Athletic Trainer Career Path: Skills and Opportunities
If you love sports, helping people, and figuring out what makes the human body tick, then a career as an athletic trainer might be calling your name. Athletic trainers are the unsung heroes on the sidelines, who jump into action when an athlete goes down, helping them recover and return to the game. From high schools to the NFL, athletic trainers are in demand everywhere. Let’s discuss what it takes to become one, the skills you need, and the opportunities in this thrilling field.
What Exactly Does an Athletic Trainer Do?
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries. They’re a mix of first responders, physical therapists, and strength coaches, all rolled into one. But unlike personal trainers who focus on fitness, athletic trainers work directly with athletes to keep them safe and healthy before, during, and after games.
An athletic trainer might help a soccer player warm up before a game, tape up an injured ankle, or design a rehab plan for someone recovering from a torn ligament. They’re there to ensure athletes perform at their best without risking serious injury, making them a crucial part of any sports team.
The Skills You Need to Succeed
So, what does it take to be an athletic trainer? Here’s a look at some essential skills:
- Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology. Understanding how the body works is key. You’ll need to know what muscles and bones are involved in different movements and how injuries can affect them.
- First Aid and Emergency Care. Athletic trainers are often the first ones on the scene when an athlete gets hurt. Knowing how to handle injuries quickly and effectively is critical, especially in high-stakes situations.
- Communication Skills. You’ll work with coaches, doctors, athletes, and occasionally the athlete’s family. It’s crucial to be able to explain injuries, recovery plans, and safety protocols in a way everyone understands.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking. No two injuries are the same. You’ll need to assess each situation and decide the best course of action.
- Emotional Support. Recovering from an injury isn’t just physical – it’s mental, too. A great athletic trainer can motivate and reassure athletes, keeping them positive and focused on their recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Athletic Trainer
Ready to dive into this career? Here’s how you get there:
1. Earn Your Degree
Most athletic trainers start with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field like sports medicine, kinesiology, or exercise science. Look for programs focusing on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and first aid. Schools like the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina offer top-ranked programs in athletic training that combine classroom knowledge with hands-on experience.
2. Get Certified
To work as an athletic trainer in the U.S., you’ll need to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The BOC is your golden ticket into the profession. Most employers won’t hire an athletic trainer who isn’t certified, so it’s a must-do. Once certified, you’ll also need to keep your skills sharp with ongoing education and training throughout your career.
3. Gain Experience
Getting hands-on experience is key. Many aspiring athletic trainers do internships or clinical rotations, working directly with athletes and sports teams. You might work with college teams, high schools, or professional sports organizations. Interning with a sports team is a great way to build your skills, make connections, and see firsthand what the job is really like.
4. Stay Up-to-Date
Sports medicine is constantly evolving, and new treatments and technologies are constantly being developed. Staying informed about the latest research and techniques is essential. To stay at the top of your game, follow journals like the Journal of Athletic Training or attend conferences by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).
Where Can You Work as an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic trainers work in a wide range of settings, so if you’re looking for variety, this career path has plenty.
- High Schools and Colleges. A dozen athletic trainers work with student-athletes, helping them stay healthy throughout the sports season. Working in schools can be incredibly rewarding, as you’re often assisting young athletes to develop good habits early on.
- Professional Sports Teams. If you’ve ever watched a pro game, you’ve probably seen athletic trainers running onto the field to check on an injured player. Pro sports can be high-pressure, but they offer some of the most exciting and well-paid opportunities for athletic trainers.
- Sports Medicine Clinics. Athletic trainers can also work in clinical settings, helping athletes and non-athletes recover from injuries. This is an excellent option if you want a mix of patient interaction and a steady work environment.
- Military and Law Enforcement. The military and police forces need athletic trainers to keep their personnel in peak physical condition. You’ll be helping soldiers and officers stay fit and recover from the physically demanding aspects of their jobs.
Real-Life Success Stories in Athletic Training
To give you an idea of the impact athletic trainers can make, here are some real success stories:
- Sue Falsone. Known as one of the first female athletic trainers in Major League Baseball, Falsone made waves when she joined the Los Angeles Dodgers’ staff. She brought cutting-edge rehab techniques to the team, helping players recover faster and safer. Falsone’s pioneering work opened doors for other women in the field.
- Jeff Allen. As the head athletic trainer for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Allen has been credited with helping the team maintain low injury rates. His innovative approach includes using sports science and wearable tech to monitor athletes’ readiness and recovery, ensuring they are in peak form for game day.
- Ron Courson. The head athletic trainer for the Georgia Bulldogs, Courson is known for his dedication to player safety and injury prevention. His work with concussion protocols has made him a leader in sports safety, and his influence has helped improve standards across college football.
Tech and Tools of the Trade
An athletic trainer’s job isn’t just about tape and ice packs anymore. Here’s some of the high-tech gear they use:
- Wearable Tech. Devices like Catapult GPS and WHOOP bands help track an athlete’s workload, recovery, and performance. Athletic trainers use this data to spot early signs of fatigue or overtraining, which can help prevent injuries before they happen.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Machines. These machines send sound waves deep into muscles to reduce inflammation and speed recovery. They’re a staple for trainers working with athletes who need fast healing.
- Cryotherapy and Compression Gear. For recovery, tools like Game Ready machines combine ice and compression therapy, helping to reduce swelling and accelerate healing after intense workouts or injuries.
- Movement Analysis Software: Tools like Dartfish and Hudl allow trainers to analyze how athletes move in slow motion, pinpointing any biomechanical issues that could lead to injury.
Challenges and Rewards
Being an athletic trainer is not always easy – it’s a hands-on job that demands quick thinking and resilience. You’ll deal with stressful situations, like treating injuries on the field, and occasionally, you’ll work long hours, especially during peak sports seasons. But for those who love sports and helping people, the rewards are well worth it. The feeling of helping an athlete recover, watching them return on the field, and knowing you made a difference? Priceless.
Plus, athletic trainers are highly respected members of the sports community. Coaches, athletes, and even fans know that athletes wouldn’t be able to play at their best without trainers. Your expertise keeps players safe and helps them reach their full potential.
