Athletic Training
Athletic Training
Vision, Hearing & Rehabilitation Services
Athletic Training workers prevent, assess and manage injuries and medical conditions in physically active people under collaborative healthcare arrangements.
What You Would Do
- Athletic Training workers prevent
- Assess and manage injuries and medical conditions in physically active people under collaborative healthcare arrangements
- Follow the role
- Supervision
- Privacy and documentation requirements for the work
- Understand the client’s goals
The exact work depends on the client, care plan, setting, device or activity, legal scope and required supervision.
Types of Work You Could Explore
Injury prevention — Explore injury prevention. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Emergency care — Explore emergency care. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Examination — Explore examination. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Rehabilitation — Explore rehabilitation. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Taping and bracing — Explore taping and bracing. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Return-to-activity decisions — Explore return-to-activity decisions. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Records — Explore records. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Education — Explore education. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
You do not have to choose a specialty before you begin. Job titles and specialty names vary among employers and training programs, and one job may include more than one type of work.
Who Might Like This Career
This career may appeal to you if you are interested in injury prevention, emergency care, examination. It can be a good fit for people who enjoy careful problem solving, accurate work, learning how movement, communication, devices and independence connect and seeing a clear result from their effort.
Where You Could Work
schools, colleges, clinics, hospitals, professional sports, military services, workplaces and performing arts organizations.
Work Conditions and Safety
Some roles involve patient movement, close contact, physical activity, workshop tools or clinical equipment. Training, safe techniques and appropriate protective equipment help reduce risk.
Pay and Job Outlook
Median annual pay: $60,250 in May 2025 for athletic trainers.
These are national U.S. figures for the occupation or comparison group named above, not a promised starting salary. Pay can vary considerably by location, experience, specialty, overtime, union agreement, employer, role, credentials, location and local market. People starting the career commonly earn less than experienced workers; paid training programs may increase wages as skills grow.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics career and pay information
Skills You Can Start Building
- Athletic Training workers prevent, assess and manage injuries and medical conditions in physically active people under collaborative healthcare arrangements
- Follow the role, supervision, privacy and documentation requirements for the work
- Assess or confirm the person’s needs within the role
- Select, prepare or use appropriate devices, activities or procedures
- Communicate respectfully with clients, families and the care team
- Observe progress, fit, comfort or function and report concerns
- Maintain accurate records and protect privacy
How Athletic Training Work Is Changing
Smart hearing aids, digital lenses, robotic and sensor-supported rehabilitation, 3D-printed devices and accessible software are changing services.
AI may support image analysis, device programming, documentation and personalized activities. Workers remain responsible for privacy, verification, professional judgment and person-centered care.
Digital assessment, advanced materials, wearable sensors and connected assistive devices are expanding options. Workers still must understand the person’s goals, verify fit and function, communicate clearly and adapt services to real life.
Education and Training
Preparation may include employer training, apprenticeship, certificates, associate or bachelor’s degrees, clinical education and supervised practice. Licensed therapy and athletic-training roles require approved education and state authorization; support-role requirements vary.
Career Pathways and Apprenticeship Availability
Typical pathway: Employer training and related paid experience are common; apprenticeship availability varies.
Athletic trainers generally need an accredited professional degree, certification examination and state authorization. Do not describe ordinary athletic-training education as apprenticeship without verified registration.
A Registered Apprenticeship follows an approved training plan and combines paid work, supervised learning, related instruction and progressive skill development. Some employers use the word apprenticeship for paid programs that are not registered. Ask the sponsor which type it is and what credential, wage progression and job it provides.
Licenses and Certifications
Requirements vary widely. Physical and occupational therapy assistants and athletic trainers generally require approved education and state licensure or regulation; optician, hearing and other support roles vary by state. Verify the relevant board and employer.
Look up licenses in your state
Career Pathways to Learn Athletic Training and Gain Experience
Apprenticeship — Learn through real paid work with experienced workers who teach and guide you, supported by technical instruction and a structure for developing and measuring progress. Some apprenticeships are Registered Apprenticeships; others are not.
Entry-Level Jobs — Gain paid experience with tools, equipment, customer service, safety and workplace practices through beginning work in the field.
Youth Apprenticeship — Begin developing career skills through work while continuing high-school education where a suitable program is available.
Career and Technical Education CTE — Build applied skills through allied health, rehabilitation, vision care, assistive technology, fabrication, sports medicine or related programs.
Pre-Apprenticeship — Learn introductory skills, safety and workplace expectations while preparing for apprenticeship or employment. Verify that the program connects participants with real employers and does not charge tuition simply for possible access to an apprenticeship.
Co-op — Combine education with career-related work experience through a high school, CTE program, community college or other educational program.
Paid Work-Based Learning — Get paid to do real work for an employer while learning skills and gaining experience related to the career.
Clinical, Device or Manufacturer Training — Learn specific assessment tools, devices, fabrication methods, accessibility software or therapy-support procedures under qualified supervision.
From Learning to Experienced Work
Skills develop through practice and experience. People who are new to the work usually receive more instruction and supervision. As they demonstrate skill, judgment and reliability, they take on more difficult work, greater responsibility and more independent assignments.
A common progression: Learn → Practice → Gain Experience → Build Confidence → Take on More Responsibility → Work More Independently
Experienced workers may eventually supervise work or teach and guide newer workers, trainees and apprentices.
Where This Career Can Lead
With experience and any required education or credentials, you may specialize, take on complex clients or devices, mentor others, coordinate services, manage programs or pursue advanced clinical practice.
Questions to Ask Before You Apply
- Is this a paid job from the beginning?
- Is it a Registered Apprenticeship, an employer-run apprenticeship, another training program or a regular job with training?
- What equipment and work will I learn, and who will teach me on the job?
- How does pay increase as I gain skills?
- Who provides the classes, and can I earn college credit or an industry credential?
- What tools, transportation, physical requirements, licenses, background checks or costs should I expect?
Explore related careers
Consider these careers with overlapping tools, materials, systems or work settings:
Kinesiotherapy
Optician and Ophthalmic Dispenser
Ophthalmic Assistant and Technician
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Audiology Assistant
Prosthetics and Orthotics Technician
Physical Therapist Assistant
Explore opportunities
Search apprenticeships and programs on Apprenticeship.com
Explore Apprenticeship.com state apprenticeship guides
Learn more from official career resources