What Education Is Needed to Become a Sports Trainer?
A sports trainer is a healthcare professional who helps prevent, diagnose and treat injuries incurred during physical activity.
What education is needed to become a sports trainer? Most sports trainers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as kinesiology, athletic training, physical education or a related field.
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The Necessary Education
ASports trainers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as kinesiology, physical therapy, or athletic training. Some trainers also have a master’s degree or doctorate in a related field. There are many different educational paths that can lead to a career as a sports trainer.
A high school diploma
In order to become a sports trainer, one must at the very least have earned a high school diploma. More often than not, sports trainers have also completed some form of post-secondary education, such as a certificate or diploma program in Athletic Therapy, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science. Many sports trainers are certified by a national organization, such as the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC).
An Associate’s Degree in Athletic Training
In order to become a certified athletic trainer, one must graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Athletic Training from an accredited college program. Once certified, the individual must then pass a state licensure exam. Job opportunities for certified athletic trainers are expected to grow by 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training
In order to become a sports trainer, you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from an accredited institute. Athletic trainers typically complete a four-year degree program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction.
During your undergraduate education, you’ll likely take courses covering topics such as human anatomy, kinesiology (the study of movement), and biomechanics (the study of how mechanical forces affect living tissue). You may also complete clinical education requirements, which involve working with licensed athletic trainers and other healthcare professionals in real-world settings.
After completing your bachelor’s degree program, you’ll need to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam in order to become a certified athletic trainer. Once you are certified, you will need to maintain your certification through ongoing continuing education.
The Certification
In order to become a sports trainer, you will need to have at least a high school diploma. You will also need to get certified through an accredited program. There are many different programs that offer certification, so you will need to do some research to find the one that is right for you. Once you have your certification, you will be able to start working with athletes.
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification
To become a certified athletic trainer, one must graduate with a bachelors or masters degree from an accredited athletic training program and pass a comprehensive exam. In order to maintain certification, athletic trainers must complete continuing education requirements.
The American Medical Association
The American Medical Association (AMA) offers a certification for sports trainers, which is the highest level of certification available. To be eligible for this certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from an accredited institution, as well as pass an exam.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offers the most widely recognized certification for sports trainers. To be eligible for the examination, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time work experience as a strength and conditioning coach, athletic trainer, or physical therapist.
Those who pass the examination earn the title of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). The NSCA certifies over 30,000 sports trainers worldwide.
The Experience
It is possible to become a sports trainer with a high school diploma, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary education, such as an undergraduate degree or certificate in sports medicine. Some trainers also become certified through professional organizations. Although certification is not always required, it may give job seekers an advantage in the hiring process.
An internship
Internships provide an excellent opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. Many internships are unpaid, but they offer valuable experience and can often lead to full-time employment after graduation. In order to be eligible for an internship, you will usually need to have completed at least one year of study in a related field.
A residency
A residency is not required to become a sports trainer, but some employers prefer or require it. A residency is a postgraduate training program that usually lasts one to two years. During a residency, you’ll work under the supervision of an experienced sports trainer. You’ll get hands-on experience in assessing and treating injuries, as well as experience working with athletes of all levels.
A fellowship
A fellowship is the highest level of education and professional development for a sports trainer. Fellowships are granted by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) and are awarded to those who have met NATABOC’s standards for advanced professional competence. To be eligible for a fellowship, an individual must have:
-A minimum of five years of full-time experience as a certified athletic trainer
-Demonstrated superior competence in one or more athletic training specialty areas
-Made significant contributions to the profession of athletic training through scholarly activity, clinical instruction or research
Fellowships are granted by the NATABOC Board of Certification Committee on Fellowships. Applicants must submit a written application, along with supporting documentation, to the committee for review. If an applicant is found to be qualified, he or she will be invited to present his or her credentials at the next meeting of the committee.
The Licensure
A license is required in all fifty states to work as a sports trainer. Specific licensure requirements vary by state, but most require the completion of an accredited sports training program and passing of a state-recognized exam. Some states have additional requirements, such as completion of a first aid and CPR course.
The requirements for licensure vary by state
Most states require sports trainers to be licensed as well as certified. Certification alone does not suffice. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but usually involve completing an accredited educational program and passing a state-administered examination. Some states also require continuing education credits in order to maintain licensure.
In order to become a certified sports trainer, one must first earn a degree from an accredited institution. A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement, however, some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. Once the educational requirements have been met, the individual must then pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The BOC is the national certification organization for sports trainers and offers four different levels of certification, each with its own eligibility requirements. Once certified, sports trainers must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits on a regular basis.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) is the primary licensure agency for physical therapists in the United States. To be eligible for ABPTS certification, candidates must have graduated from an accredited physical therapy program and completed a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice.
The American Board of Occupational Therapy
In order to become a sports trainer, one must have a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution. Candidates must then pass the national board examination administered by the American Board of Occupational Therapy. In order to become licensed, sports trainers must complete a fieldwork experience, which is typically completed during their undergraduate studies.
