How to Become an Athletic Trainer
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an athletic trainer, you may wonder how to get started. There are several steps to take, including earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, obtaining a temporary license, and joining an athletic trainer association. In this article, we’ll go over each of these steps in detail. After reading this article, you should be well-equipped to begin your journey.
Earning a bachelor’s degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree in athletic training is a great way to get a foot in the door of the growing athletic training profession. As an athletic trainer, you will need to learn about biomechanics, kinesiology, therapeutic interventions, injury prevention, and the human body. Typically, an athletic training degree will consist of classroom instruction paired with hands-on learning opportunities.
The job outlook for athletic trainers is good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. In fact, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 30% by 2020, which means over 18,000 new jobs will be created. In 2010, the average salary for an athletic trainer was $41,600 per year. It’s expected that this figure will rise even faster over the next decade.
An athletic trainer’s job requires strong interpersonal skills. Because they deal with patients who are in pain or discomfort, they must be compassionate and have excellent decision-making skills. They must be able to make sound clinical decisions and document every step along the way. Additionally, a successful athletic trainer needs to be detail-oriented. In addition to being compassionate, athletic trainers must be detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills.
Earning a master’s degree
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program prepares students for national certification and eligibility for the BOC examination. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure and practice in accordance with the state’s practice act. This program can also be completed online. Students who wish to work in a sports medicine facility should consider an online program. The program includes coursework, clinical experiences, and hands-on learning in a sports medicine setting.
An MSAT program at the University of Virginia allows students to complete clinical placements with sports medicine teams and the School of Medicine. Students in the program will work with University of Virginia faculty members who have a track record for making cutting-edge contributions to the field of athletic training. The faculty are highly-regarded and have contributed to textbooks, research articles, and grants, among other accomplishments. In addition to teaching students the latest techniques in sports medicine, they also conduct research in various therapeutic modalities and concussion management.
Earning a temporary license
If you are considering a career in athletic training, the first step is to earn your license. You can apply for this license at the New York State Education Department. You will need to pay the fees as outlined on the application. The fees vary depending on the state and are due when you submit your application. If you are applying electronically, you will need to pay by credit card, but you can also mail your application to the indicated address.
Applicants must complete a formal athletic training program to earn a license. These programs are accredited by the CAATE and approved by the Board. They must include coursework in prevention, evaluation, therapeutic modalities, exercise, and psychology. They should also include courses on human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Once they have completed the program, they must take the state’s test to certify that they have met the requirements for licensing.
Joining an athletic trainer association
Upon graduation, an athletic trainer must take a certification exam administered by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC). After certification, he or she must adhere to the BOC Standards of Practice. Professionals must also complete continuing education courses to remain active in their field. Membership in an athletic trainer association may be a good way to stay up to date on the latest developments in athletic training and to maintain a professional license.
Considering becoming an athletic trainer? You should join an athletic trainer association! There are several benefits to membership in the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). For starters, it will help you network with other athletic trainers and network with prospective employers. Moreover, you can take advantage of conferences and continuing education courses. Once you are an athletic trainer, you may choose to focus on a more lucrative field, such as coaching a sports team. After graduation, you can also pursue management positions, which are typically more lucrative.