Athletic Trainers Career Video

Summary

Athletic trainers play a vital role in keeping sports teams at peak performance, working behind the scenes to prevent and recover from injuries. They collaborate with team doctors, manage physical therapy, and provide tailored exercise routines for athletes. Their work takes them to various settings such as schools, clinics, the military, and professional teams. To become an athletic trainer, a master's degree in a related field and sometimes a license are required. Their reward comes from helping athletes reach their personal best, whether in professional sports or other fields such as performing arts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Athletic trainers play a crucial role in keeping athletes in top physical condition without taking the field themselves.
• 😀 The primary responsibility of an athletic trainer is to help athletes prevent and recover from sports injuries.
• 😀 Trainers work closely with team doctors to treat injuries and oversee physical therapy for athletes.
• 😀 A significant portion of an athletic trainer’s work takes place in gyms, locker rooms, and while traveling with teams to sporting events.
• 😀 Trainers study practice sessions and create individualized exercise routines to help athletes improve their performance.
• 😀 Game times, typically at night or on weekends, may lead trainers to seek other employment during the off-season.
• 😀 Athletic trainers are employed in a variety of settings, including colleges, universities, high schools, clinics, hospitals, and military or law enforcement environments.
• 😀 Professional sports teams offer some of the most prestigious athletic trainer positions.
• 😀 A love for sports is important, but a master’s degree in athletic training, sports medicine, or a related field is often required to enter the profession.
• 😀 Many states require athletic trainers to hold a professional license, ensuring high standards in the field.

Q & A

What is the primary role of an athletic trainer?

The primary role of an athletic trainer is to help athletes prevent and recover from sports injuries. They work closely with team doctors and provide rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Where do athletic trainers typically work?

Athletic trainers work in various settings including colleges and universities, high schools, clinics, hospitals, the military and law enforcement, and the performing arts. They also work with professional sports teams.

What kind of activities do athletic trainers engage in during their work?

Athletic trainers are involved in activities such as wrapping injuries, supervising physical therapy, studying practice sessions, and providing individualized exercise routines to improve athlete performance.

How do athletic trainers contribute to an athlete's performance improvement?

Athletic trainers provide individualized exercise routines and physical therapy designed to improve an athlete’s performance, prevent injuries, and aid recovery from existing injuries.

What is the work schedule like for athletic trainers?

Athletic trainers often work during game times, which are typically at night, on weekends, or holidays. They may also travel with the team to events and might need to find alternative employment during the off-season.

What kind of educational background is required to become an athletic trainer?

A master’s degree in athletic training, sports medicine, physical education, or a related field is typically required. Many states also require a professional license.

Are there high-profile opportunities for athletic trainers in sports?

Yes, high-profile opportunities are available, particularly with professional sports teams, which offer some of the most prestigious positions in the field.

What are the most rewarding aspects of being an athletic trainer?

The greatest reward for an athletic trainer is helping athletes achieve their personal best by preventing injuries and aiding in their recovery.

What kind of work environment do athletic trainers experience?

Athletic trainers spend a lot of time in gyms and locker rooms, as well as traveling with teams to sporting events. They may also work in clinics or hospitals depending on the setting.

Is a passion for sports necessary to be an athletic trainer?

While a love for sports is beneficial, the most important qualifications for becoming an athletic trainer are formal education in the field and a commitment to helping athletes.