What Can You Do With A Major In Athletic Training?
Athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries for people of all ages. Their clients include everyone from professional athletes to industrial workers. Recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals, athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Athletic trainers often are one of the first heath care providers on the scene when injuries occur, and therefore they must be able to recognize, evaluate, and assess injuries and provide immediate care when needed. They also are heavily involved in the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries. The athletic trainer works in conjunction with medical personnel, athletic administrators, coaches, and parents in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive athletic health care delivery systems. Athletic trainers should not be confused with fitness trainers or personal trainers, who are not health care workers.

 

Job Outlook For Athletic Trainers

Employment of athletic trainers is expected to grow 24 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth will be concentrated in the health care industry, including hospitals and offices of health practitioners. Fitness and recreation sports centers also will provide many new jobs, as these establishments become more common and continue to need athletic trainers to care for their clients. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary athletic trainers were $36,560 in May 2006
 

 

Some Related Career Titles  

The American Medical Association recognizes athletic trainers as allied health professionals. They work under the direction of physicians and provide immediate and ongoing care for injuries. Also, they provide education and advice on the prevention of injuries and work closely with injured patients to rehabilitate and recondition injuries, often through therapy. Following a bachelors degree in athletic training some athletic trainers continue their education in a field with similar responsibilities (see related career paths below). 

  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Massage Therapist
  • FitnessConsultant/Personal Trainer
  • Emergency medical technician and paramedic
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician Assistant
  • Registered Nurses
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Chiropractor
  • Podiatrist
(To research these titles and more go to: Occupational Outlook Handbook and see the related print resources in the Career Services Library.
 

 

Typical Employers/Work Settings
Athletic trainers may work in any of the following settings:
  • University/College
  • Secondary School
  • Healthcare clinic
  • Industrial/Commercial
  • Professional Sports
  • Performing arts
  • Military/Law Enforcement
 

Beginning Salary Range

Entry Level (0-1 year of experience) with a Bachelor’s Degree: $29,749.  Average annual salary for the District: $42,460 (From the October 2008 NATA Salary Survey (National Athletic Trainers Assocation)

For more information on salaries click here
 

 

Links To Professional Associations 
Professional Associations are important to explore because many offer student memberships and can give you access to other professionals and their experiences, research, convention or workshop opportunities, professional development and most importantly job databases.
Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida
College Athletic Trainers' Society
National Athletic Trainer's Association
Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association
 

 

Job Search Information 
National Organizations or Databases
http://www.getathletictrainerjobs.com/
http://www.insidehighered.com/careers
http://www.higheredjobs.com/
http://www.teamworkonline.com/
http://www.workinsports.com/
http://www.sportscareerfinder.com/
http://www.jobsinsports.com/
http://www.sportscareers.com/
http://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/search.cfm
 

 

Graduate Schools 

Local Programs - Master of Athletic Training and other related programs
 Barry University  
Florida Atlantic University
Florida International University

Other resources for graduate program research
http://www.gradschools.com/
http://www.petersons.com/
http://www.princetonreview.com/  
 

 

Link to UNF Program

The  College of Health  at the University of North Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training    

 

Holland Codes

Athletic Training- Social; Realistic; Investigative (SRI)