An athletic trainer is an integral part of a complete athletic program. The trainer's duties consist of implementing prevention-of-injury programs, and immediate treatment and rehabilitation procedures for the injured athlete as directed by the team physician. More specifically an athletic trainer is professionally educated to recognize and evaluate injuries associated with competitive sports; provide immediate treatment and then determine if an injury requires further specialized care; implement prevention-of-injury programs; plan and implement rehabilitation of injury regimens; educate and counsel athletes concerning health care; and organize and administer an athletic training program. Personal qualities essential to effectiveness and enjoyment of this career include a genuine interest in athletics and in health care, the ability to work well under stress, the willingness and stamina to work long and often irregular hours, confidence, cleanliness, common sense, and manual dexterity. In addition, it is important that an athletic trainer be able to relate well to the athletes and to other professional health career personnel.

As athletic training gains recognition as a profession requiring specialized education and training, certification is becoming increasingly important for employment. The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) is the professional certifying organization for athletic trainers. To become certified, one must earn a college degree, complete a basic educational program that includes a minimum of eight hundred hours of clinical experience, and pass a three-part examination measuring basic knowledge, clinical skills, and decision making. To maintain certification, a certified athletic trainer (ATC) must earn continuing education units approved by NATA. Apart from certification, some states require athletic trainers to be licensed. A person interested in pursuing athletic training should have coursework in anatomy, biology, physiology, first aid, health, hygiene, nutrition, and general science.

• 2 year Associates Degree
• 4 year Bachelors Degree

Athletic trainers work with athletes, coaches, physicians, and other health care specialists, often combining training, therapy, and teaching. They can be employed by high schools, colleges and universities to coordinate in both an athletic and teaching environment. Other potential employers include professional sports teams, sports medicine clinics; and in health clubs.

$52,000

• Barton County Community College
• Bethel College
• Central Methodist College
• Central Missouri State University
• Kansas State University Health Professions Advising Office
• Lindenwood University
• Midamerica Nazarene University
• Park University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Southwest Missouri State University
• Washburn University

• American College Of Sports Medicine
• National Athletic Trainers' Association
• Ncaa Foundation