Career in Athletic Training

Get ready for an exciting health care career in athletic training. 

Athletic Trainer Definition 

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education and training and the states’ statutes, rules and regulations. As a part of the health care team, services provided by ATs include injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. *Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a health care profession. 

*This definition is approved by the Inter-Agency Terminology Work Group and the Athletic Trainer Strategic Alliance, January 2017. 

Becoming an AT 

Athletic training is an academic major or graduate equivalent major program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Educational programs to become an AT are at the master’s level where students learn in medical-based models through hands-on learning and clinical experiences, as well as lectures and demonstrations. After finishing the degree, the student must pass a board exam through the Board of Certification (BOC) to practice in most states. ATs can go on to earn specializations or even a Doctorate in Athletic Training. 

Practice Domains for ATs 

The BOC Practice Analysis identifies essential knowledge and skills for the athletic training profession and serves as a blueprint for exam development and continuing competence programming. The current Practice Analysis, 8th Edition (PA8) is PA8 is effective for BOC exams beginning March/April 2023 and continuing education beginning January 1, 2024. 

• Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy 
• Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis 
• Critical Incident Management 
• Therapeutic Intervention 
• Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility 

Learn More About the Athletic Training Population

AT Salary and Career Resources  

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) conducts a salary survey every two years to better provide its members with information necessary to negotiate salary with prospective employers. The NATA also provides a career center for all its members. Members can filter jobs by state, setting and/or type. Graduate Assistant and Internship positions may also be posted on this page. 

Orthopedic Specialty Certification 

The AT Orthopedic Specialty Certifcation is a major step on a pathway toward advancement in the health care community. For ATs, specialty certification means a viable, long-term career filled with opportunities to distinguish themselves in the delivery of patient care and earning recognition and respect for the experience, focus and skills they demonstrate.