So, you've decided to pursue a master's degree in athletic training? Awesome! You're probably wondering, "What kind of athletic training jobs can I actually get with this degree?" Well, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the exciting world of opportunities that await you after graduation. We'll cover everything from traditional athletic training roles to some more unique and emerging paths you might not have considered. So, let's dive in and explore the possibilities!

What is Athletic Training?

Before we jump into the job market, let's quickly recap what athletic training is all about. Athletic trainers are highly skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses. They work with athletes of all levels, from recreational to professional, as well as active individuals in various settings. Think of them as the go-to experts for keeping people active and healthy.

Athletic trainers (ATs) are not personal trainers or strength and conditioning coaches, although there is sometimes confusion between the terms. ATs are healthcare professionals, recognised by the American Medical Association. They collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited athletic training education program and pass a national certification examination. Furthermore, most states require ATs to be licensed or registered in order to practice. Their education and qualifications are extensive, allowing them to provide a high level of patient care. Athletic trainers work in a wide variety of settings, including: schools, colleges and universities; professional and Olympic sports; hospitals and rehabilitation clinics; physician offices; industrial and commercial settings; performing arts; and the military. Athletic trainers provide a continuum of care that aims to optimise activity, participation, and overall quality of life. The services they provide are essential to keeping people healthy and active, and ensuring that they can participate in the activities they enjoy. Their holistic approach to patient care encompasses not only treatment of injury, but also injury prevention, wellness promotion, and patient education.

Traditional Athletic Training Roles

Working with Sports Teams

This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of athletic training, and for good reason. Many athletic trainers find fulfilling careers working directly with sports teams at the high school, collegiate, or professional level. In this role, you'd be responsible for the health and safety of the athletes, providing on-site injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. You'd be right there on the sidelines, ready to jump into action when needed. This is a pretty demanding career as you would be required to travel with the team, work irregular hours, and be on call at any time. However, this is a fulfilling career that will allow you to develop a strong bond with the team and contribute directly to their success.

Working with sports teams often involves a combination of responsibilities, including pre-practice preparation such as taping and bracing athletes, ensuring a safe playing environment, and implementing injury prevention programs. During practices and games, the athletic trainer is the primary healthcare provider on site, responsible for evaluating injuries, providing immediate care, and making decisions about whether an athlete can safely return to play. Post-game responsibilities may include implementing treatment plans, coordinating physician referrals, and communicating with coaches and parents about athlete health status. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring the athletic trainer to be able to think on their feet and make sound judgments under pressure. The ultimate goal is to ensure the athletes' health and safety, minimising risk of injury and optimising performance. In addition to the technical skills required, athletic trainers working with sports teams must possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively with coaches and other healthcare professionals, and a deep understanding of the specific demands of the sport. They must also stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in athletic training, continuously striving to improve their skills and knowledge. This commitment to excellence is what allows athletic trainers to provide the highest level of care to the athletes they serve.

Colleges and Universities

Many athletic trainers find employment at colleges and universities, providing medical care to student-athletes. These positions can range from working with specific teams to overseeing the entire athletic training program. The role of an athletic trainer in colleges and universities is multifaceted. You'll be responsible for providing comprehensive medical services to student-athletes, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. Additionally, you may be involved in teaching courses related to athletic training or sports medicine. You may be involved in administrative tasks, such as managing the athletic training budget, coordinating medical coverage for athletic events, and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. The daily tasks of an athletic trainer in this setting include conducting pre-participation physical exams, developing and implementing rehabilitation programs, providing on-field medical coverage for practices and games, and educating athletes on injury prevention strategies.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the job, as athletic trainers work closely with team physicians, coaches, strength and conditioning staff, and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for student-athletes. Athletic trainers must have a deep understanding of the unique physical and psychological demands placed on athletes in various sports, and they must be able to adapt their treatment approaches to meet the individual needs of each athlete. Athletic trainers are also educators, teaching student-athletes about injury prevention, proper nutrition, and the importance of sleep and recovery. By empowering athletes with knowledge, athletic trainers help them take an active role in their own health and well-being. Working in a college or university setting offers a unique opportunity to work with a diverse group of athletes, from those competing at the highest level to those participating in recreational sports. Athletic trainers in this setting play a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of student-athletes, allowing them to pursue their athletic goals while minimising the risk of injury. It is a rewarding career that combines clinical skills, teaching, and a passion for sports.

