I'm responsible for the care, prevention and treatment of injuries to Lakers players, assuring the coaching staff that each athlete is in the best possible condition throughout the year. I conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness in order to provide emergency or continued care and collaborate with physicians to implement rehab programs. I also develop training programs to keep the athletes in the best shape possible. Traveling is frequent.
CAREER
Athletic Trainers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$48,420
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+17.5% (much faster than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Athletic Trainers Do
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Other Job Titles Athletic Trainers May Have
Athletic Instructor, Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, Personal Trainer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I wake up at 4:30 A.M. and eat breakfast. I then drive to work and do a quick lift. My first clients come at 6 A.M. and then I go to work at the high school at from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. I then have more classes from 4:30 to 7:30 P.M. I eat dinner at 8 P.M. I repeat this schedule each day.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
- Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
- Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Athletic Trainers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (54%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Exercise Science
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Network and make connections that matter. Find the people that have made it and that have come from a similar situation as you and use their advice, insight, and experience to help yourself succeed. Volunteer in your free time and put yourself out there.
Even when life gets hard, you need to persevere through it and work hard. Even if there are people who don't believe you or there are distractions, you need to stay focused.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
