National
| Median wages (2008) |
$39,640 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
17,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
7,000 additional employees |
29-9091.00 - Athletic Trainers
Evaluate, advise, and treat athletes to assist recovery from injury, avoid injury, or maintain peak physical fitness.
Sample of reported job titles:
Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, Athletic Instructor, Clinical Instructor, Resident Athletic Trainer
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.
- Care for athletic injuries using physical therapy equipment, techniques, and medication.
- Evaluate athletes' readiness to play, and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
- Apply protective or injury preventive devices such as tape, bandages, or braces to body parts such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
- Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches and physicians.
- Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
- Advise athletes on the proper use of equipment.
- Plan and implement comprehensive athletic injury and illness prevention programs.
- Develop training programs and routines designed to improve athletic performance.
- Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.
back to top
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Facial shields — Face shields; Mouth guards |
| Orthopedic splint systems — Air splints; Fixed splints; Vacuum splints |
| Pedal exercisers for rehabilitation or therapy — Elliptical trainers; Exercise bicycles |
| Pelvis or back traction supplies — Cervical traction units; Lumbar traction units |
| Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs — Cold therapy equipment; Heat therapy equipment |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Calendar and scheduling software — Scheduling software |
| Data base user interface and query software — Digital Coach AthleticTrainer; Injury tracking software; Keffer Development Services Athletic Trainer System ATS; Premier Software Simtrak Mobility |
| Medical software — BioEx Systems Exercise Pro; ImPACT |
| Spreadsheet software |
| Word processing software |
