Growth in Athletic Training: Call to action!

Growth, Professional Development, Career Advancement, Athletic Training

What is an Athletic Trainer?

Anyone who works in Athletic Training has been asked this question multiple times. If it's not that, it's a relative asking if we can provide them with a personal workout plan. The lack of understanding in Athletic Training, while annoying, shows that there is room for tremendous growth. With the recent jump to the Master of Athletic Training requirement. We are better aligned with other healthcare professions. Showcasing our true knowledge potential. Now it is imperative we continue to grow into different industries and continue to showcase our skillset and its ability to transfer across multiple markets.

Driving Force for Change:

Traditional athletic training settings typically comprise of secondary schools, hospital outreach programs, college/universities and professional sports. Hence the name, Athletic Training. Recently, however, we have grown immensely often being found in industrial settings with manufacturing plants, utility companies, healthcare systems, performing arts, and public safety just to name a few. The growth into these areas is where our expertise helps to change the paradigm of healthcare. Healthcare has long been a reactive approach. When people get sick they go to the doctor and may be referred onto a specialist for treatment. As ATs we are on the front lines and have the unique capability to understand body mechanics as well as intrinsic and extrinsic factors that lead to injury and illness. Providing prophylactic taping, stretches or exercises. As well as helping educate about the human body with what is going on, and what to expect when pain and discomfort occurs. With this understanding we can help to create programs and initiatives that work to prevent injury and illness in any setting we work in. Therefore, putting us at the forefront of preventative healthcare.

Keep Learning:

I would just like to end with this, being a rather young professional myself. In my short time, I have seen far too many professionals, of all industries, think that learning ceases to exist after school. That is far from true, ATs have potential in all areas of business, education, community development and beyond. By continuing to learn day in and day out we can continue to grow and utilize our skills in far more than the traditional sports settings. Connect with us today to become part of a growing community of Athletic Trainers engaged in growth and development of the profession.