What degree do you need to be a sports trainer?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You need a bachelor's degree in athletic training to be a sports trainer. Sports trainers are often referred to as athletic trainers and must have no less than a bachelor's degree in athletic training, kinesiology, or health education. Many sports trainers continue on to obtain a master's degree.

It is important to ensure your education program includes the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). It ensures that the standards set by the National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) are met. Graduating from a CAATE-certified school correlates to the Board of Certification Exam which is required after graduation.

Sports trainers are expected to handle on-the-spot emergent injuries. They are also required to address injury prevention and treatment programs. You must have skilled knowledge of human anatomy and the healing and recovery process. The ability to effectively and safely do this is only obtained through a degree in the appropriate field of expertise.