Athletic Trainers
What is an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and medical conditions. They work collaboratively with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare providers to ensure that athletes are physically prepared for their sports activities while minimizing the risk of injury. Athletic Trainers often provide immediate care during athletic events, develop conditioning programs, and guide athletes in recovery. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of clinical skills, including physical rehabilitation techniques, biomechanical analysis, and nutrition advice, enabling them to cater to the unique needs of athletes at all levels of competition. This profession is grounded in a foundation of education and is recognized through various certifications, often requiring a bachelor's or master's degree in athletic training and passing a national certification exam. Athletic Trainers can be found in various settings, including schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and clinics, playing a vital role in the overall health and performance of athletes.
Tasks
- Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
- Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
- Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Digital Coach AthleticTrainer
- Keffer Development Services Athletic Trainer System ATS
- Premier Software Simtrak Mobility
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Medical software
- BioEx Systems Exercise Pro
- ImPACT Applications ImPACT
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Orthopedic splint systems
- Facial shields
- Pelvis or back traction supplies
- Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs
- Resistance tubes
Knowledge
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Evaluate patient outcomes to determine effectiveness of treatments.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
- Treat patients using physical therapy techniques.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$43180.0 - $80640.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.