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Job outlook for certified athletic trainers in the United States
Certified athletic trainer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected certified athletic trainer job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 5,100 new jobs for certified athletic trainers are projected over the next decade.
Certified athletic trainer salaries have increased 9% for certified athletic trainers in the last 5 years.
There are over 24,873 certified athletic trainers currently employed in the United States.
There are 90,171 active certified athletic trainer job openings in the US.
The average certified athletic trainer salary is $47,184.
Are certified athletic trainer jobs in demand?
Certified athletic trainer job and salary trends over time
Certified athletic trainer jobs over time
Certified athletic trainer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24,873 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 26,170 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,286 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 25,655 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 23,861 | 0.01% |
Average certified athletic trainer salary over time
Certified athletic trainer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $47,184 | $22.68 | +2.9% |
| 2025 | $45,840 | $22.04 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $44,960 | $21.62 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $44,128 | $21.22 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $43,181 | $20.76 | +2.1% |
Certified athletic trainer jobs by state
Most common states for certified athletic trainers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 961,939 | 277 | 29% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 175 | 28% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 338 | 25% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,518 | 23% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,886 | 22% |
| 6 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 800 | 22% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 125 | 22% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 852 | 21% |
| 9 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,203 | 20% |
| 10 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 879 | 20% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,010 | 19% |
| 12 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 572 | 19% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 144 | 19% |
| 14 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 129 | 19% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,305 | 18% |
| 16 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 847 | 18% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,024 | 17% |
| 18 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 660 | 17% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,419 | 16% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,141 | 16% |
Most common cities for certified athletic trainers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Battle Creek | 2 | 4% | $43,082 |
| 2 | Kalamazoo | 2 | 3% | $42,894 |
| 3 | Fort Wayne | 4 | 2% | $40,509 |
| 4 | Grand Rapids | 3 | 2% | $43,055 |
| 5 | Clearwater | 2 | 2% | $44,295 |
| 6 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $43,567 |
| 7 | Victorville | 2 | 2% | $52,914 |
| 8 | Anderson | 1 | 2% | $39,817 |
| 9 | Seattle | 4 | 1% | $45,523 |
| 10 | Aurora | 2 | 1% | $46,034 |
| 11 | New Orleans | 2 | 1% | $43,972 |
| 12 | Wichita | 2 | 1% | $41,511 |
| 13 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $43,961 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $41,586 |
| 15 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0% | $44,536 |
| 16 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $55,226 |
Certified Athletic Trainer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of certified athletic trainer experts
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Weber State University
University of Kentucky
University of Akron
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Endicott College
Concordia University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Illinois at Chicago
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Meredith College
Saint Mary's College of California
University of Illinois at Chicago
Montclair State University
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
John Wright: The field of Kinesiology is a remarkably diverse field. Students graduating with a degree in Kinesiology have a unique opportunity to pursue myriad opportunities. Currently, graduates are prepared to pursue graduate education or employment in fields as diverse as medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, strength & conditioning / human performance, personal training, and corporate or medical wellness. With such a variety of opportunities, I strongly recommend that students entering the field try a variety of career options through a combination of field experiences, internships opportunities, and employment opportunities. Only after sampling the different specialities can students truly realize their passion! Often students enter their academic career with limited exposure to the field, and subsequently, they may feel pigeon-holed and/or limited in their career opportunities. I often tell my students to keep an open mind and take advantage of every opportunity presented! You never know when inspiration will strike, and that area of specialization that wasn’t initially on your radar might actually become your true calling!
