Athletic Trainer Job Description: Overview, Education & Training Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: An athletic trainer is a healthcare professional who helps prevent injuries and treat existing musculoskeletal injuries. He/she works under a physician, but they are usually one of the first healthcare providers in an emergency when someone is injured. Their work involves recognizing, evaluating and assessing injuries, as well as providing immediate care as necessary. Athletic trainers are not the same as personal trainers and fitness trainers often hired by athletes and celebrities.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, human anatomy, biomechanics, physiology or any health-related course is required to become a trainer. To obtain certification, a bachelor’s degree in athletic training must be completed. Some work, such as teaching positions, may require a doctoral degree or additional certification. Knowledge in marketing, sales or other fields is an advantage, as they can hold jobs in non-health industries as well.
Skills & Abilities: It is extremely important for athletic trainers to possess effective communication and social skills because they interact with people directly. They should also be highly organized, calm, proactive, inquisitive and has the ability to handle difficult and stressful situations. They should also possess critical thinking, instructing and active listening skills, time management, interpersonal skills and advanced knowledge in medical equipments, therapy, dentistry, medicine, psychology, counseling or biology. The trainer must also be generally fit and be able to kneel, run, and stand for long periods of time.
Duties:
An athletic trainer is responsible for assessing an athlete’s illness or injury, providing treatment immediately and referring them to a physician for additional testing and care; consulting with physicians and patients about administering treatments, discuss rehabilitation programs and provide ways to prevent future injuries. He/she also provides instruction on how to use sports equipments safely and proper conditioning.
The trainer also works by evaluating an athlete’s ability to return to his or her sport; treating patients using physical therapy techniques, medication and equipments; collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals about a patient’s treatment plans; instructing parents or sports coaches in injury prevention; and attending sporting events to provide assistance when injuries occur.
Earnings & Job Outlook: Athletic trainers can be found in various industries, but they are often hired by professional athletic arenas, such as National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball, among others. They can also hold work in a school setting, government agencies, clinics and hospitals. Employment growth in this field is expected to grow much faster than average through 2014. The median annual earnings of this position in 2008 is $44,235, while those with more experience earn up to $59,688 per year.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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