How To Become a Athletic Trainer Complete Guide | SkillsAndTech

With so many people vying for positions in the athletic training field, it can be difficult to stand out. In this blog post, we will teach you how to become a athletic trainer, from start to finish.

We’ll cover everything from education requirements to the job market and more. So whether you’re currently working as an athletic trainer or want to make a change in your career, read on to learn everything you need to know.

Steps For How To Become a Athletic Trainer

Becoming a Athletic Trainer is a long and arduous process, but with the right resources, it’s definitely achievable. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Get accredited

This is obviously one of the most important steps, as without accreditation your credentials may not be upheld in future job searches. There are a number of accredited programs available, so research which one suits your qualifications best.

2. Start out as a graduate assistant

After getting your accreditation, the next step is to gain experience as a graduate assistant. This will allow you to gain practical experience working with athletes and learn about the profession from those who have been there before you.

3. Take on paid internships 

Once you have enough experience under your belt, it’s time to start looking for paid internships. This will give you valuable experience in the field while also helping to pay your tuition bills!

4. Network

The best way to get ahead in this field is by networking! Go to sporting events and meet people who work in this industry. You never know whom you might connect with!

5. Be flexible 

Just because this career requires a lot of hard work doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy aspects of it too! Be willing to switch gears and adapt as you learn more about the field.

Educational Requirements To Become a Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. To become a athletic trainer, you will need an undergraduate degree in health sciences or a related field and certification from the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).

After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to complete an accredited athletic training program. During your program, you will learn about sports medicine and injury prevention techniques. After completing your athletic training program, you will need to pass the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) certification exam.

Job Description of Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers are responsible for the care and rehabilitation of athletes. They work with coaches, trainers, and physicians to ensure that athletes are able to participate in physical activity safely and without pain. Athletic trainers also maintain records of athletes’ progress and provide guidance on exercise prescription.

In order to become an athletic trainer, students must complete a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses in sports medicine.

After completing their degree, applicants must pass a state athletic trainer certification exam. Those who successfully complete both the educational requirements and the certification exam can begin working as athletic trainers.

Athletic Trainer Career and Salary

Athletic trainers are in high demand and can make a good living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for athletic trainers was $53,520 as of May 2015.

The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $75,660, while the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $40,620. There are many opportunities for those interested in becoming an athletic trainer. Below is a list of some things to keep in mind when pursuing this career:

1) Start by obtaining a degree in athletic training or a related field. A degree will give you more credibility when looking for employment and will equip you with the skills and knowledge required for the job.

2) Be passionate about helping people participate in sports safely and effectively. This is key to being successful as an athletic trainer.

3) Network and find mentors early on in your career path. Many jobs within the athletic trainer field are available through word-of-mouth referrals from other professionals or through online resources like LinkedIn. Be prepared to give presentations about your experience and skills to potential employers.

4) Offer services beyond simply treating injuries during sports sessions or clinics. As an athletic trainer, it is important to be able to think outside the box and provide solutions outside of just injury treatment. This could include developing rehabilitation programs or providing nutrition guidance for athletes.

Benefits of Successful Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers help athletes perform at their best by providing on-field support and helping to prevent injuries. Here are four benefits of being a successful athletic trainer:

1. You can help athletes achieve their full potential by preventing and healing injuries.
2. You can provide guidance and instruction to athletes during workouts, which can improve performance.
3. You can improve team morale by promoting a healthy work-life balance for your athletes.
4. You can develop relationships with athletes and coaches that will last a long time.

What Skills Are Athletic Trainer Needed ?

An athletic trainer is needed to provide medical care and supervision for athletes, both during and after physical activity. Athletic trainers must have strong communication and organizational skills as they work with team members and coaches to keep everyone safe.

They must also have experience working with different types of equipment, which can include running shoes, bicycles, basketballs, soccer balls, and other sports equipment. Athletic trainers may need a college degree in athletic training or another related field, but most employers prefer applicants who have prior experience working with athletes.

Reasons of Why becoming a Athletic Trainer

1. Pursue a rigorous academic program in athletic training

A rigorous academic program in athletic training will prepare you for the challenges of the field. Courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, sports psychology and others will give you a strong foundation in the sciences that form the basis for athletic training.

2. Have experience working with athletes

Athletic trainers must be comfortable working with athletes from all walks of life. This means having experience working with individuals from all levels of athleticism, from recreational athletes to elite athletes.

3. Possess clinical skills

Clinical skills are essential for the role of athletic trainer. You must have an acute understanding of how physical conditions can impact an athlete’s performance and be able to provide appropriate treatment interventions.

4. Understand sport-specific diagnosis and treatment

Athletic trainers need to be highly skilled at sport-specific diagnosis and treatment. This includes understanding how different injuries occur and evaluating how best to rehab them.

Conclusion

Becoming a Athletic Trainer is a challenging and rewarding career choice, but it takes hard work and dedication to achieve.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know in order to pursue this path, starting with an overview of what the role entails and moving on to more specific advice on how to become successful. We hope that you find our guide helpful as you begin your journey towards becoming an athletic trainer.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

What does a Athletic Trainer do ?

Athletic trainers are professionals who work with athletes and help them recover from injuries. They also work to prevent injuries in the first place by teaching athletes about healthy habits. Athletic trainers play a critical role in supporting athletes during their sports career, as well as after an injury.

Athletic trainers typically have a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine or Physical Therapy.

They must also pass a certification exam from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). After completing training, athletic trainers work in hospitals, schools, fitness centers, and other locations where people participate in physical activity.

How much do Athletic Trainer make ?

Becoming a Athletic Trainer is a long and arduous process, but with hard work, dedication, and a little luck, anyone can make it happen. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for athletic trainers was $59,550 in May 2017. While this may not be ideal pay for some, it’s an excellent starting point for those interested in this career field.

How much does it cost to be a Athletic Trainer ?

The average annual salary for an Athletic Trainer is $56,000. The required education and experience vary depending on the employer, but most employers require an associate’s degree in athletic training from an accredited school. Most states also require certification through the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). Additional requirements may include successful completion of a state certification examination.

How long does it take to become a Athletic Trainer ?

See also: How To Become Personal Trainer

There is no single answer to this question as it can depend on a variety of factors, including your education and experience. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for an athletic trainer is $54,540.

Therefore, if you have a degree in athletic training from an accredited program and several years of experience working in athletics-related fields, you may be able to secure a career as an athletic trainer.

How many hours of Athletic Trainer Work ?

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There is no perfect answer to this question since athletic training work hours will vary depending on the individual’s specific qualifications and experience. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for an Athletic Trainer was $81,590 in May 2017.

Therefore, it is safe to assume that an Athletic Trainer working 40 hours a week would make an average of $46,320 per year. This means that someone with a four-year degree in Athletic Training could expect to make over $100,000 per year.

Additionally, many athletic trainers work additional hours when they are not at work or during special events such as games or tournaments. Therefore, it is safe to say that most Athletic Trainers work at least 50 hours per week on average.