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Wright: The field of Kinesiology has evolved significantly over the past 35 years. Specialization with specific populations is necessary in order to really make a name for yourself. Regardless of which populations you would like to work with (i.e.: Older Adults, Military/Tactical Strength & Conditioning, Competitive Sports / Human Performance, Corporate Wellness, Pediatric / Adolescent), there are common themes that have become essential for success in the field. Graduates in the field of Kinesiology should become very familiar with postural analysis, Functional Movement Screening, and corrective exercise. Additionally, an emphasis on injury prevention, exercise epidemiology (Exercise is Medicine), and longevity and health-span have become emerging trends. Finally, other than the Kinesiology-specific skills, competence in social media and marketing has become ubiquitous as a set of “soft-skills” in order to reach and match with emerging markets.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
John Wright: Without a doubt, certification from a reputable agency is the first step to success! Depending on which direction your career takes you, certification may be either required or recommended. Fields like Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy mandate either national certification and/or state licensure in order to practice. However, other areas of specialization like strength & conditioning and personal training do not have strict certification or licensure requirements. Whether or not your area of specialization requires a certification, being certified or licensed to practice ensures that you have met the minimal educational and professional standards in your field. With that said, I often recommend to our Athletic Training and pre-Physical Therapy students to obtain multiple credentials in order to enhance their professional marketability. Athletic Trainers should be certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATABOC), and I recommend that they obtain the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). It’s also a good idea to pursue additional certifications such as the Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the Certified Exercise Physiologist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). If your ambition is to work with “Tactical Athletes” (soldiers, firefighters, law enforcement officers), I strongly recommend attaining the Tactical Strength & Conditioning (TSAC) certification from the NSCA. If your goal is to become a personal trainer, there are a variety of personal training certifications that are available, but it is important to realize that not all certifications are created equal. NATA, NSCA, CSM, and NASM certifications are considered the most reputable, and they are all certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Chad Killian PhD: The ability to critically evaluate and apply the use of technology to support effective practice is now mandatory in almost every field, including kinesiology. It will be important for kinesiology professionals to have the ability to consider if/when/how these technologies can/should be used in their practice.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chad Killian PhD: Kinesiology professionals can pursue specializations that extend beyond their baseline degree and certification. By investing in reputable professional development and specialized training, professionals can ensure they remain competitive and make a positive impact in their field.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Chad Killian PhD: Regardless of the specific field a Kinesiology graduate enters, it is crucial to stay informed about current societal trends and emerging research. It will be essential to actively engage with students or clients to ensure practices are consistently aligned with their evolving needs.
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Bailey Palmer: Kinesiology is the study of human movement, so by definition a kinesiologist is someone who works with patients or clients in a variety of healthcare or athletic setting to improve the quality of movement and participation in physical activity. A kinesiology professional can work as a rehabilitation specialist seeing patients throughout the day or work as an athletic trainer assisting athletes with injuries or even a professor who teaches exercise physiology classes to pre-med students. Kinesiology is a great field because of its broad range of career paths that it caters to.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bailey Palmer: Some kinesiology professional need a post-graduate degree, such as a Master’s in Exercise Physiology or Human Performance or even a doctorate in Physical Therapy, to acquire a job. This can be daunting or challenging for some to attain. Most kinesiologists help people with functional limitations and find it very rewarding to improve their quality of life through therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing movement ability and physical performance.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Bailey Palmer: Employment for professionals in kinesiology is expected to grow by over 15% in the next ten years. People are living longer which means a higher quality of life needs to be attained in those later years. Kinesiology professionals can help to improve mobility, rehab injuries, and increase fitness levels in these individuals to improve quality of life.
Dr. Shala Davis Ph.D., FACSM
Professor/Department ChairEast Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Shala Davis Ph.D., FACSM: Holding a professional credential and having varied skills to work with apparently health adults and patients with clinical conditions makes the professional more marketable.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Saori Hanaki: Keep open-minded. Exercise science/kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field of study that allows you to explore options in different professional areas including fitness, coaching, healthcare-related fields, and education. With experiences after college, your professional interests likely evolve.
