Job Description - Athletic Trainer:
An athletic trainer is a healthcare worker who often performs his or her job under the supervision of physicians. He or she treats athletes and other individuals who sustain injuries. An athletic trainer also teaches people how to prevent injuries.
Employment Facts - Athletic Trainer:
There were 16,000 athletic trainers employed in 2008. Many athletic trainers work in sports-related jobs. Others work in hospitals, doctors' offices or the offices of other health professionals.
Educational Requirements - Athletic Trainer:
To work as an athletic trainer one must earn at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited program. The majority of athletic trainers, however, have a master's degree.
Other Requirements - Athletic Trainer:
Forty-seven states require athletic trainers to be licensed or registered. To become licensed or registered one must be certified by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC)
Job Outlook - Athletic Trainer:
The job outlook for athletic trainers is excellent. This occupation is projected to experience faster than average growth through 2018. It will be one of the fastest growing occupations requiring a bachelor's degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Earnings - Athletic Trainer:
In 2009 athletic trainers earned a median annual salary of $41,340 (U.S.).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much an Athletic Trainer currently earns in your city.
A Day in an Athletic Trainer's Life:
On a typical day an athletic trainer's tasks might include:
- assessing an athlete's injury or illness, providing emergency treatment and, if necessary, referring the patient to a physician for further care
- using physical therapy equipment, techniques and medication to treat patients
- evaluating an athlete's ability to return to his or her sport
- instructing athletes, parents and coaches in the prevention of injuries
- applying tape, bandages, or braces to athlete's body parts in order to prevent injuries
- collaborating on treatment plans with physicians and other healthcare professionals
- attending sporting events
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Athletic Trainer, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos294.htm (visited April 07, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Athletic Trainer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-9091.00 (visited November 8, 2010).
