Athletic Training:
What is Athletic Training?
Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions.
Athletic Training Origin:
Athletic training originated in the 20th century during the Olympic Games. From these games it was evident that athletes needed someone to help them prevent, treat, and rehab acute or chronic injuries. In 1950 the National Athletic Trainer’s Association was created to encourage the profession and to represent, engage and foster the continued growth and development of the athletic training profession and athletic trainers as unique health care providers. From 1950 to the present day, Athletic Training has gotten progressively more popular.
Academic Preparation for this Career:
In order to become an Athletic Trainer you must have a Bachelors degree in any one of these fields: Athletic Training, Kinesiology, Sports science, Exercise Science. A Masters Degree is not required but it is encouraged. Undergraduate requirements require Anatomy, Nutrition, Biology, and Psychology
A majority of the country requires athletic trainers to obtain credentials, but specific requirements vary by state. Generally, states use the standard certification exam offered by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). Passing this exam and having completed an educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) usually leads to initial certification. Students must take continuing education courses to maintain their certification throughout their career.
Job Setting:
Athletic trainers are able to work in many different types of environments. However, most A.T.s work in educational services (Colleges or Universities, and Elementary, Middle, and High schools) at state, local, and private levels. Someone with this occupation may also have the opportunity to work in Hospitals, Fitness and Recreational sport centers, offices of Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists, Law enforcement/Military, as well as have their own self-employed work.
Athletic Trainers work full time and the job requires attendance at practices, games and other events on weekdays and weekends, they also have to be prepared to work in all kinds of weather conditions.
The average Salary of an Athletic Trainer:
The median annual wage for Athletic Trainers is $47,510. The lowest 10% however, earned less than $31,010, and the highest 10% can earn more than $70,750.
Future:
Employment of Athletic Training is supposed to grow 19% in the next 10 years. Demands for A.T.s continue to grow due to the need for rehab from sports related injuries.