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: Careers in Exercise Science can range from positions at a local gym to working with athletes and coaches in international sports. A bachelor’s degree in this field is very versatile because of the basic science focus and the applied science practical skills you have probably acquired in your major courses. The best advice I can give to students in this field is to gain credible certifications and licenses from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These are globally regarded organizations and credentials and will soon become the standard for employment. In 2030, only students that graduate from NSCA and ACSM accredited programs will be able to sit for certification exams offered by these organizations which will strengthen your attractiveness for employment if attained.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: To maximize your potential for salary it is important to collect as many volunteer and internship experiences as possible. Experience will be the major factor in salary negotiations but unfortunately, as a new graduate you may have little paid experience. As a student or new graduate, volunteering is a wonderful way to network and gain the trust and respect of potential for hiring. It also helps you to determine if that career is right for you. Be on-time, have a great attitude, and approach the business with a “how can I help your company” perspective and you will see how much easier it will be for you to succeed.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: As mentioned previously, certifications and licenses will be vital for those wishing to gain employment very soon. Depending on the type of certification, skills can range from demonstrating and recognizing proper resistance training techniques for strength and conditioning coaches to ECG interpretation in clinical exercise physiology settings. Exercise testing and interpretation for the 5 components of fitness (i.e. body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, flexibility, and neuromotor fitness) are also important to understand and be proficient in.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Ronald Otterstetter Ph.D., FACSM: Take every opportunity to make yourself a better professional. Seek to learn skills that will make you so integral to the company that you can’t be replaced. Work on people skills: both with the ones you work with and the ones you work for. Be open to advice and constructive criticism. They will both make you better in the long run.
Dr. Matthew Miltenberger PhD, CSCS, ATC
Associate ProfessorEast Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Dr. Matthew Miltenberger PhD, CSCS, ATC: Maximizing salary comes down to a few things: 1. Education/ degree having an MS enhances starting salaries. 2. Certifications through national organizations like NSCA and ACSM. 3. Specialize within the field, find your area. 4. Market your skills on your resume… what can you do from a technology standpoint, what equipment are you proficient in using, special coursework or certificates. 5. Get involved while in school, do an internship or several, make contact with experts in the field, volunteer within the field. Get your name out there and make connections!
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Matthew Ibrahim Ph.D.(c): Become as versatile as possible. That's going to separate you from your peers. We live in a day and age where having one set of skills simply isn't enough. It is imperative that you develop as many skills as possible that pertain to the career field, which in turn will make you more valuable. The more value you bring to the table, the greater the asset you become to a company. It's as simple as that.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Matthew Ibrahim Ph.D.(c): If you're about to graduate with a degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology, my top 3 recommendations would be: #1 - Be yourself. Avoid trying to mimic others in the field. Steer clear of a simple 'copy and paste'. Most importantly, forge a path of your own. I know that this may sound too simple, but I firmly believe in being yourself in every avenue of life. Ultimately, you will attract what you exude; therefore, exude energy, enthusiasm, curiosity and a deep passion for your work. #2 - Be patient. So many young, up-and-coming professionals in our field (i.e., Strength and Conditioning, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, etc.) seem to be in a rush and want to leap past the journey to the end result. In my humble opinion, it is the journey that teaches you life's most valuable lessons, especially as they pertain to this career field. Instead of leaping past these valuable career lessons, lean into them, learn from them and grow from them. #3 - Seek mentorship. After graduating with a degree in this field, you may feel lost, unsure of your next steps or confused. Trust me, this is very typical. I've been there before as well. One thing that truly helped me along my path when I was in your shoes was to seek out mentors in and out of the career field. In doing so, I was able to develop from a professional standpoint, and I was also able to grow my overall network. In my book, it was a huge win-win for my career, especially in the early stages. Ultimately, this need for mentorship is why I created my mentorship program for students and up-and-coming professionals like yourself: Athletic Performance University (APU).
