CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR
ATHLETIC TRAINING MAJORS
SKILLS & ABILITIES OF THE ATHLETIC TRAINING MAJOR
Human Awareness Ac ve Listening
Social Percep veness– awareness of others’ reac‐
ons and understanding the causes of these reac‐
ons
Assessing/Monitoring athletes’ performance
Problem Sensi vity
Service Orienta on– looking for way to assist oth‐
er people (athletes)
Coordina on– adjus ng ac ons in rela ons to
others’ ac ons
Technical Skills Sound understanding of human anatomy and
physiology
Updated knowledge of rehabilita on techniques
to enhance athletes’ recovery
Implements appropriate injury preven on meth‐
ods
Finger Dexterity– able to precisely coordinate fin‐
ger movements to complete tasks
Communica on Effec vely communica ng verbal messages to
Problem Solving others (physicians, coaches, guardians, etc.)
Conduct ini al assessments of athle c injuries and Wri ng– communica ng effec vely in wri ng
refer to physicians for defini ve treatment
based on the needs of the audience
Apply protec ve devices to current or previous
Instruc ng / Teaching exercises and procedures
areas of athletes’ injuries.
Customer and Personal Services
Work under pressure when unexpected events
Documen ng Informa on (Forms / Reports)
(injuries) occur
*Par ally taken from O*NET OnLine
POTENTIAL CAREERS
Athle c Training Occupa ons Athle c Trainer
Cer fied Athle c Trainer
Assistant Athle c Trainer
Athle c Instructor
Clinical Educa on Coordinator
Clinical Instructor
Physician Extender
Resident Athle c Trainer
Sports Medicine Coordinator
*Par ally taken from O*NET OnLIne
Related Occupa ons (Transferrable Skills) Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
Recrea onal Therapist
Respiratory Therapist
Licensed Prac cal Nurse
Registered Nurse
Ortho st
Prosthe st
Veterinary Assistant
Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Sports Coach
*Provided by the Occupa onal Outlook Handbook
TYPES OF EMPLOYERS
Hospitals
Hospital Emergency Rooms
Urgency Care Centers
Military Hospitals
Physical Therapy Clinics
Secondary Schools
Colleges & Universi es
Youth Sports Leagues
Commercial Se ngs
Professional Sports Teams
*Provided by the Na onal Athle c
Trainer’s Associa on (NATA)
ATHLETIC TRAINING RELATED TASKS
Cooperate with a coaching staff to design and monitor a team condi oning program
Supervision of safety factors involving a playing area (surface)
Selec on of proper equipment in coopera on with coaching staff / team manager
Administra on of first aid to injured athletes
Applica on of devices such as bandages and braces to prevent injury
Development / Supervision of rehabilita on programs for injured athletes to prevent recurring injury and
monitor the improvement of muscle strength
Maintain the athle c training area and ordering necessary supplies
Develop good working rela onships with players, coaches, physicians, and school administrators.
* Taken from Opportuni es in Sports and Fitness Careers (Heinzman, 2003)
EARNINGS FOR ATHLETIC TRAINERS
Median annual wages of athle c trainers were $41,600 in May 2010. The middle 50 percent earned between
$33,800 and $51,280. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,750, and the highest 10 percent earned
more than $64,390. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of athle c train‐
ers in May 2010 were:
Colleges, universi es, and professional schools ‐ $44,730
General medical and surgical hospitals ‐ $43,320
Offices of other health prac oners ‐ $40,060
Other amusement and recrea on industries ‐ $43,160
Elementary and secondary schools ‐ $52,840
*Provided by the Bureau of Labor Sta s cs (2010‐11)
ADDITIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING RESOURCES
Na onal Athle c Trainers’ Associa on (NATA) www.nata.org
College Athle c Trainers’ Society (CATS) www.collegeathle ctrainer.org
Ohio Athle c Trainers’ Associa on www.oata.org
Board of Cer fica on for the Athle c Trainer www.bocatc.org
RELATED BOOKS IN THE CAREER RESOURCE LIBRARY (CLC 530)
Opportuni es in Sports and Fitness Careers
Career Opportuni es in the Sports Industry
Careers for Sports Nuts & Other Athle c Types
Occupa onal Outlook Handbook
Cool Careers: Athle c Training
The Internship Series: The Sports Internship Book