Achieving Excellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Athletic Trainer Education Requirements

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly skilled health professionals specializing in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and skill levels, from young children to professional athletes, in various settings such as schools, fitness facilities, rehabilitation centers, and sports programs. This article provides a detailed overview of the education, certification, and continuing education requirements necessary to become a successful athletic trainer.

The Role of an Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers are integral members of the healthcare team, working in collaboration with physicians and other allied health professionals. Often, athletic trainers are the first medical professionals on the scene after an injury. They specialize in the management, prevention, and recovery of injured athletes. Companies also hire athletic trainers as a medical service to employers and their employees, where they may assist offices with ergonomics or preventing workplace injuries.

Educational Foundation: Building the Knowledge Base

To embark on a career as an athletic trainer, a strong educational foundation is essential. The curriculum and clinical training of athletic trainers follows a medical-based education model.

Undergraduate Studies

Aspiring athletic trainers typically begin with a bachelor's degree. While some states may accept related majors, pursuing a degree in athletic training or a closely related field can provide the best education and experience. You can expect to take courses in biology, anatomy, nutrition, sports medicine, and kinesiology. A B.A. in Health and Human Performance can be a perfect undergraduate precursor to a Master of Science in Athletic Training. Classes in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and exercise physiology are essential components of understanding how to help people train and take care of their bodies.

Graduate Studies: The Master's Level Requirement

The current minimum entry point into the profession of athletic training is at the master’s level. To become a certified athletic trainer, a student must graduate with a master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program. Entry-level athletic training programs are only available at the post-baccalaureate level starting Fall of 2022. Transitioning to a Masters-level degree gains many benefits including high academic standards, and completing only athletic training courses.

The first thing you have to make sure of before you pursue a master’s degree is that you’re entering an accredited athletic training program according to the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Accreditation: Ensuring Quality Education

Athletic training is an academic major or graduate equivalent major program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Eligibility for the BOC exam is contingent upon completion of a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) that must instruct to the CAATE Standards. The CAATE accredits professional and post-professional degree and residency programs. All Entry-Level Athletic Training Programs are accredited by CAATE.

Hands-On Experience: Clinical Education

A vital aspect of your athletic training education involves hands-on clinical experiences. During your accredited program, you will work under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer to gain practical skills in injury assessment, prevention, and treatment. Clinical education is crucial in preparing you for the challenges of the profession.

Certification: Demonstrating Competence

After completing your education, it's time to become a certified athletic trainer. This is achieved by passing a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). Passage of the certifying examination is a requirement for licensure in most states. The BOC exam assesses your knowledge and skills in areas such as:

Injury prevention
Clinical evaluation
Immediate care, treatment, and rehabilitation

Passing this exam demonstrates your proficiency and readiness to practice as an athletic trainer.

The ATC® Credential

The ATC® credential and the BOC requirements are currently recognized by 49 states plus the District of Columbia for eligibility and/or regulation of the practice of athletic trainers. The credibility of the BOC program and the ATC® credential it awards are supported by three pillars: (1) the BOC certification examination; (2) the BOC Standards of Professional Practice, and Disciplinary Guidelines and Procedures; and (3) continuing competence (education) requirements.

BOC Certification

BOC certification is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and is the only accredited certification program for athletic trainers. To be certified, an individual must demonstrate that they are an athletic trainer capable of performing the required duties without threat of harm to the public. The BOC traditionally conducts annual examination development meetings during which athletic trainers and recognized experts in the science of athletic training develop, review and validate examination items and problems.

Practice Domains

BOC-certified athletic trainers are educated, trained, and evaluated in five major practice domains:

Domain 1: Risk reduction, wellness, and health literacy
Domain II: Assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis
Domain III: Critical incident management
Domain IV: Therapeutic intervention
Domain V: Health care administration and professional responsibility

Determining Eligibility

The BOC Candidate Handbook outlines current eligibility requirements. The requirements include information about completing the continuing education (CE) requirements, meeting the emergency cardiac care (ECC) requirements, submitting the BOC certification maintenance fee and adhering to the BOC Standards of Professional Practice.

State Licensure: Legal Authorization to Practice

In California, athletic trainers are required to obtain state licensure through the California Board of Athletic Training. This involves submitting official transcripts, proof of BOC certification, and any additional documents required by the board. During this step, be sure to review the specific requirements and application process outlined by the board. Nearly all states require athletic trainers to be licensed or certified; requirements vary by state. Certification typically requires graduating from an accredited program and passing a qualifying exam.

Read also: Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

Continuing Education: Staying Current in the Field

Once certified, athletic trainers must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to retain their certification. Continuing education requirements are intended to promote continued competence, development of current knowledge and skills, and enhancement of professional skills and judgement. These activities must focus on increasing knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the practice of athletic training. The California Board of Athletic Training mandates ongoing education to ensure that athletic trainers provide the highest level of care. This may involve attending periodic workshops and seminars or obtaining advanced certifications.

As information continually changes, it is important for professionals to learn the latest about athletic training. Continuing education requirements are meant to ensure ATs continue to:

Stay on the cutting edge in the field of athletic training.
Obtain current professional development information.
Explore new knowledge in specific content areas.
Master new athletic training-related skills and techniques.
Expand approaches to effective athletic training.
Further develop professional judgment.
Conduct professional practice in an ethical and appropriate manner.

Networking and Gaining Experience

Building a professional network is invaluable for any career-and athletic training is no exception. Engage with local athletic trainers, sports teams, and healthcare professionals to expand your knowledge and opportunities. Be sure to research your local, state, and national athletic training organizations for opportunities. Consider volunteering or interning with organizations to gain valuable experience and showcase your skills.

Advanced Certifications and Degrees

While not mandatory, obtaining advanced certifications can enhance your career prospects and allow you to specialize in certain areas of athletic training, such as:

Sports Nutrition
Strength and conditioning
Manual therapy techniques

Qualities of a Successful Athletic Trainer

When hiring athletic trainers, employers often look for candidates who are compassionate and detail-oriented and have strong decision-making and interpersonal skills. The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties:

Compassion: Athletic trainers work with athletes and patients who may be in considerable pain or discomfort.
Decision-making skills:
Detail oriented:
Interpersonal skills: Athletic trainers must have strong interpersonal skills in order to manage difficult situations.

Career Outlook and Advancement

Athletic trainers held about 33,900 jobs in 2024. Most athletic trainers work full time. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. The median annual wage for athletic trainers was $60,250 in May 2024.

Sports programs at all ages and for all experience levels will continue to create demand for athletic trainers. With high levels of participation by children and youth in individual and team sports, athletic trainers will be needed to manage emergency and non-emergency situations that arise. Meanwhile, growing numbers of middle-aged and older adults are remaining physically active. Their continued activity will likely lead to an increase in athletics-related injuries, such as sprains. Assistant athletic trainers may become head athletic trainers, athletic directors, or physician, hospital, or clinic practice administrators. In any of these positions, they will assume a management role.

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