An athletic trainer is a highly qualified, multi-skilled healthcare professional who specializes in the management, prevention, and recovery of injured athletes. They work with coaches, doctors, and physical therapists to provide athletic training services, evaluate injuries, and provide first aid. Athletic trainers are also responsible for applying tape, bandages, and braces to protect or prevent injuries. They provide medical services to all types of patients, not just athletes participating in sports, and can work in a variety of job settings. Some of the key responsibilities of an athletic trainer include:

• Primary care
• Injury and illness prevention
• Wellness promotion and education
• Emergent care
• Examination and clinical diagnosis
• Therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions

Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s program, and 70% of ATs have a master’s degree. They are sometimes confused with personal trainers, but there is a large difference in the education, skillset, job duties, and patients of an athletic trainer and a personal trainer. Athletic trainers are recognized by the American Medical Association, Health Resources Services Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services as an allied health care profession. They are required to pass a comprehensive certification exam and must be licensed or certified in almost all states. The job prospects for athletic trainers are good, with the field projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.