There are several things you need to know if you want to become an athletic trainer. You'll need to complete various courses to become an excellent athletic trainer, whether you're a college student or already have some experience. Biology and physics subjects in high school are recommended to provide the core knowledge required for success. It would help if you also took English and speech training to strengthen your customer communication abilities.
To become a certified athletic trainer, you must complete a recognized college athletic training program. After completing your program, you must complete at least two years of on-the-job training with a NATA-approved trainer. Once accredited, you can apply for jobs in schools, sports programs, and health clubs. Local newspapers and online job boards can also look for employment openings. You can also contact your state's employment office or school board. Also, look through National Collegiate Athletic Association periodicals for employment postings.
Volunteering for a school's athletic programs will benefit a college student. This will enable you to assist in the gym, the weight room, and the field. You may also keep track of injured players and ensure game-day rosters are up to date. In addition, athletic trainers will be well compensated for their profession as a bonus, and the growth of this employment field is predicted to reach 23% over the next decade.
Admission to a licensed sports training program requires a Master's degree. Although not required, it is strongly advised. It will assist you in expanding your knowledge and improving your talents. You can also complete the program while working, which is advantageous if you wish to work in the industry full-time. Employers may pay for your tuition in some instances. You can even start your master's degree immediately after graduation.
Athletic training regulations vary; however, there are specific general guidelines. Athletic trainers must generally be licensed and pass a certification exam. Furthermore, licenses expire. Therefore it is critical to keep certificates current. More information is available from the National Athletic Trainers Association. If you want to develop your profession, you might consider getting a Master's degree in sports management. You can get your certification by using your degree.
Undergraduate studies typically last four years. You may need to attend summer classes to speed up the program, or you can take additional courses to complete your education faster. Whatever path you take, you should anticipate working in this profession for a few years. A master's degree in sports training is also available and is frequently required for certification. To work as an athletic trainer, you should be prepared for a tough job.
A bachelor's degree in athletic training is required before becoming an athletic trainer. It would help if you also enrolled in an accredited athletic training program. You can get help finding one via your college counselor or the National Athletic Trainers Association. You can expect to get your bachelor's degree in four years if you take general education classes. You can also apply for a scholarship to help you pay for your study. It would help if you also looked into the prerequisites for becoming a certified athletic trainer.
The academic requirements for becoming an athletic trainer vary, although almost all states require licensed athletic trainers. These criteria may differ from state to state, so you should check with your athletic trainer association to find out what they are. To work as an athletic trainer, you must also pass the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers' standard certification exam (BOC). Following the exam, you must adhere to the BOC's Standards of Practice and complete continuing education courses.
If you want to become an athletic trainer, you may combine your love of athletics with your desire to help people heal. An athletic trainer's responsibilities include providing bandages to ensure athletes recuperate correctly. Other responsibilities include providing physical therapy, massage, and prescription drugs to reduce muscle pain and deciding whether a player needs medical attention. To help people learn about this field, the UConn College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources aim to make sports training more visible in secondary schools.
As an athletic trainer, you will collaborate with physicians to provide injury prevention, clinical diagnosis, and treatment. As a result, the athletic trainer profession has high job growth prospects, with a projected 23% increase between 2016 and 2026. Furthermore, the American Medical Association, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services all acknowledge this professional path. It's a rewarding and exciting career with excellent job security.