What Does a Athletic Trainer Do?
An Athletic Trainer is a healthcare professional who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries in athletes and physically active individuals. They work closely with physicians to provide rehabilitation programs and emergency care during athletic events. Athletic Trainers are essential members of sports medicine teams at schools, colleges, professional teams, and healthcare facilities.
Athletic Trainer Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a athletic trainer include:
- Evaluate injuries and illnesses to determine appropriate treatment and return-to-play decisions.
- Design and implement rehabilitation programs to help athletes recover from injuries safely.
- Apply preventive taping, bracing, and padding to protect athletes during practices and competitions.
- Provide immediate first aid and emergency care for injuries sustained during athletic activities.
- Educate athletes on injury prevention techniques, proper conditioning, and nutrition.
- Maintain detailed medical records for all athletes under your care, including injuries and treatments.
- Collaborate with team physicians, physical therapists, and coaches on athlete health decisions.
- Monitor environmental conditions such as heat, humidity, and field surfaces to assess safety risks.
- Oversee the athletic training room, managing inventory of medical supplies and rehabilitation equipment.
- Develop emergency action plans for practices, games, and travel.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a athletic trainer, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Injury assessment and clinical evaluation
- Rehabilitation program design and implementation
- Emergency care and first response
- Taping, bracing, and protective equipment application
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
- Communication with athletes, coaches, and physicians
- Documentation and medical record-keeping
- Strength and conditioning program knowledge
Education and Training
Athletic Trainers must earn a master's degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), as the profession transitioned to requiring a graduate degree for entry-level practice. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, nutrition, and clinical practice with supervised field experience. Graduates must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Most states require licensure or registration in addition to national certification. Continuing education is mandatory to maintain the ATC credential and stay current with evidence-based practices in sports medicine.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $48,000 - $65,000 per year
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Athletic Trainers to grow much faster than average over the next decade. Increased awareness of sports-related injuries, particularly concussions, has led to expanded roles in schools, clinics, and workplaces. Legislative efforts requiring athletic trainers at high school sporting events are creating new positions in many states. Beyond traditional sports settings, Athletic Trainers are finding opportunities in occupational health, performing arts medicine, military settings, and physician practice groups. The profession offers strong job stability and diverse practice settings.