Athletic Training FAQ
1. What does an Athletic Trainer do?
Athletic trainers (ATs) are unique health care providers and an essential member of any health care team skilled and trained in the prevention of injury and illness, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergency, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Found on sidelines, military bases, warehouse floors, performance halls and clinics and hospitals, ATs provide a safer approach to work, life and sport. https://www.nata.org/prospective-students
2. What are the differences between an Athletic Trainer and a Physical Therapist? What are the differences between an Athletic Trainer and a Personal Trainer?
Athletic Trainer
An athletic trainer is a person who meets the qualifications set by a state licensure and/or the Board of Certification, Inc. and practices athletic training under the direction of a physician.
Certified athletic trainers: Must have at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, which is an allied health profession Must pass a comprehensive exam before earning the ATC credential Must keep their knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education Must adhere to standards of professional practice set by one national certifying agency
Daily duties: Provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services Prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate injuries (acute and chronic) Coordinate care with physicians and other allied health professionals Work in schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, corporations, industry, military
Physical Therapist
A Physical Therapist (PT) provides services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disability of patients with injuries or disease. They work directly with their patients, but also closely along with other health care professions, to restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and wellness for healthier and more active lifestyles. There is no "typical" patient; PTs may work with accident victims, fractures, head injuries, arthritis, heart disease, and cerebral palsy. Physical Therapy is a very autonomous career. PTs determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and implement a specific and individualized plan of care in order to restore the patient's ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after an injury or illness.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer is a person who prescribes, monitors and changes an individual’s specific exercise program in a fitness or sports setting.
Personal trainers: May or may not have higher education in health sciences May or may not be required to obtain certification May or may not participate in continuing education May become certified by any one of numerous agencies that set varying education and practice requirements
Daily duties: Assess fitness needs and design appropriate exercise regimens Work with clients to achieve fitness goals Help educate the public about the importance of physical activity Work in health clubs, wellness centers and various other locations where fitness activities take place
https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/ATs_vs_PTs.pdf
https://www.osrpt.com/2017/03/athletic-trainer-facts/
3. Where do Athletic Trainers typically work?
Athletic Trainers Work In:
Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
Physician practice, similar to nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other professional clinical personnel
Rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
Occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
Police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments, branches of the military
Performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music
https://www.nata.org/about/athletic-training/job-settings
4. What are the pre-requisites for an Athletic Training program?
The most commonly required course pre-requisites include:
Anatomy and Physiology I and II
General Biology
General Chemistry
General Physics I
General Psychology
Statistics
Nutrition
Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
First Aid/CPR (or current approved CPR/BLS certification)
Recommended Courses or those only required a certain schools:
Advanced Biology (i.e. Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics)
Organic Chemistry
General Physics II
Additional Psychology course (Abnormal, Sport, Exercise)
Medical Terminology
Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
Public Health
For a complete and more specific list of pre-requisites, check with the Athletic Training program that you wish to apply to.
5. What is the common application site for most Athletic Training programs?
Athletic Training Centralized Application Service website: https://atcas.liaisoncas.org/
6. Where can I go to seek out volunteer or shadowing opportunities in Athletic Training?
One option is to start from scratch:
Research your area for schools, clinics, rehab facilities, and hospitals
Get into contact with the human resources department or the athletic trainer directly. These requests are made frequently and you will find most facilities accommodating. Often times, you will have to fill out an application or career exploration request form in order to be considered for a position.
Another option is to network with people that you know have had previous experience in shadowing or observation. Often times, these individuals are your best resources because they know first hand the programs that have worked, and would be of interest to you.
Although it may be difficult and time consuming to find and set up a shadowing or observation opportunity in a health care career, it is absolutely critical, as many post-undergraduate programs now specifically look for this on applications.
7. Where can I search the various accredited Athletic Training programs?
Consult the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education website https://caate.net/search-for-accredited-program/ to view a list of professional masters level accredited Athletic Training Programs for 225+ programs. Links will lead students to each programs’ websites and their individual admissions requirements.
8. How long is a typical graduate program in Athletic Training and what is the average median salary?
The vast majority of schools in the United States are transitioning to a Masters level degree in Athletic Training (AT). The length of professional MAT (Masters of Athletic Training) programs is typically 2 years. Primary content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, injury and illness prevention, assessment and evaluation of injuries and illnesses, therapeutic interventions of injuries and illnesses, emergency and acute care, and professional development and healthcare administration. MAT programs integrate didactic (classroom) learning with clinical education throughout your two years, including at least one immersive clinical experience. Your salary as an Athletic Trainer largely depends on the area in which you practice, however, the average median salary is estimated at $57,203 with an excellent job outlook.
Updated 3/29/2021 MW