Athletic Trainer

Are you interested in a job as an athletic trainer? Athletic trainers help treat and prevent injuries for people of all ages, walks of life and fields. An athletic trainer could be involved in personal athlete training, or helping an industrial worker or student. Athletic trainers are recognized by the American Medical Association as health professionals. Whenever injuries take place, an athletic trainer is one of the first professionals on the scene and must evaluate the extent of the injury and provide whatever emergency care as the situation calls for. They are also part of the rehabilitative and reconditioning process of the injured person.

Athletic Trainer Career Information

An athletic trainer works under the supervision of a licensed doctor and the extent of supervision will vary depending on the work setting. They may also be involved in administrative duties, such as budget planning, purchasing, policy making or other business issues. Athletic trainer jobs require people-oriented workers since they will interacting with others on a regular basis. They must consult with physicians, athletes, patients and discuss many issues ranging from treatments to health issues and injury-preventive practices. The job may involve working in and outdoors and require long periods of standing, crouching and running. Though nights and weekends are usually free, this may differ by employers, and 40+ hour work weeks are usually the norm. Some surveys have even suggested that in high school athletics trainers may work as much as 70 hours a week. Career opportunities in athletic training are rewarding but the job may be stressful. Trainers must be able to make quick decisions that will directly affect their clients' health, and perhaps even feel heavy pressure from others if they are involved in coaching athletics.

Athletic trainer salary could range from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the work setting. These jobs usually require athletic training programs, specifically a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and in the areas of science, health, human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, or biomechanics. There are also some athletic training schools that could be of help to the aspiring trainer, as well as some athletic training room floor plans. However, most institutions scrutinize these achievements and require in-class room training along with clinical experience.

Employment journals of athletic training suggest that this career will grow faster than average through the year 2014. Many athletic trainers buy professional liability insurance to legally protect themselves from injuries or situations that are out of their control. For more information on athletic training supplies, pictures of athletic trainers and how to join the Florida athletic coaches association visit organizations like Nata.org and Bocatc.com.