CAREER EXPLORATION: ATHLETIC TRAINER. Jordan Wright

Job Description/Overview  An athletic trainer is a certified, health care professional who practices in the field of sports medicine.  Athletic training has been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an allied health care profession since  Athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries for people of all ages.

Wages  Most athletic trainers work in full-time positions, and typically receive benefits.  The salary of an athletic trainer depends on experience and job responsibilities, and varies by job setting.  Median annual wages for athletic trainers were $39,640 in May 2008.

Skills & Abilities  Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.  Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.  Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Outlook  Projected growth varies by industry. The fastest growth will be at doctors' offices and health clubs or gyms.  Regardless of employer, many new jobs will be created for athletic trainers.  Some of the demand for these workers will come from people who were injured while exercising.

Knowledge  Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of injuries, illnesses, and defects. Also includes the knowledge of setting up a plan for treatment.  Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.  Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of the effect of diseases and injuries. Knowledge of how to give advice on social or personal problems. Also includes the knowledge of setting up a plan for treatment.

Helpful High School Courses  You should consider taking some advanced courses in high school.  Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:  Anatomy and Physiology  Computer Applications  Health and Fitness  Health Education  Introduction to Health Care  Keyboarding  Safety and First Aid

Physical Demands  Athletic trainers frequently:  Stand for long periods of time.  Bend or twist their body.  Walk or run for long periods of time.

Work Activities  Provide initial assessment of a patient's injury. Decide if emergency care is needed or referral to a doctor.  Wrap ankles, wrists, or other body parts with tape to support muscles and ligaments.  Evaluate athletes for readiness to play or employees for readiness to return to work.