The best way to describe any Athletic Trainer is to call them a “Jack of All Trades.” We are not there just to give out Band-Aids, get ice, give out water or fix equipment. Athletic Trainers are professionals whose responsibility is to maintain the health and safety of every athlete, coach, official and spectator at the events we cover.
What do Athletic Trainers do?
As an Athletic Trainer, each day is different. Since we have no idea what we may encounter during any given game or practice, we have to be ready for anything. We are constantly given the challenge of working with several different athletes and teams at the same time while covering multiple games.
Athletic Trainers also work to prevent injuries, deal with potentially life-threatening situations, figure out the nature of an injury, come up with proper treatment plans, educate individuals on the injury process, rehab injured individuals, and get people back to work or sport. Additionally, we coordinate care with nurses, doctors, parents and athletes.
Where do Athletic Trainers work?
The settings where an Athletic Trainer can work include:
- high schools
- colleges
- professional sports
- performance arts,
- industrial settings
- hospitals
- doctors’ offices
- physical therapy clinics
As an Athletic Trainer, we go through the injury journey with our athletes and patients. It is very hard to see someone at their most vulnerable, so it is our job to pick them up and guide them through the rehabilitation process. Whatever the injury may be, an individual relies on their Athletic Trainer’s ability to get them back into work, sports, service, etc.
The process can be very long and painful; but it is extremely rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing the pure joy on someone’s face when we get them back to the place they want to be. There is no greater reward than seeing athletes do what they love.
Why to become an Athletic Trainer
Being an Athletic Trainer is a profession that requires empathy, compassion, determination, hard work and integrity. While it can be a very time-consuming job, the rewards far outweigh any negatives that may come along. It is all about helping athletes work through the injury process and get back on the field or court. As the backbone of any sports program, Athletic Trainers put in the hours off the field so that our athletes can excel on the field. We truly are essential to healthcare.