Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science

The athletic trainer, with the consultation and supervision of attending and/or consulting physicians, is an integral part of the health care system associated with physical activity and sports. Through preparation in both academic and practical experience, the athletic trainer provides a variety of services, including injury prevention, recognition, immediate care, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical trauma. The athletic trainer functions in cooperation with medical personnel, athletic administrators, coaches, and parents in the development and coordination of efficient and responsive athletic health care delivery systems.

Athletic trainer positions are found in colleges or universities, school districts (primarily at the secondary level), professional sport organizations, hospitals or clinics, and athletic and fitness facilities. Opportunities are limited at the Division I and professional sports levels. For obvious reasons these positions are highly prized; however, many athletic trainer positions can be found within hospitals and clinics and high schools. Many in the profession see employment increasing within these settings. Many athletic training majors find employment in the areas listed below; however, several of these careers may require education beyond a bachelor's degree.

Related Skills
- Analyzing injuries
- Basic First-Aid and CPR skills/certification
- Communication (inform proper nutrition & diet for athletes)
- Deductive reasoning skills
- Demonstrating physical stretches and rehabilitative movements
- Implement exercise & rehabilitation programs for athletes
- Maintain poise in emergency situations
- Monitor rehabilitative programs
- Motor skills
- Operating modality machines and other training equipment
- Problem solving
- Proficient knowledge in anatomy, physiology and biology
- Recording, organizing and storing information on injuries and rehabilitation
- Referring athletes to appropriate physicians when necessary
- Taping, bandaging, and stretching athletes
- Work well under stress
- Working with people


Professional Organizations and Associations
Internal Federation of Sports Medicine
National Athletic Trainers' Association
National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification
National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Strength & Conditioning Association
North Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association
Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association (SEATA)