4 answers
Roy
Student
Susanville, California
1
Question
Asked
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Hello, My name is Roy and I am a College currently working on a research paper for my kinesiology and physical education course. I have created 8 questions on the career of an athletic trainer and would appreciate input. I would be incredibly grateful for help to learn about the career path, experiences, and professional insights. Thank you so much for your time.?
1. What type of degree do you need to pursue a career as an athletic trainer?
2. Do you need a graduate-level degree to enter this profession?
3. What were the major factors that influenced your decision to become an athletic trainer?
4. What aspects of the profession do you find the most rewarding and the most challenging?
5. What kind of work is typically associated with being an athletic trainer on a day-to-day basis?
6. How has your salary influenced your career path, if at all?
7. What professional experiences or certifications were most important to your success?
8. Do you have any final comments about your career as an athletic trainer?
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4 answers
Joseph Gebke, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
10
Answers
Uniondale, New York
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hey Roy! I trust your kinesiology studies are as engaging and enjoyable as mine were. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree, and as you probably know, the course for Athletic training has been upgraded to a Master's level. In my time, I managed to secure employment without needing a Master's degree, but the great news for you is that you'll graduate with a Master's and be ready to dive straight into the workforce.
My decision to pursue this field was influenced by several factors: the opportunity to work outdoors, the hands-on nature of the work, and my passion for fitness. My career has been primarily based in high school settings, although I've also gained experience in a physical therapy clinic and covered games at various levels. The most challenging part of the job can be motivating those who lack the drive to recover or improve. However, the most rewarding aspect is undoubtedly helping someone return to their beloved sport or activity.
My daily routine typically involves taping, providing self-care instructions such as stretching, evaluating, rehabilitating, and updating notes. The demands fluctuate with the athletic seasons. Fall, with its football frenzy, is always the most demanding, while winter offers a nice respite, allowing me to stay indoors and not have to dash around campus.
Salary has played a role in shaping my career path. Life events have nudged me towards higher paying positions over time. Since graduating, I've added only one more certification to my portfolio - a CPR Instructor certification from the American Heart Association. This has proven invaluable in my high school position, enabling me to keep the coaches certified. I'm considering other certifications, but haven't completed them yet.
I absolutely cherish my career as an Athletic Trainer. Yes, it can be stressful and frustrating at times, but that's par for the course in any profession that involves working with people. Some individuals appreciate the work you do for them, while others may be present simply because they were instructed to be. My primary goal as an ATC in a high school setting is to educate athletes on proper training and recovery techniques to help them reach their full athletic potential.
My decision to pursue this field was influenced by several factors: the opportunity to work outdoors, the hands-on nature of the work, and my passion for fitness. My career has been primarily based in high school settings, although I've also gained experience in a physical therapy clinic and covered games at various levels. The most challenging part of the job can be motivating those who lack the drive to recover or improve. However, the most rewarding aspect is undoubtedly helping someone return to their beloved sport or activity.
My daily routine typically involves taping, providing self-care instructions such as stretching, evaluating, rehabilitating, and updating notes. The demands fluctuate with the athletic seasons. Fall, with its football frenzy, is always the most demanding, while winter offers a nice respite, allowing me to stay indoors and not have to dash around campus.
Salary has played a role in shaping my career path. Life events have nudged me towards higher paying positions over time. Since graduating, I've added only one more certification to my portfolio - a CPR Instructor certification from the American Heart Association. This has proven invaluable in my high school position, enabling me to keep the coaches certified. I'm considering other certifications, but haven't completed them yet.
I absolutely cherish my career as an Athletic Trainer. Yes, it can be stressful and frustrating at times, but that's par for the course in any profession that involves working with people. Some individuals appreciate the work you do for them, while others may be present simply because they were instructed to be. My primary goal as an ATC in a high school setting is to educate athletes on proper training and recovery techniques to help them reach their full athletic potential.
