what course to take to become a athletic trainer

by Dr. Fern Rempel IV 10 min read

You can expect to take courses in biology, anatomy, nutrition, sports medicine, and kinesiology. Almost all states require athletic trainers to be licensed or certified to practice.

What classes should I take to become an athletic trainer?

Some of the course subjects needed to become an athletic trainer include: Anatomy Physiology Nutrition Biology Physics Evidence-based practice Kinesiology Research methods At the undergraduate level, students also usually complete other core curriculum courses that are required in general education.

What qualifications do you need to become an athletic trainer?

There is no better time to become an athletic trainer. The demand for athletic trainers across all practice settings is increasing, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the athletic training profession will grow 21% by 2022 1.There is tremendous opportunity for job growth in the secondary school setting as NATA advocates for the gold standard of at least one full time ...

What degree do you need to be an athletic trainer?

How To Become an Athletic Trainer – Step-by-Step Guide. Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years) Completing high school or earning a GED is the first step towards becoming an ... Step 2: Complete Athletic Trainer Education (Four to Six Years) Step 3: Earn an Athletic Trainer ...

What are some 'pros' to becoming an athletic trainer?

To practice as an athletic trainer in most states, the individual must also be credentialed within the state. Degrees in physical therapy, exercise science, strength and conditioning or others DO NOT qualify the candidate to sit for the BOC examination. Visit our BOC exam and pass rate page for more information on the exam.

Q. How much does an athletic trainer make?

On average an athletic trainer makes around $45,000 a year. It’s possible when you start out that you will make less, but as you gain experience, y...

Q. What does an athletic trainer do?

An athletic trainer works with doctors, schools, and athletic corporations to ensure that athletes and people who participate in athletics are safe...

Q. How long does it take to become an athletic trainer?

It can take between 4 years, when you get a Bachelor’s and 6 years, when obtaining a Master’s degree. The education may take longer if you do not d...

Q. Is there a demand for athletic trainers?

Yes, there is quite the demand for athletic trainers, especially in schools and hospitals. When new facilities like doctor’s offices, gyms, and hos...

Q. How much does it cost to become an athletic trainer?

This really depends on where you plan to go to school. Most four-year colleges range between $35,000 and over $100,000 a year. Obtaining a Master’s...

Is it a good time to become an athletic trainer?

There is no better time to become an athletic trainer. The demand for athletic trainers across all practice settings is increasing, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the athletic training profession will grow 21% by 2022 1.

How much will the athletic training profession grow in 2022?

The demand for athletic trainers across all practice settings is increasing, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the athletic training profession will grow 21% by 2022 1.

Why are athletic trainers important?

Athletic trainers continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in growing practice settings such as performing arts, military, public safety and occupational health. Athletic trainers keep injury rates down and keep employees healthy on the job, which is critical for these employers.

Why do hospitals use ATs?

ATs, when used effectively, can increase patient throughput, improve patient satisfaction and help the physician have a better work/life balance.

What is an athletic trainer?

While each of these professionals is essential, it is the athletic trainers who handle injury prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery. Athletic trainers can work for a professional sports team, in high school or collegiate athletics, at a hospital, or in physical therapy clinics. Their goal is to help identify, prevent, ...

Why are there 5,200 new athletic training positions?

These 5,200 new athletic training positions are due to an increased demand for trainers as awareness and concern over sports injuries have become more prevalent. In addition, an increase in sophistication and availability of sports injury treatments is also driving demand for more athletic trainers.

What degree do you need to become an athletic trainer?

Currently, athletic trainers must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or exercise science. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than athletic training can complete a post-professional master’s.

What are the requirements for athletic training?

Master’s degree program admission requirements for athletic training programs typically include prerequisite coursework, a completed bachelor’s degree, letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, and official transcripts. International students whose first language is not English will need to submit proof of English proficiency through ...

Is athletic training online?

Due to the hands-on nature of athletic training, there are limited fully online programs. The majority of the accredited online programs are to advance the education and training of professionals already in this field, such as the program below.

How to become an athletic trainer?

Completing high school or earning a GED is the first step towards becoming an athletic trainer as it is required for admission to most bachelor’s degree programs. Having a high school diploma or GED also demonstrates a dedication to completing a program and a minimum education level. Students who want to pursue a career in athletic training should focus on classes such as anatomy and physiology, science, math, and psychology. Additionally, students can volunteer in their high school athletics program to gain hands-on experience.

How many exams do you need to be an athletic trainer?

The exam required for certification is recognized by all 49 states that require licensure, so athletic trainers only need to sit for one exam.

How to become an athletic trainer?

In order to become an athletic trainer, you must have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. The school that the AT graduates from must be accredited so that they can obtain licensing. There are several ways to find an accredited school, if you are unsure, ask the counselor at the school you are looking to apply.

Do you need a masters degree to become an athletic trainer?

Though it is not necessary to get a Masters degree as an athletic trainer, the experience and education you receive can put you leaps and bounds above the rest. It is even possible to obtain a Master’s degree in Athletic Training if you have a Bachelor’s degree in another field.

How to become a professional athlete?

Some of the things you want to take to heart are: 1 Obtaining employment information 2 Mastering new athletic training procedures 3 Expanding your approach 4 Conducting your practice in an ethical and appropriate manner.

What are the skills of an athletic trainer?

