Becoming an athletic trainer

Becoming an Athletic Trainer Author Name University Name Introduction An athletic trainer works in collaboration with physicians and nurses to prevent or treat medical complications involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. This paper highlights how to become an athletic trainer and earn sufficient from this field. Depending on his position level, an athletic trainer may get chances of working outside the country, and sometimes he has to work on evenings and weekends to accomplish his tasks. This person is primarily responsible for taking care of his patients and providing them with all basic or advanced treatments and medications. Just like doctors, athletic trainers are required to perform their tasks efficiently as various patients are depending on them for their health, survival, and recovery from the illness (Kummer, 2009). Some of the major duties of an athletic trainer are identifying and evaluating wounds and injuries, developing and implementing multiple rehabilitation programs, providing patients with first aid or emergency care, and working hard to come up the expectations of both the patients and hospital authorities. Athletic trainers must be experienced and capable enough to work with patients of all classes, ages, positions, and backgrounds. When it comes to applying for a job, most common employer are physicians’ clinics, educational facilities, hospitals, fitness centers, sports and recreational clubs, and military or sports teams (Vause, 2012). Due to their tough job responsibilities and day-to-day tasks, athletic trainers require sufficient experience and formal education. We should not confuse an athletic trainer with a fitness expert, because these are two entirely different professions. For instance, an athletic trainer specifically serves injured people and helps them get cured. He provides his patients with free advice on how to ensure their safety and health for a lifetime. In contrast, a fitness trainer has nothing to do with injured or disable people. Instead, trains healthy individuals, helps them get rid of obesity and remain fit and provides them with tips on diet. A degree in this field is a must for employment, and every state has its own criteria or rules to hire athletic trainers at the governmental level (Feldman, 2011). Qualifications needed to become an athletic trainer Just like a doctor or nurse, an athletic trainer is healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats injured or disable people. He also provides them with advice on how to get rid of stress and anxiety and how to strengthen their musculoskeletal system. Plus, he teaches injury prevention methods and techniques to not only his patients but also to sportspersons and people working in physically-demanding jobs. A bachelor’s degree in health and fitness or relevant field is compulsory to become an athletic trainer, and if you want to work at a higher level with an increased salary, then you may be asked to complete your post-graduation and gain sufficient hands-on experience (Kummer, 2009). Subjects such as biology, physiology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and others are taught as part of your training program or degree. Various countries require their athletic trainers to be qualified, certified and experienced, so the requirements vary from state to state, but the basic is to hold a degree in any program sanctioned by CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Trainer Education and pass certification examinations (Vause, 2012). Complete your gradu...