Athletic Trainer Job Description
An athletic trainer is responsible for evaluating and assessing injury to ensure proper treatment. His/her job involves preventing, assessing, treating and rehabilitating muscoskeletal injuries of professional athletes. Athletic trainers also work with doctors in creating a physical therapy program, helping injured athletes build their strength and avoid additional injuries. They may also recommend special exercises, diets, equipments for therapy, as they oversee progress of each patient.
Education/Experience Requirements for the job of an athletic trainer: A successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or any health-related field and maintain a certification from the National Athletic Trainers Association. Candidates must also be certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the local Red Cross, rescue squad or fire department. At least 1 year in athletic training setting preferred by employers.
Skills of an athletic trainer include but are not limited to: critical thinking and active listening, active learning and instructing, time management, excellent oral and written communication skills, superb interpersonal skills and advanced knowledge in medicine, dentistry, therapy, counseling, psychology and biology.
Specific work elements of the job as an athletic trainer include: overseeing prescribed medicines, diet or exercises by the team physician and physical trainers and ensuring proper taping, bracing, strapping or fitting of athletic equipments.
