There are also training related jobs specifically involved with, for example, athletic training.
These and other training related jobs occur not just in fields related to athletics, but also in the area of rehabilitation for the medical field. In this area, trainers treat injuries for people who have been injured, and help prevent them, too. They may work with professional athletes, or they may work with people who have been injured on the job, such as those who suffer from Workers' Compensation injuries.
These trainers are actually recognized by the American Medical Association as health professionals. They prevent, assess, treat and rehabilitate all types of musculoskeletal injuries. Oftentimes, they are among the first to see injuries, especially if they work on an athletic field. They therefore have to be able to determine what the injury is, and how to treat it. If necessary, they also have to provide immediate first aid care.
Besides helping prevent and treat injuries, they also advise those who have been injured on how to properly use equipment and how to apply protective devices so that injuries don't recur.
In most cases, athletic trainers work under licensed physicians' supervision and are part of a team of other health care providers treating these injuries. The type of supervision varies, depending on where they work. In some cases, athletic trainers might meet with a physician once or twice a week, or every day.
They also may handle administrative duties like meeting with administrative officials, athletic directors, preparing in dealing with budgets, helping implement policies, and other issues related to business.
Training and education
In almost all cases, trainers are required to have bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities in science and health related fields like physiology, nutrition, biomechanics and human anatomy. Many athletic trainers also have a master's or doctorate degree; in fact, the majority of them do, upwards of 68%. Athletic trainers need advanced degrees in many cases, especially if they work for colleges and universities. Those with advanced degrees also have better advancement opportunities. In some cases, teaching certification may also be required if the athletic trainer works in a high school setting or other school setting whereby teaching is going to be required as part of the job.
As of 2006, most states require that athletic trainers be registered or licensed. To be certified, athletic trainers need to obtain a bachelor's degree from a training program in athletics and has been accredited. BOC certification, or certification from the Board of Certification, Inc., is often required and this necessitates that the candidate pass a very rigorous examination. There are states where this type of licensing is not required, but is still useful for those looking to advance in their careers or to find a job.
Other skills necessary
Athletic trainers have to have good social and communication skills, because they'll be dealing with a variety of people. They need to be able to handle difficult situations and the stress that arises from them, such as when disagreements occur with athletes, parents, etc. Being organized and on time are necessary skills, too, as often, these skills must be passed on to athletes by means of example, especially to young people.
Advancing your career
Once you become a trainer, you may eventually become a head athletic trainer or director. If you work in a medical setting, you might enter a group practice with physicians and become a manager within that organization. Alternatively, you may also become versed in and move into marketing or sales positions. This will allow you to sell athletic or medical equipment pertinent to your field.
Compensation and outlook
The job outlook for athletic trainers is quite good, because many industries, including the healthcare industry and the fitness industry need these types of people. In addition, organized sports, especially professional sports, need athletic trainers as well. In regard to professional sports, however, these jobs will be quite difficult to get as most athletic trainers with these organizations are well established.
In addition, health care is going to need more athletic trainers because there will be an increasing focus on preventive care and keeping elderly people functional and active. Employers, too, are increasingly emphasizing on the job exercise programs to help keep employees fit and healthy as a means to reduce costs. Because of this, athletic trainers may be needed on site here to become "first responders" in the event of injury and to function as a trainer on site.
The average athletic trainer earns about $37,000 a year as of 2006.
