Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

What you’d do

Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.
Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Sports Medicine Physicians
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher
Exercise Physiologists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve…
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Physical Therapist Assistants
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Recreational Therapists
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree
Coaches and Scouts
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition.
Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree