Athletic trainers are health care experts who are experienced in the analysis and treatment of medical conditions that involves disability and practical impediments. They handle developing and implementing rehab programs, evaluating injuries and providing emergency care and medical aid. They normally work alongside with licensed physicians and other medical experts and work with patients and customers of all ages.
Athletic trainers can find work in physician’s offices, educational facilities, in the military, at fitness and recreational centers and a host of other places. Depending on the position, some athletic trainers will be required to work during weekends, evenings and even outdoors during any weather. Here is a couple of things required if you are planning to become an athletic trainer.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Get a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. This is vital if you are planning to become an athletic trainer. Choose a degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. While you are studying the course, you can use that time to gain appropriate work experience. Graduates with prior work experience have a better chance of getting a job as an athletic trainer.
Step 2: Certification and License
The National Athletic Trainer’s Association requires that all athletic trainers be certified and licensed. To be certified, athletic trainers will need to complete a CAATE-accredited program. Requirements in some states may vary, but in most cases it will require graduating from an accredited program and passing the state exam or the BOC exam.
Step 3: Re-Certification
After three years, all athletic trainers must re-qualify for their certification. They will be required to pay the BOC certification fee, and maintain ongoing certification in emergency cardiac care, airway obstruction, second rescuer CPR including various other areas.
Step 4: Master’s Degree
Though obtaining a master’s degree is not compulsory, it is helpful especially if the athletic trainer wants to seek advanced employment opportunities.
Satoshi Kajiyama holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Recreation.
Athletic trainers can find work in physician’s offices, educational facilities, in the military, at fitness and recreational centers and a host of other places. Depending on the position, some athletic trainers will be required to work during weekends, evenings and even outdoors during any weather. Here is a couple of things required if you are planning to become an athletic trainer.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Get a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. This is vital if you are planning to become an athletic trainer. Choose a degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. While you are studying the course, you can use that time to gain appropriate work experience. Graduates with prior work experience have a better chance of getting a job as an athletic trainer.
Step 2: Certification and License
The National Athletic Trainer’s Association requires that all athletic trainers be certified and licensed. To be certified, athletic trainers will need to complete a CAATE-accredited program. Requirements in some states may vary, but in most cases it will require graduating from an accredited program and passing the state exam or the BOC exam.
Step 3: Re-Certification
After three years, all athletic trainers must re-qualify for their certification. They will be required to pay the BOC certification fee, and maintain ongoing certification in emergency cardiac care, airway obstruction, second rescuer CPR including various other areas.
Step 4: Master’s Degree
Though obtaining a master’s degree is not compulsory, it is helpful especially if the athletic trainer wants to seek advanced employment opportunities.
Satoshi Kajiyama holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Recreation.