An athletic trainer is a health professional who specializes in preventing and treating sports-related injuries in athletes. He or she can help determine when an athlete can return to competition and develop programs to prevent further injuries. A trainer can specialize in a number of different types of athletic trainer careers.
Athletic trainers are employed many high schools. They usually stand on the sidelines with the coaches during practices or games to quickly respond to any injuries. Because his or her trainer responsibilities are generally only needed for a limited number of after school hours, a high school athletic trainer often has another faculty job during the day, such as being a teacher.
Athletic trainer jobs can be found at a variety of colleges and universities. An athletic trainer who works for a smaller college might be a multi-sport trainer. During the season, an athletic trainer at a larger university will usually focus solely on a specific team.
A career as an athletic trainer in professional sports such as basketball, football, baseball, or hockey is possible. Athletic trainer jobs are available all year, not just during the season of the sport. A trainer who works for a professional sports team is usually on the road, attending all of the team’s games or matches. Professional athletic trainers supervise team practices and any preseason training camps as well as work all of the games during the season.
Trainers may be able to find work in sports medicine clinics. Instead of working on the sidelines, athletic trainers in sports medicine clinics work with injured athletes. Trainers assist athletes in recognizing and treating injuries as well as physical rehabilitation. Athletes in sports medicine may also teach workshops for high school and college athletic trainers.
Athletic trainers are employed some physician offices and hospitals. In order to provide extra assistance to busy healthcare facilities, the trainers use their experience working with patient injuries. Athletic trainers can assist in the treatment of physical injuries or at the very least provide an assessment, allowing doctors to see more patients.
Athletic trainers might find work in law enforcement or the military. Trainers can assist police officers or military personnel who are undergoing physical training exams or boot camps. An athletic trainer can oversee and treat any injuries, as well as provide advice on how law enforcement officers and military members can stay in top shape.
Careers as an athletic trainer can be found in a variety of fields that are not directly related to sports. Athletes are hired many performing arts companies, especially traveling shows, to treat performer injuries. Trainers may accompany musicians and singers on tour and implement training exercises to maintain the performers’ endurance.