The Changing Profession of Athletic Trainers

Twenty years ago you would find athletic trainers in the college or high school setting. Typically, athletic trainers were seen only on the sidelines of sports fields. The profession that began with giving “rub-downs” and taping has evolved into an allied health care profession.

Today, certified athletic trainers work not only in the college or high school, but in a vast array of settings. Athletic trainers currently work in industrial settings, with professional teams, for physicians, along side physical therapists and chiropractors, for the military, and many other venues.

The education of athletic trainers has also evolved. Certified athletic trainers specialize in prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. The education requirements consist of completing an accredited undergraduate program and fulfilling entry-level requirements prior to sitting for the Board of Certification exam. The BOC exam covers six domains consisting of:

  • 1.   Prevention
  • 2.   Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment
  • 3.   Immediate Care
  • 4.   Treatment and Rehabilitation
  • 5.   Organization and Administration
  • 6.   Professional Development

    The majority of certified athletic trainers obtain a Masters Degrees and some go on and earn Doctorate Degrees. Statistics show over 70% of certified athletic trainers hold advance degrees.

    Certified athletic trainers must also satisfy specific state licensing and registration requirements. In Oregon, certified athletic trainers must receive a license from the state registration board.

    With all the changes in the athletic training profession, athletic trainers have equal opportunities to work in a variety of settings. A former female Oregon State graduate student began working for a professional football team. Another female athletic trainer works at the rehabilitation center at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A male athletic trainer works with a team of Marines who are a NASCAR-like pit crew for refilling helicopters.

    As you can see, the traditional view of athletic trainers is constantly changing. The public’s knowledge of the profession is growing and an athletic trainer’s opportunity for the untraditional settings is expanding.