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Athletic Trainers

People classed as Athletic Trainers evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Its interest code is SRI. Social leads at 5.8 out of 7, so expect helping, teaching or caring for people, with Realistic next at 5.6. The preparation level is extensive preparation, typically graduate school and often five years or more of related experience. O*NET’s skill data points to active listening, speaking, and monitoring as the ones to build. Expect to conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment. People who want helping, teaching or caring for people usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

Main tasks

  • Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
  • Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
  • Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
  • Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
  • Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
  • Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
  • You are comfortable relying on active listening and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You find a full day of dealing with people draining.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.2 out of 7 here.
  • You want to be working in the field within the next few years.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code SRI takes the three highest, and Social comes first here.

Preparation

Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Master's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Athletic Instructor
  • Athletic Lecturer
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Certified Athletic Trainer
  • Personal Trainer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.