This job isn’t for everyone, and it’s important to make your clients feel comfortable and welcome, so some of the personal skills that athletic trainer’s should include: 1 Empathy for other people’s illnesses and injuries 2 Compassion for clients, especially those who are hurt 3 Interpersonal skills like maintaining eye contact, listening and asking meaningful questions 4 Ability to make your own decisions and decisions for others 5 Attention to detail, you are dealing with precious cargo, people’s bodies. 6 Confidence in yourself and your education

How much does an athletic trainer make?

The average yearly salary for an athletic trainer is $45,000. Those that are just starting out with minimal experience can make around $41,000. People who have worked for years and have experience, education, and skills can make over $50,000.

Why is it important to have an athletic trainer?

It is important for people to keep themselves safe and not cause further injury, with the help of an athletic trainer, clients are positive they won’t injure themselves.

How long does it take to get a masters in athletic training?

Those that plan to get a Master’s Degree will typically take about six years to complete the program. Education is important when you become an athletic trainer, the more you learn about the human body, the better you will be at success in the job.

How does occupational rehabilitation work?

On-site rehabilitation provides a safer, less expensive alternative to injury recovery. Some of the benefits include: 1 Treating referrals promptly: When treatment occurs at the workplace, injured employees don't have to wait for a doctor to see them. 2 Works around existing schedules: Employees can get treatment around their work schedule. 3 Lower cost: Employees might be able to avoid insurance premiums by participating in occupational rehabilitation, and by treating the injury right away, there's less likelihood of it getting worse. 4 Better rehabilitation: Participating in occupational rehab has better outcomes because the AT understands the work environment and associated risk.

What is an athletic trainer?

An athletic trainer is someone who works with athletes to help them rehabilitate through injury and increase their performance. They may assess an injury, work with individuals during training sessions and create at-home treatment plans.

How to become an AT certified trainer?

Prepare a resume and apply for AT jobs. 1. Enter the right educational program. The very base requirement for becoming a certified athletic trainer is to get a bachelor's degree from an accredited program.

What is the accrediting agency for AT programs?

The accrediting agency that mandates AT programs is called the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. The CAATE accredits programs at the bachelor's level, the master's and doctoral level and various continuing education courses.

What is clinical training in athletics?

During all AT educational programs, students will undergo clinical training, which includes gaining practical experience in a medical or healthcare environment. The National Athletic Trainers Association serves as a guide for most clinical training rotations.

What is the National Athletic Trainers Association?

The National Athletic Trainers Association serves as a guide for most clinical training rotations. Students will shadow experienced AT professionals and perform basic athletic training with patients, including overseeing treatment and monitoring progress. 2. Pass certification exam to achieve certification.

Why is a resume important?

Your resume is an important component of the hiring process. When you create your first resume to apply for AT jobs, you should highlight your education and achievements since you may not have much relevant experience yet.

How long does it take to become an athletic trainer?

Certification and licensure requirements vary state by state, with most states requiring Athletic Trainers to become licensed by the state or become certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) Duration to become one. 4 to 6 years.

How to become an athletic trainer in high school?

Step 1: Start Preparing Early. You can start preparing to become an Athletic Trainer in high school by acquiring the foundational knowledge such as biology. Biology will teach you about the human body and how to treat injuries. Additionally, pay attention to all science subjects in school, like chemistry, physics, and biology.

What is the certification exam for athletic training?

The certification exam tests you on treatment and rehabilitation, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, and emergency care.

What is CAATE in athletic training?

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) requires undergraduate Bachelor degree programs in Athletic Training to switch to a Master’s degree . The college needs to remove the programs by a specified year.

Do you have to complete an athletic training program outside of your program?

Otherwise, you may need to complete it outside of your program, such as in the summer or as an extracurricular subject. For an Athletic Trainer, education does not stop but continues throughout their career, as they need to brush up and update their knowledge of the profession.

Does an athletic trainer have to stop education?

For an Athletic Trainer, education does not stop but continues throughout their career, as they need to brush up and update their knowledge of the profession. Not doing so can result in them losing their license to practice as an Athletic Trainer.

Why is it important to be attentive in English and speech classes?

Be attentive in English and speech classes because they are useful in helping you build your communication skills. As an Athletic Trainer, you will find yourself communicating with coaches, athletes, medical staff, and potential clients. Join a sports team or club to gain experience working with a team and other athletes.

What is an athletic trainer certification?

An athletic trainer certification is a state licensure that a professional athletic trainer receives upon completing a certification exam. To take the certification exam, athletic trainers must complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the field through an accredited program.

How to get your athletic trainer certification

The athletic trainer certification can be obtained only after completing a bachelor's degree in the field. There may also be additional requirements for certification, depending on your state of residence or licensure. The following steps can help guide you through the process of obtaining your athletic trainer certification.

What are the certification exam requirements?

The athletic trainer certification requirements may vary from state to state, however, many states can follow the same parameters when issuing state licensing in the field. Here are the most common requirements to expect:

What is covered on the certification exam?

Your athletic trainer certification exam can include clinical subjects that you covered in your degree program and training. You might be required to answer questions about clinical evaluation and rehabilitation, diagnosis, treatment and emergency care.

How to prepare for the certification exam

It can seem intimidating to sit for the exam, however, when you take the time to adequately prepare yourself, you increase your chances of success as well as your exam confidence. The following tips can help you prepare for your certification exam:

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