Athletic trainers are most commonly associated with the prevention and treatment of injuries to professional athletes but they are also employed by companies to administer services to industrial workers as well.  Their primary responsibilities include prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.  They are recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals and are normally the first health care professional at the scene of an injury.  Their responsibility is to be able to accurately evaluate and assess the injury to ensure proper treatment if needed.

Athletic trainers are also trained in techniques of rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries.  This is extremely important to professional athletes and industrial workers who earn their livings by being injury free.  In an attempt to prevent as many injuries as possible, athletic trainers also advise on the safety and correct use of equipment.  In an attempt to minimize additional pain and breakage from existing injuries, athletic trainers also apply tape, bandages and braces.  Their job is just as critical in preventing injuries as it is with treating them.

While athletic trainers are allowed to treat patients suffering from injuries, they do so under the supervision of a licensed physician or other health care providers.  The level of interaction with the athletic trainer and the physician vary depending on the specific setting or environment.  Many trainers work on a daily basis with the physicians while others meet once or twice a week.  At times the meeting between athletic trainer and physician is necessary to discuss injuries and treatment options and other times it is necessary to meet in order to go over evaluations.

In addition to the medical services and treatments provided by the athletic trainer administrative tasks are also part of the job.  Athletic trainers are also required to attend meetings on a regular basis with the athletic director or other administrative officers.  The meetings typically included information on budgets, purchasing, policy implementations and other related issues that may effect the department.

It is important for athletic trainers to be in constant communication with the patients, physicians and athletic director in order to pass on relevant information.  Athletic trainers who work at the high school level may also be involved in teaching.  This would include more administrative tasks such as implementing a lesson plan and course schedule.

During the sports season, athletic trainers participate in the practices and games.  They supervise injured players while being on the site in case of additional injuries.  During the off-season they may also be involved in training camps.

In order to obtain a position as an athletic trainer, it is necessary to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.  Programs that are directed toward athletic trainers include instruction in a classroom setting as well as a clinical setting.  In the classroom, education is focused in science and other health-related courses that include human anatomy, physiology, nutrition and biomechanics.

It is required for athletic trainers to become certified by the Board of Certification or the BOC, and they must be able to pass an examination of written questions and practical applications.  It is essential for athletic trainers to maintain a plan of continued education in order to retain certification.  This means, taking medical related courses to stay current in the field.  It is also important for athletic trainers to adhere to the standards of practice in order to assure themselves of a position. 

Many athletic trainers have continued on to higher education.  According to the National Trainers Association, about 70% have held a master’s or doctoral degree.  In some situations, such as working for colleges and universities, these degrees are required.  The degree also comes in handy for those seeking advancement in the field.  While many athletic trainers in high school teach, it is also necessary for them to certified with a teaching credential or license.

Due to the advancement in technology, it is also important for athletic trainers to be current and up to date on the latest in medical apparatus.  There is now an increase in the industry concerning preventative care, so a vast knowledge of preventative strategies and medicine is important as well.  There is a small turnover rate in this particular field.  Athletic trainers in respected positions many times, choose to stay until retirement.  Opportunities to work for professional sports teams are extremely slim.  Many are working in colleges, universities and high schools.  There are also opportunities to practice athletic training in elementary and secondary schools, as there is a growing need for people to be on the spot during organized youth sports.

Athletic trainers have become a cost effective way to have health care providers on site in specific job locations.  Because of the strict guidelines and licensure procedures there has been a more respected view of this profession in terms of being able to provide health care.  This has meant that more organizations are taking advantage of having a health care professional on staff to treat injuries as well as to assist in the prevention of them.

The salaries of athletic trainers will vary depending on many different factors.  Some athletic trainers work in hospitals and other organizations while the majority work for high schools, colleges, universities and major sports teams.  The difference in salary can depend on the actual position, the location and the amount of hours worked.  Many athletic trainers will earn higher salaries once they have completed higher education and are responsible for more activities.

For those trainers who work in fields outside of sports, like a hospital, will generally have a schedule that is consistent with the typical workweek.  These trainers work 40-50 hours a week depending on the individual needs of the company.  Standard workweeks may include weekends off.  It is not uncommon for trainers who are employed in hospitals to work at other locations as well.  Many hospitals offer outreach programs that deal directly with secondary schools, colleges and commercial businesses and may require an athletic trainer to be present in the case of injury.

Athletic trainers who choose a career in a sports setting will be subject to schedules that are not as consistent in a typical sort of way.  Their schedules will vary and are typically longer.  Trainers in this industry must be available at all practices and games.  Practice times and game times can vary and be during the evenings or on the weekend.  Schedules have the tendency to change, so it is important for athletic trainers in this area to be flexible.  It is possible during the busy season to work 6-7 days a week.

Salaries tend to range from $24,000 per year to $42,150 per year.  These figures are based on the average yearly earnings of athletic trainers who are employed by specific organizations.  Athletic trainers who work in a school district earn on the average of $38,500 per year while those who are employed by hospitals earn roughly $32,350 per year.  Of course, these earnings will depend on other factors like location and the level of education.  The average earnings of athletic trainers working for a sports team are $35,000.  These earnings may also vary depending on the rank of the team and the level of play associated with the specific sports team.

Overall, it is important when researching a position as an athletic training to look into the many different options.  Choosing to work in a hospital or other related organization would allow an individual an established schedule with benefits and a typical workweek.  Those who choose to work in the sports industry must be flexible and available on different days of the week and at different times in order to meet the needs of the individual sports team or organization.