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Athletic Trainer Licensing
A common misconception about athletic trainers is that they only deal with athletes. The organization
that oversees the profession is the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), which defines athletic
trainers as health care specialists who manage prevention and treatment of injuries resulting from
physical activity. An athletic trainer can gain certification through NATA but must also seek
licensing through one's state athletic Board or Commission. Other requirements include a BA degree
in Athletic Training from a learning institution accredited by the Commission of Accrediting of
Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Once licensed, the trainer must also pursue many hours of
continued education.
A Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) usually eventually earns at least a masters degree. Since 1990, forty
years after the inception of NATA, the American Medical Association has recognized Athletic Trainers as
health care professionals. Athletic Trainers usually work with physicians and therapists as this team
performs emergency injury management, assessment and rehabilitation. Check with your state's Athletic
Training Board or Commission to find out specific requirements in your state.
Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012.
Athletic trainers' increased licensure requirements and regulation have led to a greater acceptance of their
role as qualified healthcare providers. Employment growth will be concentrated in health-industry settings,
such as ambulatory healthcare services and physicians' offices.
Advances in technology and increasing emphasis on Preventive care also is expected to increase the demand for
athletic trainers. Also, as athletic trainers continue to expand their services, many employers are expected
to realize the cost-effectiveness of having an athletic trainer onsite to help prevent injuries and to provide
immediate treatment for injuries.
Reflecting both a concern for student-athletes' health and efforts to provide more funding for athletic training
programs in schools, many new sports-related opportunities will arise from positions created in elementary and
secondary schools. Some of these new positions also will include teaching responsibilities. Most colleges,
universities, professional schools, and professional sports clubs already have complete athletic trainer staffs.
As a result, positions in these settings will be harder to find and more competitive.
Turnover among athletic trainers is limited. Because of this, most openings are projected to come from job growth
rather than from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation permanently. For athletic trainers working
with sports teams, turnover is especially low because many athletic trainers prefer to work with the same coaches,
administrators, and players.
According to the US Department of Labor, the occupation is expected to continue changing over the 2002-12 decade
as athletic trainers take on more administrative responsibilities, adapt to new technology, and work with larger
populations. Jobseekers who are able to adapt to such changes will face the best prospects.
Qualifications, Training, and Advancement
Because athletic trainers deal directly with a variety of people, they need good social and communication skills.
They should be able to manage difficult situations and the stress associated with them-for example, when disagreements
arise with coaches, clients, or parents regarding suggested treatment. Athletic trainers also should be organized,
be able to manage time wisely, be inquisitive, and have a strong desire to help people.
Last year, there were more than 200 accredited bachelor's degree programs in athletic training. Students in these
programs are educated both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Formal education includes many science and
health-related courses, such as human anatomy,
physiology, nutrition, and biomechanics.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited athletic trainer program is part of the requirement for becoming certified
by the Board of Certification. In addition,
Athletic trainers work under the supervision of a physician.
Occupational Outlook Quarterly
A successful candidate for board certification must pass an examinationthat includes written questions and practical
applications. Athletic trainers must continue taking medical-related courses and adhere to a code of ethics to
maintain certification.
In the 43 States with athletic trainer licensure or registration or both, board certification is required. According
to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, 70 percent of certified athletic trainers have a master's or doctoral
degree. Athletic trainers may need a master's or higher degree to apply for some positions, especially those in
colleges and universities,
and to increase their advancement opportunities. And because some positions in high schools involve teaching along
with athletic trainer responsibilities, a teaching certificate or license could be required. There are a number of
ways in which athletic trainers can advance or move into related positions. Assistant athletic trainers may become
head athletic trainers and, eventually, athletic directors. Athletic trainers might also enter a group practice and
assume a management role. Some athletic trainers move into sales positions, using their athletic trainer expertise
to sell medical and athletic equipment.
For More Information
Visit your local library or career counselor's office to learn more about athletic trainers. In addition to researching
the occupation, look into the industries in which athletic trainers are employed.
Detailed employment and earnings data on athletic trainers are available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For the most recent national estimates and industry, State, and metropolitan area profiles, see the athletic trainer
occupational profile online at:
www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes299091.htm.
Some occupations are similar to athletic trainers in their focus on physical fitness. These occupations include fitness
trainers, personal trainers, aerobics instructors, fitness directors, and athletes, coaches, umpires, and related workers.
Related occupations that focus on healthcare includeemergency medical technicians and paramedics, physical therapists,
physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, recreational therapists,
occupational therapists, and respiratory therapists.
For more information about careers in athletic training,contact:
National Athletic Trainers' Association
2952 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75247
(214) 637-6282
www.nata.org
For more information about athletic trainer certification,
contact:
Board of Certification, Inc.
4223 S. 143rd Circle
Omaha, NE 68137
(402) 559-0091
www.bocatc.org
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