High Schools

High schools are another common employer for athletic trainers. In this setting, you'll work with a younger population of athletes, focusing on injury prevention and early intervention. As an athletic trainer in a high school, you are the primary healthcare provider for the athletic program. You work closely with coaches, parents, and physicians to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes. Your responsibilities include preventing injuries, evaluating and treating injuries, and rehabilitating athletes so they can return to their sports. One of the most important aspects of your job is educating athletes, coaches, and parents about injury prevention. You teach athletes how to properly warm up and stretch, how to use protective equipment, and how to avoid overuse injuries. You also work with coaches to modify training programs to reduce the risk of injury. When an athlete is injured, you are the first person on the scene. You evaluate the injury, provide immediate care, and determine whether the athlete needs to be referred to a physician.

You'll develop and implement rehabilitation programs to help athletes recover from their injuries and return to their sports. You'll work closely with physicians to ensure that athletes receive the best possible care. You also communicate with parents about their child's injury and progress. Working in a high school can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. You have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young athletes. You can help them stay healthy and safe so they can enjoy their sports. You can also teach them valuable lessons about injury prevention and rehabilitation that they can use throughout their lives. The role of an athletic trainer in a high school requires a unique blend of skills and qualities. You must be knowledgeable about sports medicine, but you also must be able to communicate effectively with young people. You must be patient, compassionate, and able to work under pressure. You must also be able to work independently and as part of a team. If you have these qualities, then a career as an athletic trainer in a high school may be the right fit for you.

Beyond the Sidelines: Emerging Opportunities

Industrial Athletic Training

This is where things get really interesting! Industrial athletic training is a growing field that focuses on injury prevention and ergonomics in the workplace. Instead of working with athletes, you'd be working with employees in industries like manufacturing, construction, or transportation, helping them prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve their overall health and well-being. It's all about applying your athletic training skills to a different population. Industrial athletic trainers have a wide range of responsibilities, all aimed at preventing injuries and promoting wellness in the workplace. They conduct job site analyses to identify potential ergonomic hazards, such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, and heavy lifting. Based on these analyses, they develop and implement injury prevention programs tailored to the specific needs of the workforce. These programs may include training on proper lifting techniques, stretching exercises, and ergonomic workstation setup.

Athletic trainers also provide on-site medical care for employees who experience injuries or illnesses. They assess injuries, provide first aid, and refer employees to appropriate medical professionals when necessary. They also develop and implement return-to-work programs for employees recovering from injuries, helping them gradually return to their full job duties while minimising the risk of re-injury. In addition to injury prevention and medical care, industrial athletic trainers often play a role in promoting overall employee wellness. They may conduct health screenings, provide health education, and organise wellness activities such as exercise classes and stress management workshops. By promoting a culture of health and safety in the workplace, industrial athletic trainers help employers reduce workers' compensation costs, improve employee morale, and increase productivity. To be successful in this role, you need a strong understanding of ergonomics, injury prevention principles, and occupational health. You also need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as you will be working with employees from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of education and experience. Industrial athletic training is a rewarding career for those who are passionate about preventing injuries and promoting wellness in the workplace.

Performing Arts

Dancers, musicians, and actors are athletes in their own right, and they're just as susceptible to injuries. Athletic trainers are increasingly finding roles in the performing arts, providing specialized care to these unique populations. If you have a passion for the arts and a knack for injury prevention, this could be a dream job! Athletic trainers in the performing arts work with a unique population of individuals who rely on their bodies to express themselves creatively. These performers often push their bodies to the limit, increasing their risk of injury. Athletic trainers play a crucial role in preventing injuries, providing medical care, and rehabilitating performers so they can continue to pursue their passions. One of the primary responsibilities of an athletic trainer in the performing arts is injury prevention. They work with performers to identify risk factors for injury, such as poor technique, inadequate warm-up, and overuse. They then develop and implement strategies to address these risk factors, such as providing training in proper technique, designing customized warm-up routines, and educating performers about the importance of rest and recovery.

When injuries do occur, the athletic trainer is responsible for providing immediate care. They assess the injury, provide first aid, and determine whether the performer needs to be referred to a physician or other healthcare professional. They also develop and implement rehabilitation programs to help performers recover from their injuries and return to their performances. In addition to injury prevention and medical care, athletic trainers in the performing arts often serve as a liaison between performers, directors, and other members of the production team. They communicate about the health status of performers, making recommendations about modifications to rehearsals or performances to prevent further injury. They also advocate for the health and well-being of performers, ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and perform at their best. Working in the performing arts requires a unique set of skills and qualities. You must be knowledgeable about the specific demands placed on the bodies of performers in various disciplines, such as dance, music, and theatre. You must also be able to communicate effectively with performers, directors, and other members of the production team. If you have a passion for the arts and a desire to help performers stay healthy and perform at their best, then a career as an athletic trainer in the performing arts may be the perfect fit for you.

