What Can I Do With a Master's in Athletic Training?

When it comes to athletic training, a common misconception is that athletic trainers only tape and ice. While athletic trainers specialize in managing and preventing injuries, and rehabilitating injured athletes, it is not the complete scope of athletic trainers' job role and capabilities. In reality, athletic trainers are highly qualified and skilled healthcare professionals who work with patients across a lifespan.

If you're interested in continuing your education in athletic training, you've come to the right place. This article will discuss the job responsibilities, work environment, and employment outlook of athletic training and highlight the top reasons why you should consider earning a master's in athletic training. 

What is a Master's Degree in Athletic Training?

To best understand what a master's degree in athletic training entails, it is essential to know what an athletic trainer is and their responsibilities. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), athletic trainers are "highly qualified, multi-skilled healthcare professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state's statutes, rules and regulations." In simpler terms, athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries and illnesses in people who are physically active.

Successful completion of a master's degree in athletic training helps shape you to be the highly qualified and skilled healthcare professional you want to be. It not only expands your knowledge but prepares you with the necessary skill set to provide quality care and improve patient outcomes. The mission of a master's degree program in athletic training, such as North Central College's CAATE accredited master of athletic training program, is "to prepare athletic trainers for patient‐centered and evidence‐based clinical practice in a diverse and rapidly changing healthcare environment."

Important Facts About Athletic Trainers

As stated previously, there are often misconceptions when it comes to athletic training. The education, experience, and skillset of athletic trainers are not widely known. If you’re wondering how to become an athletic trainer, you must complete an accredited baccalaureate program (only until 2022) or master's program and complete a variety of clinical rotations, each rotation giving you more responsibility than the last. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, about 70% of athletic trainers have a master's degree. After the fall of 2022, programs will only be able to admit to a master’s degree program as the professional entry degree will move to this level.

The curriculum and clinical experience training of athletic trainers follows a medical-based education model. North Central College's master of athletic training degree is a 55 credit-hour program that extends over six consecutive semesters. In this program, you can expect to take classes such as Foundations of Athletic Training, Administration and Management in Athletic Training, Principles of Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning for Athletic Training, and much more. This program, along with successfully passing the Board of Certification Exam, prepares you to become a certified athletic trainer. Once you're certified, you'll be responsible for maintaining your certification with continuing education.

Job Responsibilities

Whether you are working at a hospital or a college or university, job responsibilities for athletic trainers mainly include recognizing, evaluating, and treating injuries. On the job, you can also expect to plan, develop, and implement rehabilitation programs for those who have injuries or create programs to prevent injuries, among other administrative tasks. No matter where you are employed, athletic trainers greatly impact organizations for the better. 

Work Environment 

Alongside physicians and other health professionals, athletic trainers are integral members of the healthcare team at fitness centers, hospitals, professional sports teams, and many more. Since athletic trainers work in a variety of settings, they will treat patients of all ages. With a master's of athletic training under your belt, you may find yourself working at:

• Branches of the military
• Colleges and universities
• Health departments
• Medical clinics/offices
• Performing arts
• Police and fire departments
• Professional and Olympic sports
• Secondary schools
• Youth sports leagues

Kendall Selsky, associate professor of athletic training and director of the athletic training program at North Central College, describes what a typical work week looks like for an athletic trainer (AT):

“Some ATs work a standard 40-hour week on a regular schedule. This happens in the orthopedic office and industrial settings most often. Others work a schedule that is quite variable from week to week based on athletic seasons and schedules. Some start their day at 1:00 as their student-athletes transition out of the classroom and into the athletic facilities. They might begin with meetings or paperwork, transition to one-on-one rehabilitation appointments, then complete pre-practice/pre-event treatments and taping.

“During the practice/event, the AT will remain on-site or nearby for new injuries or emergencies but will likely be working with other patients doing rehab or preparing for another practice or completing medical documentation. After the practice or event, the AT will manage any new injuries, and close the facility for the day.”