Jon. Restani
Account Manager
19
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Jon.’s Answer
Hi Roy, even though I'm not directly involved in this field, my son, who holds a Kinesiology degree and works as a trainer/coach at a high school, has shared some insights with me. You're asking all the right questions as you explore this career path. From what I've gathered, it seems that advanced medical training is typically required after obtaining the initial degree to fully qualify as a PT trainer.
It's crucial to have a rough idea of where you'd like to see yourself working and in what role. Are you considering a high school or college setting? Perhaps a hospital or medical facility? You might even see yourself working with a professional sports team. These are key factors to mull over as you navigate this career journey.
Let me share with you that my son has managed to make the most of his degree. He's not only a trainer and coach but also a PE teacher at his school. His experience shows how versatile this degree can be, especially in a local high school environment.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, the sky's the limit. Best of luck on your journey!
It's crucial to have a rough idea of where you'd like to see yourself working and in what role. Are you considering a high school or college setting? Perhaps a hospital or medical facility? You might even see yourself working with a professional sports team. These are key factors to mull over as you navigate this career journey.
Let me share with you that my son has managed to make the most of his degree. He's not only a trainer and coach but also a PE teacher at his school. His experience shows how versatile this degree can be, especially in a local high school environment.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, the sky's the limit. Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you so much, Jon.!
Roy
Zen Morgan MAT LAT ATC PES
Athletic Trainer
3
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Zen’s Answer
1. You need to get a Masters Degree from a CAATE accredited school.
(Check out different programs and see what their prerequisites are) Most of the time an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology will cover those prerequisites.
2. Yes
3. I have always loved how the body works and moves and loved sports, so I got to do something in both worlds.
4. That really depends on what setting you are in. I started working in the high school setting and there is was rewarding to see the kids do well after coming back from an injury or getting that college scholarship they needed/wanted. Now I’m in the military setting and making a difference in people’s careers is very rewarding.
The most challenging part in the high school can be the parents. In the military it can be red tape obstacles.
5. Pretty much in any setting there is going to be coverage ( practices, games, trainings), treatments/ rehabs, and admin/documentation.
6. If you want to be rich don’t be an athletic trainer. The time commitment influenced my shift to the military setting (40 hrs a week vs 60-80hrs)
7. Being a certified athletic trainer comes first, and far as anything after that it depends what setting you want or what your interests are.
8. I love what I do! I loved working in the high school setting, but was interested in slowing down and starting a family (not that it can’t be done, lots of people do it). So I switched to the military setting which is different and fun in its own way.
(Check out different programs and see what their prerequisites are) Most of the time an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology will cover those prerequisites.
2. Yes
3. I have always loved how the body works and moves and loved sports, so I got to do something in both worlds.
4. That really depends on what setting you are in. I started working in the high school setting and there is was rewarding to see the kids do well after coming back from an injury or getting that college scholarship they needed/wanted. Now I’m in the military setting and making a difference in people’s careers is very rewarding.
The most challenging part in the high school can be the parents. In the military it can be red tape obstacles.
5. Pretty much in any setting there is going to be coverage ( practices, games, trainings), treatments/ rehabs, and admin/documentation.
6. If you want to be rich don’t be an athletic trainer. The time commitment influenced my shift to the military setting (40 hrs a week vs 60-80hrs)
7. Being a certified athletic trainer comes first, and far as anything after that it depends what setting you want or what your interests are.
8. I love what I do! I loved working in the high school setting, but was interested in slowing down and starting a family (not that it can’t be done, lots of people do it). So I switched to the military setting which is different and fun in its own way.
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
299
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
You may become an athletic trainer by the studying the following:
- Physical and Health Education.
- Physiology.
- Sports Trainer (Athletics Specialist).
- Kinesiology.
- Physical and Health Education.
- Physiology.
- Sports Trainer (Athletics Specialist).
- Kinesiology.
Thank you for the advice.
Roy