Military

The military is another area where athletic trainers are making a significant impact. They work with soldiers to prevent injuries, improve physical fitness, and rehabilitate those who have been injured in the line of duty. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding career path. As an athletic trainer in the military, you are responsible for the health and well-being of soldiers. You work closely with military physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to soldiers. Your responsibilities include preventing injuries, evaluating and treating injuries, and rehabilitating soldiers so they can return to their duties. One of the most important aspects of your job is preventing injuries. You work with soldiers to educate them about injury prevention strategies, such as proper warm-up and stretching techniques, proper lifting techniques, and the importance of hydration and nutrition. You also work with military leaders to develop and implement injury prevention programs. When injuries do occur, you are the first person on the scene. You evaluate the injury, provide immediate care, and determine whether the soldier needs to be referred to a physician.

You'll also develop and implement rehabilitation programs to help soldiers recover from their injuries and return to their duties. You'll work closely with physicians and physical therapists to ensure that soldiers receive the best possible care. You also communicate with military leaders about the soldier's injury and progress. Working in the military can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. You have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of soldiers. You can help them stay healthy and safe so they can perform their duties. You can also teach them valuable lessons about injury prevention and rehabilitation that they can use throughout their lives. The role of an athletic trainer in the military requires a unique blend of skills and qualities. You must be knowledgeable about sports medicine, but you also must be able to work in a high-pressure environment. You must be able to think on your feet and make quick decisions. You must also be able to work independently and as part of a team. If you have these qualities, then a career as an athletic trainer in the military may be the right fit for you.

Level Up Your Career: Advanced Opportunities

Physician Extender

As a physician extender, an athletic trainer works under the direction of a physician to provide patient care. This role involves assisting with examinations, ordering tests, and implementing treatment plans. This is an increasingly popular avenue for athletic trainers, especially in orthopedic and sports medicine clinics. Athletic trainers who work as physician extenders play a vital role in providing comprehensive care to patients. They work under the supervision of a physician, assisting with various clinical tasks and helping to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. One of the primary responsibilities of an athletic trainer in this role is assisting with patient examinations. They may take patient histories, perform physical examinations, and order diagnostic tests. They also help to educate patients about their conditions and treatment options.

Athletic trainers may also be involved in implementing treatment plans. They may assist with administering medications, providing injections, and performing wound care. They also help to monitor patients' progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed. In addition to their clinical responsibilities, athletic trainers in this role often play a key role in patient education. They provide patients with information about their conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies. They also answer patients' questions and address their concerns. Working as a physician extender requires a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. You must also be able to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals. This role offers athletic trainers an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills and to work closely with physicians to provide high-quality patient care. It is a rewarding career path for those who are passionate about helping others and making a difference in their lives.

Teaching and Research

With a master's degree, you can also pursue opportunities in teaching and research. You could become a professor at a college or university, educating the next generation of athletic trainers. Or, you could conduct research to advance the field of sports medicine. Athletic trainers who pursue careers in teaching and research play a vital role in advancing the profession and shaping the future of athletic training. As educators, they share their knowledge and expertise with students, preparing them to become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. They also contribute to the development of the curriculum, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education. In addition to teaching, athletic trainers in this role often conduct research to advance the field of sports medicine.

Athletic trainers may investigate various aspects of athletic training, such as injury prevention, treatment techniques, and rehabilitation strategies. They share their findings with the broader athletic training community through publications and presentations, helping to improve the care of athletes and active individuals. Working in teaching and research requires a strong foundation in athletic training principles and practices. You must also have excellent communication and presentation skills. This career path offers athletic trainers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the profession and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sports medicine. It is a rewarding career for those who are passionate about education and research.

Salary Expectations

Of course, salary is an important consideration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for athletic trainers was $48,420 in May 2021. However, this can vary depending on your experience, location, and employer. Generally, those with a master's degree can command higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree. Remember that salaries will vary based on location, experience, and the specific demands of the job. Factors like experience, specialization, and geographic location can significantly influence earning potential. It's always a good idea to research the average salaries for athletic trainers in your area to get a more accurate picture of what you can expect to earn.

Landing Your Dream Job

So, you're ready to launch your career? Here are a few tips to help you land your dream job:

• Network, network, network: Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with people in the field.
• Gain experience: Seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, and clinical rotations to build your skills and resume.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter: Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific job you're applying for.
• Practice your interview skills: Be prepared to answer common interview questions and showcase your passion for athletic training.

Final Thoughts

A master's degree in athletic training can open doors to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Whether you're passionate about working with athletes on the sidelines, helping employees stay healthy in the workplace, or conducting research to advance the field, there's a path out there for you. So, go out there and make a difference! With dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping others, you can achieve your career goals and make a real impact on the lives of those you serve.