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Maryse Fortin PhD, CAT(C): Make sure you individualize your approach when working with clients. It is critical to fully understand their needs, psychosocial background, and goals. It’s also important for kinesiologists to stay on top of research and the latest clinical practices/standards. Getting involved in research is a great way to continue learning throughout your career.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Maryse Fortin PhD, CAT(C): Be proactive, continue to expand your network and do not close any doors or opportunities that present themselves. There are many interesting job opportunities in different areas in health and fitness-related sectors.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Maryse Fortin PhD, CAT(C): Be proactive, look for opportunities that may be “outside the box” and don’t be scared to start your own business.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Joshua Wooten Ph.D.: Kinesiology is the broad study of human movement. Graduates can specialize in areas such as Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, or Physical Education and Coaching Pedagogy. They can work in a variety of settings like cardiac rehabilitation, personal training, strength and conditioning, or mental performance coaching.
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Dr. Josh Miller: Kinesiology is an umbrella term used in our field that describes the analysis of human movement, anatomical, biomechanical, pathological, and the neurophysiological aspects of movement. Within Kinesiology there are many educational opportunities that our students can pursue if they choose to in professional schools (i.e. physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical school, physician's assistant, etc.), graduate school (i.e. Master's degree in a specialized discipline of the field - exercise physiology (the study of how the body responds to exercise), biomechanics (the study of movement), or sport psychology), or find a position (i.e. personal trainer, health coach, strength coach, etc.). It is difficult to answer your question of what does a Kinesiologist do on a day-to-day basis. This would depend upon the job that they have. A good example would be someone who works in Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehabilitation. On an average day, the individual would work with patients that have had a cardiovascular event (heart surgery, stents, arrhthymias, and other related issues) in i-hour classes that incorporate aerobic exercise, stretching, and some resistance training. There may be some education to help with making changes to lifestyle (i.e. diet, stress, etc.). Additionally, they may work with patients that have just had an event or surgery.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Josh Miller: I think that students choose this field because of an underlying desire to help individuals make changes in their lives. Many of our students have spoken about a family member that worked with a PT or OT that helped them change their life. Some of our students are former athletes that were injured and worked with Athletic Trainers and Strength Coaches and really enjoyed the relationships that were formed with them and want to continue them. I think the biggest dislike that some may have is the initial challenge of getting their dream job. Working with professional athletes is very tough and many students wish is to do so and trying to get into this area is tough. Another area that some report is the time for writing notes, as this is time away from patients that they would want to be with them.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Josh Miller: The job market is unlimited. The student can pursue working with clients as a personal trainer or strength coach in a specific sport. This could be working with youth athletes or high school athletes that are transitioning into college sport or college athletes preparing for the sport specific combine. Another example is a student that has completed a Bachelor's degree and goes to Physician's Assistants school can use their education on exercise and nutrition to help educate their patients in lifestyle management. The ability to use their education from the Bachelor's program in their graduate programming only makes the student a great candidate for a program and then when they graduate from the program there is a potential to have knowledge that is not always taught in these programs.
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Exercise Science, students should consider investing in advanced degrees and certifications along with specialized skills to help distinguish themselves from others in the field. Gaining practical experiences through volunteer opportunities, internships, field-related jobs, and professional organizations will help build a strong resume while establishing a professional network. Staying up-to-date with the latest research and technological advancements will also make students more appealing. In addition, students should always be prepared to negotiate their salary by confidently presenting their qualifications and the unique value they bring to their job.
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Heather Sanderson Ed.D., CSCS (she/her/hers): Interpersonal skills, technological skills, and adaptability would be my top three skills I see are needed in the next 3-5 years. Young adults are struggling with interpersonal communication due to technology and as a field that works directly with patients, clients, and students the ability to have direct conversations will be vitally important to the care of their clientele. Furthermore, our global society has influenced the variety of people kinesiologists will come in contact with. So cultural competence is important when communicating with people from various backgrounds. The advancement of technology in a fast-paced market has made it imperative that up-to-date technology skills and adaptability to ongoing changes are needed for future professionals.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Heather Sanderson Ed.D., CSCS (she/her/hers): I always teach students to ask for three things when negotiating a salary - 1. Ask for something you need (higher pay, flexible hours, telecommute, professional development funds, etc) 2. Ask for something you want but don't need (a specific type of computer/phone, office location, moving expense, specific type of benefit), 3. Ask for something to enhance your position (better title, bonuses, more vacation, PTO). As a women's college, our students must work on their negotiation skills as statistically employers pay women less and give them fewer incentives. So I educate our students to know their worth and be proactive to ensure their success.
