It's crucial to comprehend what working as an athletic trainer entails before making the decision. This is especially true if dealing with athletes is something you're interested in. Those who want to work as athletic trainers have a range of alternatives, from working with a collegiate sports team to assisting with neighborhood kids sports teams. These chances are crucial for acquiring real-world experience and learning about the sports industry from the ground up, even though you might not be able to treat players in your early years.
There are many possibilities accessible to you if you want to pursue a career in athletic training. You can work as an individual sports trainer at a high school or as a team at a college or university. In either situation, working as an athletic trainer can give you a wide range of experiences and help you figure out what you enjoy doing the most. Additionally, this employment might assist you in getting ready for a range of roles in a college or other healthcare facilities.
Over the next 10 years, employment possibilities for sports trainers are anticipated to grow substantially faster than the average for all occupations. The expansion is ascribed to the popularity of athletics expanding and to greater awareness of sports-related ailments. A growing older adult population also contributes to a rise in the demand for sports trainers. Consider earning a degree in a discipline that is similar if this is a career you are interested in.
Opportunities for employment as an athletic trainer include work with performing artists and in the active military. Preventing, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries are all part of an athletic trainer's responsibilities. Additionally, doctors and other medical specialists, such as athletic trainers, frequently collaborate with each other. You can join a team that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of its members through this exciting and fulfilling employment.
Depending on where you want to work, different locations have different educational requirements to become an athletic trainer. A Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to health from a reputed university is the minimal required. However, some employers favor candidates with a Master's degree. You can advance in your sports training job with the help of this degree.
You should think about participating in a school's athletic program to receive the proper education for this position. You'll be able to assist both on the field and in the weight room thanks to this. Additionally, internships might assist you comprehend the daily activities of an athletic trainer. These internships may also assist you in finding employment.
Due to the fact that you'll be working with individuals who might be in pain or discomfort, getting an education in sports training is essential. You must be understanding and empathetic while administering therapy for this. To give your patients the finest care possible, you also need to have good decision-making abilities. In order to effectively track patients' progress, you must also have a strong attention to detail. Additionally, you must be an excellent communicator with both patients and medical professionals.
Athletic trainers must complete a PhD program in addition to an authorized degree program. Only a few universities currently offer doctoral degrees in athletic training. However, these institutions offer good chances for sports trainers to further their education, as well as support and pay.
The need for athletic trainers will increase as more individuals participate in sports. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that athletic trainers have a promising work outlook. Athletic trainer job vacancies will increase by 23% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
As more individuals participate in sports, particularly for recreation, there will be a rise in the need for athletic trainers. There will be an increase in the amount of sports-related injuries as more people become active. As a result, athletic trainers will be required to assist in preventing injuries and enhancing general health. A lot of organizations also use sports trainers to help with cost management. They might collaborate with the military to develop initiatives to lessen injuries or to rehabilitate damaged soldiers.
Athletic trainers' responsibilities vary greatly. The majority either work full-time for businesses or organizations or for private employers. These people could have to put in a lot of overtime, including on the weekends. Athletic trainers may work at high schools and other groups, albeit the majority are full-time office employees.
Athletic trainer employment is favorable, particularly in light of the rising concern over sports-related injuries. In order to reduce injuries, many states require public high schools to employ sports trainers. But there aren't enough full-time athletic trainers at many public schools.