Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. They work with athletes at all levels and with active individuals in settings like hospitals, industrial workplaces, and performing arts. These professionals collaborate with physicians, coaches, and other healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and optimize physical performance. Their expertise helps manage and mitigate risks associated with physical activity.
Required Degree for Athletic Trainers
The educational pathway to becoming an athletic trainer has evolved, and the current standard to enter the field is a master’s degree. This requirement was implemented to elevate professional standards and align athletic training with other healthcare professions like physical therapy. This advanced degree ensures that practitioners possess a deeper level of clinical reasoning and scientific knowledge.
A key part of this requirement is that the degree must be from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CAATE accreditation ensures programs meet specific standards for curriculum and clinical experiences. Graduating from a CAATE-accredited program is mandatory to be eligible for the national certification exam.
This transition to a master’s-level education aims to improve patient outcomes, increase respect for the profession, and potentially lead to higher salaries. Individuals currently practicing with a bachelor’s degree are not required to obtain a master’s. However, all new entrants to the profession must meet the graduate-level standard that took full effect in 2022.
Common Coursework in an Athletic Training Program
An athletic training curriculum is built on a scientific and medical foundation. Core coursework includes human anatomy and physiology, which provide a detailed understanding of the body’s structure and function. These classes are often paired with biomechanics, the study of how the body moves, which is important for analyzing athletic performance and identifying injury risks.
Students also delve into subjects directly related to clinical practice. Courses in injury prevention and emergency medical care equip future trainers to create safety protocols and respond to acute situations. Clinical evaluation and diagnosis courses teach methods for assessing injuries, while therapeutic modalities classes cover treatments like electrical stimulation and manual therapy.
Programs include extensive clinical education, where students work directly with patients under the supervision of certified athletic trainers. This hands-on experience is integrated with coursework in evidence-based practice, which teaches students how to use current research to make informed clinical decisions. Subjects such as nutrition and sports psychology are also common, providing a holistic view of athlete health.
Certification and State Licensure
After completing an accredited master’s program, the next step is to obtain national certification by passing an examination from the Board of Certification (BOC). Successfully passing this exam earns the individual the credential of “Certified Athletic Trainer” (ATC), the nationally recognized standard for the profession. The BOC exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills across five major domains of practice.
Holding the ATC credential is a prerequisite for practicing in most states. States have their own regulations governing athletic training, which take the form of licensure, certification, or registration. An athletic trainer must apply to the appropriate state board and meet its requirements, which almost always includes holding a current BOC certification.
This system of national certification and state licensure ensures a high level of professional competence. To maintain both their BOC certification and state license, athletic trainers must adhere to a code of ethics and complete ongoing continuing education courses. This ensures that practitioners stay current with advancements in sports medicine and healthcare.
Essential Skills for Athletic Trainers
Beyond formal education and certification, successful athletic trainers possess a set of interpersonal and cognitive skills. These skills are what enable a trainer to apply their technical knowledge effectively and build trust with those under their care.
- Critical thinking to quickly evaluate injuries, often in high-pressure environments, and develop effective treatment plans based on sound clinical judgment.
- Communication skills to clearly and calmly convey complex medical information to injured athletes, their families, coaches, and physicians.
- Empathy and compassion, as trainers often work with individuals who are dealing with the physical and emotional stress of an injury.
- Composure under pressure to remain calm and focused during emergencies, whether on the sidelines of a game or in a busy clinic.
- Attention to detail for tasks ranging from accurately documenting patient records to meticulously monitoring an athlete’s progress during rehabilitation.
Career Outlook and Salary
The career prospects for athletic trainers are strong, with projected job growth that outpaces the average for all occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for athletic trainers will grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033. This growth is driven by a greater awareness of sports-related injuries, increasing demand in high schools, colleges, and youth sports leagues.
Salaries for athletic trainers vary based on experience, geographic location, and work setting. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for athletic trainers was $60,250 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $45,380, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,100.
Different work environments offer different pay scales. For example, athletic trainers working in educational services often have competitive salaries. Those employed by professional sports teams or in specialized healthcare facilities may command higher incomes. As the profession elevates its educational standards, both the demand and compensation for qualified athletic trainers are expected to remain positive.