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Dr. Elizabeth O'Neill: Like many fields, the integration of technology continues to expand in Exercise Science. Being versed in technology specific to one's area of exercise science will be an advantage. Additionally, given the aging demographics, the need for clinically experienced practitioners is growing.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elizabeth O'Neill: Hopefully to start, students choose to attend institutions that provide extensive applied experiences through high quality internships. These dramatically enhance professional growth, offer extensive networking, and build one's resume. Obtaining reputable credentialing (certifications) will open doors and is a good first step. Being willing and able to diversify to have multiple revenue streams for income can expand your salary potential. There are a lot of unique ways to make money in the field, so looking for those opportunities can make a big difference.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth O'Neill: Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone to take on opportunities that will allow you the best professional growth. Certainly moving back home can be great in terms of saving money, and in some cases that might be the best choice, however I would encourage students not to limit their geographic exploration of career opportunities. This may open up options for higher paying jobs or positions that will accelerate their career trajectory.
Derek Marks PhD
Associate Professor, Director Graduate Kinesiology, Director Human Performance LaboratorySaint Mary's College of California
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Derek Marks PhD: Sadly, kinesiology is not a field associated with high salaries and often 'side-gigs' (e.g. consulting outside of regular career) are necessary to boost a low salary. For those going into client-based personal practices (e.g. personal training) my advice is to never undersell yourself and believe you are worth top-dollar. In the more structured career options like clinical hospital work or university-based strength and conditioning positions, it is great to find ways to get some work experience, like an internship, to add to your resume and bump starting pay. Often, with careers like physical and occupational therapy, there are not many ways to start higher-up on the salary ladder due to their pay structure.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Derek Marks PhD: Our field is SO diverse, there is no way to pin point even a handful. Generally, I would say staying on top of (current) technologies in ways to communicate, make assessments, and practice your trade is essential. Wearable biometric devices are just one example of technology that can be incredibly valuable in our field and failure to understand how to utilize wearables could mean losing clients or not getting a position.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Derek Marks PhD: I generally have 3 pieces of advice I share with my graduating students. 1) be flexible - our field does not always have perfectly defined career options and sometimes you will need to take on roles you may not have thought of before in order to get the experience you need to move forward. 2) Be patient - there is often a process involved with getting experience and earning the qualification to progress to your 'dream' position. It takes time and dedication to get there. 3) Be creative - building on point #1 above, there is not always a perfect job out there and sometimes you have to go out and make it for yourself. Creating your own niche or finding positions that you can make for you can be very rewarding.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Annmarie Chizewski: Obtain certifications and specializations: Earning additional certifications and specializations beyond your degree can make you more valuable to employers. Consider certifications in areas like strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology, or specific population groups (e.g., older adults, athletes). Gain relevant experience through internships and entry-level jobs: Practical experience is highly valued in this field. Seek out internships or entry-level positions that allow you to apply your knowledge and develop specialized skills, even if the pay is initially lower. Develop a niche or area of expertise: Becoming an expert in a particular area, such as sports performance, injury rehabilitation, or corporate wellness, can differentiate you from other candidates and command higher salaries. Consider advanced degrees or credentials: Pursuing a master's degree, doctoral degree, or advanced credentials like the CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) or CEP (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) can open doors to higher-paying roles and leadership positions. Network and build professional relationships: Cultivating a strong network within the kinesiology community can provide access to job opportunities, mentors, and valuable industry insights that can aid in salary negotiations. Seek employment in high-paying sectors: Industries like professional sports, healthcare, corporate wellness, and research often offer higher salaries for kinesiologists with the right skills and experience. Continuously update your skills and knowledge: Kinesiology is a rapidly evolving field. Staying current with new research, techniques, and technologies through continuing education and professional development can make you a more valuable asset and command higher compensation.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Asia Heynen M.S.: Kinesiology is a fantastic field to get into. Although the field is becoming increasingly competitive, there is so much opportunity and variety within the major itself, that many students feel their Kinesiology backgrounds give them a strong foundation in any profession they pursue.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Asia Heynen M.S.: Kinesiology is a very broad discipline. As a Kinesiology major, you can find professional success in a variety of careers, such as being a physician, physical therapist, physical education teacher, nurse, sports coach, athletic trainer, occupational therapist, sport psychologist, and countless more. The day-to-day duties entirely depend on the profession itself and can vary widely depending on the personal preferences of the individual. Kinesiologists are problem-solvers and will take that drive into any profession they choose.
