What do you do on a day to day basis being an athletic trainer?

Hi Austin,

I'm glad to hear that your interested in the athletic training profession! Just a bit about me - I'm an credentialed and licensed athletic trainer and orthopedic technologist at Nemours Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. I recieved my undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from West Chester University in West Chester, PA, followed by a Fellowship at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, CO.

In regards to your first question, the day to day responsibilities of an Athletic Trainer are dependent on the setting in which they work. Overall, Athletic Trainers can work in the college/university setting, physician office/hospitals, high school/secondary schools, military, performing arts, industrial settings and professional sports. Each of whom may have very different days, though their scope of practice (what they are allowed to do to treat a patient) are within the same domains. They include:
1. Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection
2. Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
3. Immediate and emergency care
4. Treatment and rehabilitation
5. Organizationl and professional health and well-being

Personally, I work in a large hospital setting in an outpatient orthopedic clinic, (which is really just a lot of jargon meaning that patients come in to be evaluated for injuries to their muscles, bones, and ligaments and they can't sleep here...).

My day to day responsibilies include guiding my physician through their daily clinic schedule and assisting with education and procedures. I evaluate patients prior to the physician, present my findings, and then fufill orders whether they include casting, bracing, guided home exercise programs, and finish with patient education. Previously, with the use of my orthopedic technologist creditial, I also assisted surgeons in the operating room.

To become an Athletic Trainer there are 2 routes.

1. Obtain a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, sit for the board of certification exam, and gain licensure in your state. (4 years of education)
Or
2. Obtain a bachelors degree in a health science related field (i.e. kinesiology, rehab sciences, exercise science, biology etc). Apply for an entry-level Masters' Athletic Training program. Sit for the board of certification exam, and gain licensure in your state. (6 years of education).

Now, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education have transitioned away from the bachelors degree and will require the 2nd option (bachelors followed by an entry level masters) within the next 7 years - most likely affecting you.

Within an Athletic Training program include classes on anatomy and physiology, musculoskeletal evaluation, rehabilitation, and clinicals (aka internships). These clinicals are provided from the University or College and include settings from the above mentioned job settings depending on the school.

Technical skills will be learned through your university. These will include things like joint mobilizations, stretches, and manual therapy. If in the pro/college/HS setting this job may include hours of standing, sitting, and carry items over 40lbs.

In 2011, the median salary was $38,000. Currently, the average salary of an athletic trainer ranges between $30,000-$75,000 with the median salary being $43,000. With the change in educational requirements and increased awareness of Athletic Trainers this can only grow. The current projected growth is 20% faster than the average profession over the next 10 years.

For more information about the Athletic Training profession, visit: http://www.nata.org/athletic-training

To find accredited colleges/universities, visit:
http://caate.net/find-programs/

I hope I answered all of your questions. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck with college!

Warm regards,

Kevin A. Keene, MS, ATC, OTC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Nemours/A.I. Dupont Pediatric Hospital
825 Old Lancaster Rd, Suite 250
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010