Athletic Trainer

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Overview

Athletic trainers are medical providers who specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. (See disclaimer
1) Their responsibilities include rehabilitation and long-term injury prevention, and they often collaborate with physicians, coaches and strength and conditioning staff. (See disclaimer
1)

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who
help athletes stay safe and care for injuries related to physical activity
. They apply clinical expertise and evidence-based, proactive care to treat injuries and support long-term wellness across active populations. (See disclaimer
1)

Athletic trainers provide immediate first aid and emergency response for injuries during physical activity or competition.

They identify risk factors and implement evidence-based strategies to reduce the likelihood of injury and enhance safety.

Health education

Athletic trainers promote health literacy by educating patients, enabling them to understand and make informed health decisions.

Wellness optimization

Athletic trainers support overall wellness, including physical, emotional and environmental health for individuals and active groups.

Environmental safety assessments

They monitor environmental conditions and respond appropriately to ensure safe participation in physical activities.

Clinical evaluation

Athletic trainers perform physical examinations and interpret findings to formulate accurate clinical diagnoses.

They establish and implement individualized care plans based on clinical diagnoses and evidence-based practices.

Education

A solid educational foundation is essential for becoming an athletic trainer. This path typically starts with earning a high school diploma, followed by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field. To practice professionally, individuals must also obtain certification from the Board of Certification. In the following sections, we will explore each of these steps in more detail.

Understanding these key milestones is important for anyone considering a career in athletic training.

High School Diploma

To pursue a career in athletic training, start with a high school diploma and focus on science courses such as biology, anatomy and health. Engaging in sports or volunteering with school athletic programs can provide experience and develop essential skills like communication, teamwork and first aid.

College Degree

To become a certified athletic trainer, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree with coursework in kinesiology, sports medicine, nutrition and injury evaluation. Following this, a master’s degree in athletic training is required to develop advanced skills in rehabilitation, emergency care and healthcare administration. (See disclaimer
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Professional Certification

Certification is required to practice as an athletic trainer in most states, starting with graduation from a CAATE-accredited program. (See disclaimer
3) GCU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training meets this standard, providing an education aligned with national requirements. Graduates can then take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam for certification. (See disclaimer
4)

Programs for future athletic trainers combine rigorous STEM education with practical clinical experience to prepare students for the profession’s demands. Coursework is designed to build a strong foundation in science, math and nutrition while exploring specialized athletic training topics.

Key academic domains and subjects include:

• Biology, chemistry, exercise science integration
• Scientific communication in healthcare teams
• Ethical decision-making in clinical settings
• Health data…