functions, and how it can be injured.
2. Communication skills: Athletic Trainers need to be able to communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare professionals.
3. Problem-solving skills: Athletic Trainers must be able to quickly assess injuries and develop effective treatment plans.
4. Attention to detail: Athletic Trainers must be meticulous in their record-keeping and documentation.
5. Interpersonal skills: Athletic Trainers must be able to build relationships with athletes and gain their trust.
6. Physical stamina: Athletic Trainers must be able to stand for long periods of time and be physically active during practices and games.
7. Emotional resilience: Athletic Trainers must be able to handle the stress of working with injured athletes and the pressure of ensuring their safe return to play.
8. Continuous learning: Athletic Trainers must stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and technologies in sports medicine.

Athletic trainers are in demand in the following sectors or industries:
1. Sports Teams and Organizations: Athletic trainers are required by professional sports teams, college sports teams, and high school sports teams to help athletes prevent and recover from injuries.
2. Healthcare: Athletic trainers work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics to help patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions.
3. Fitness and Wellness: Athletic trainers work in fitness centers, gyms, and wellness centers to help clients improve their physical fitness and prevent injuries.
4. Military and Government: Athletic trainers are employed by the military and government agencies to help soldiers and other personnel maintain their physical fitness and recover from injuries.
5. Education: Athletic trainers work in schools and universities to help student-athletes prevent and recover from injuries.

Misconception: Athletic trainers are the same as personal trainers or coaches.
Reality: While personal trainers and coaches focus on improving an individual’s fitness or athletic performance, athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for athletes and physically active individuals. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Misconception: Athletic trainers only work with professional athletes.
Reality: Athletic trainers work with athletes at all levels, including high school, college, and recreational leagues. They also work with physically active individuals who may not be athletes, such as dancers, military personnel, and industrial workers.
Misconception: Athletic trainers only provide first aid and basic medical care.
Reality: Athletic trainers are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide a wide range of services, including injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. They also provide emergency care, develop and implement injury prevention programs, and educate athletes and coaches on injury prevention and management.
Misconception: Athletic trainers are not as important as other healthcare professionals.
Reality: Athletic trainers play a crucial role in the healthcare team, particularly in the sports medicine field. They work closely with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for athletes and physically active individuals. They are often the first line of defense in preventing and managing injuries, and their expertise can help athletes return to their sport or activity safely and quickly.