What do athletic trainers do?
The role of an athletic trainer is to prevent, assess, treat and rehabilitate injuries or medical conditions related to physical activity. Athletic trainers are highly trained health care professionals who collaborate with physicians and other providers to support patient well-being. They can be work in a variety of environments, including:
- Professional and amateur sports
- Hospitals and outpatient clinics
- Military and public safety
- Occupational settings
- Secondary schools and universities
From managing concussion protocols to developing recovery plans for musculoskeletal injuries, athletic trainers help individuals maintain healthy movement. And the need for professionals in this role continues to grow. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average growth rate of 13% for athletic trainers over the coming decade.
What’s the difference between an athletic trainer and personal trainer?
While athletic trainers and personal trainers both work with physically active individuals, their roles, education and scope of practice are quite different.
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who must earn a degree from an accredited program and pass a national certification exam. They assess injuries, develop treatment plans and guide patients through recovery protocols. Their work often involves clinical decision-making, emergency care and collaboration with other health providers.
Personal trainers, on the other hand, typically focus on fitness goals such as strength, endurance and weight loss. They are not licensed health care providers and their certifications vary widely depending on the organization. While personal trainers design and lead exercise programs, they are not trained to diagnose or treat injuries. In short, athletic trainers provide medical care in clinical or sports settings, while personal trainers support general fitness and wellness through exercise instruction.
What degree does an athletic trainer need?
To become an athletic trainer, you'll first need to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field. Arizona State University offers two online programs that can set you on the path to this role.
Bachelor of Science in kinesiology
- The kinesiology program is designed to provide a comprehensive education on the science of human movement, making it ideal for those interested in health, wellness and the physical dynamics of the human body. The coursework emphasizes biomechanics, human anatomy, motor behavior and the psychological aspects of physical activity.
- This concentration of our health sciences program blends multidisciplinary coursework, hands-on training and a strong foundation in healthy lifestyles. You can tailor your program to your career goals by choosing one of three available tracks: fitness science, health and wellness coaching or health education and health promotion.
Tannah Broman, a teaching professor at ASU’s College of Health Solutions, encourages students to gain early experience in the field. “I always advise students to shadow or intern with an athletic trainer,” she noted. “Those hours interning can help set you apart when applying to graduate school and can lead to some influential letters of recommendation.”
After earning your bachelor’s, further your training and education with a master's degree accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Trainer Education (CAATE). Finally, you must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified athletic trainer, known as an ATC.