What general advice would you give to a Certified Athletic Trainer?
Peter Hosick PhD, ACSM-CEP, FACSM: I think the most important part is knowing what to expect and what is reasonable. Research what people are making in your area of the country. If you want to make more than an entry-level position be able to justify, citing specific skills that you have, that are above and beyond the minimum. I encourage those interested in health and fitness to get certifications from the ACSM or NSCA. These organizations also have additional credentials that demonstrate special knowledge or interest. When interviewing or talking to potential employers mention these certifications or credentials, they are easy to miss on a resume. The other big thing is networking. It really works! If you don’t know where to start, try your professors. If you have a professor you enjoyed or is active in the field, set a meeting to talk. As a professor and program coordinator, I routinely get emails from various places looking to hire. I love helping students make connections this way. If you’re lucky enough to attend a professional conference as a student, find out if any or your professors will also be there. Ask them to introduce you to people they know. At minimum you can meet more people and expand your network. This can expand your opportunities and increase the likelihood of finding and getting the most desirable and well-paying positions.
What Certified Athletic Trainer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Peter Hosick PhD, ACSM-CEP, FACSM: I think the most important part is knowing what to expect and what is reasonable. Research what people are making in your area of the country. If you want to make more than an entry-level position be able to justify, citing specific skills that you have, that are above and beyond the minimum. I encourage those interested in health and fitness to get certifications from the ACSM or NSCA. These organizations also have additional credentials that demonstrate special knowledge or interest. When interviewing or talking to potential employers mention these certifications or credentials, they are easy to miss on a resume. The other big thing is networking. It really works! If you don’t know where to start, try your professors. If you have a professor you enjoyed or is active in the field, set a meeting to talk. As a professor and program coordinator, I routinely get emails from various places looking to hire. I love helping students make connections this way. If you’re lucky enough to attend a professional conference as a student, find out if any or your professors will also be there. Ask them to introduce you to people they know. At minimum you can meet more people and expand your network. This can expand your opportunities and increase the likelihood of finding and getting the most desirable and well-paying positions.
What will help Certified Athletic Trainers increase their earning potential?
Peter Hosick PhD, ACSM-CEP, FACSM: For those beginning their careers in Kinesiology today, they are in a good spot. The number of career paths is expanding. There are more and more opportunities for careers in a growing number of allied health professions. During their education, I recommend they try to figure out the general area they want to pursue. Good programs make sure their students are exposed to professionals in the various careers open to them. Many Kinesiology students continue their education to pursue careers in the allied health sciences. If they finish their undergraduate degree and enter the job market, I suggest they take the approach that any opportunity to work in the field is a way to increase your network, gain experience, specialize, learn and prove their worth. I have talked to a number of recent graduates who accepted a part-time position that gave them the experience needed to get their dream either job or turned into a full-time position relatively quickly.