AHEC Connecticut
MEDICAL SUPPORT - Athletic Trainer
To be a successful Athletic Trainer you should...
- be willing to work flexible hours
- be willing to do some traveling
- have outstanding interpersonal skills
- be able to handle emergency situations
- have excellent communication skills
- be flexible and creative in finding best solutions
- be able to learn to use new equipment and perform new tasks
- be able to see small differences
- be able to work with patience and understanding
What will my job be like?
Athletic trainers provide health care services to athletes and other physically active individuals. To help athletes prevent injuries, certified athletic trainers develop conditioning and nutrition programs. When injuries occur, athletic trainers conduct the initial evaluation and supervise treatment and rehabilitation under the direction of a physician.
Where could I work?
Athletic trainers may be employed by middle schools or high schools, colleges, universities, professional athletic teams, sports medicine clinics, hospitals, health clubs, or corporate health programs.
What is the average annual salary?
$50,000
What is the future of this career?
Employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Job growth will be concentrated in health care industry settings, such as ambulatory heath care services and hospitals. Growth in sports-related positions will be somewhat slower, as most professional sports clubs and colleges, universities, and professional schools already have complete athletic training staffs. Job prospects should be good for people looking for a position in the health care industry. Athletic trainers looking for a position with a sports team, however, may face competition.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
A bachelor’s degree is required. Many athletic trainers earn advanced degrees. The National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) must certify athletic trainers after they have graduated from an approved universities and successfully completed a certification exam.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
- Mitchell College, New London
- Quinnipiac University, New Haven
- Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
- Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven
- University of Connecticut, Storrs
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut, but is required in most other states.
Where can I get more information?
National Athletic Trainers Association
2952 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas TX, 75247
(800) TRY-NATA
www.nata.org