Athletic Training Career

From an early age I have enjoyed playing and watching sports. So when my dad took me to the Kansas University football game where my uncle was the athletic trainer I became very interested in what the job was all about. Over the years my uncle has helped me recover from sports injuries and I thought it would be fun to be on the other side and also become an athletic trainer so I can help athletes play their sport without any injuries just like my uncle did for me. I chose an athletic trainer because I have always have had a love for sports and an interest in the medical field and this career has a great combination of both of those things. After researching and learning about the career I am sure that an athletic trainer is the right career for me.

An athletic trainer works with athletes and helps them avoid and recover from injuries. Many athletic trainers work in educational settings such as colleges, universities, physicians offices, or for professional sports teams (Occupational Outlook Handbook). An athletic trainer works full time but athletic trainers who work with teams during sporting events may work evenings or weekends and travel often. Athletic trainers who work for teams may need to find another job in a hospital
An athletic trainer needs at least a bachelor’s degree in order to be qualified for a job. In most states athletic trainers need a license or certification to be qualified for a job (Occupational Outlook Handbook). Athletic trainers need to be able to apply protective devices, recognize and evaluate injuries, and provide first aid or emergency care (Occupational Outlook Handbook). They also need to be able to develop and carry out rehabilitation programs for injured athletes, and plan and implement comprehensive programs to prevent injury or illness among athletes. Athletic trainers have an important job in keeping the athletes healthy and prepared for sporting