What does an Athletic Trainer do?
Athletic Trainers keep students motivated and interested in the subjects they teach. They create training schedules and help people improve their skills in sports like football, hockey, skiing, swimming, track, and weightlifting. Many Athletic Trainers teach yoga, Pilates, judo, karate, jujitsu, and similar subjects. Athletic Trainers can work with people of all ages, but some specialize in creating programs for young children, student athletes, or senior citizens. Athletic Trainers often work with the same customers for months or years, and they teach often scheduled one-on-one training sessions or classes.
Athletic Trainer skills and qualifications
Successful Athletic Trainers usually have friendly, patient personalities and the ability to interact with many different kinds of people. They can be polite and professional while giving constructive feedback to students, and they love to exercise. The top skills and qualifications for Athletic Trainers include:
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as well as the athletic capabilities of their students
- Knowledge of the rules and regulations for the sports they teach
- Good time management skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- The ability to pass a background check and drug screening
- Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Athletic Trainer experience requirements
Most Athletic Trainer positions require at least a year of experience, but some employers will hire people who are starting their careers and provide more extensive on-the-job training. Candidates with a background as a Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer, or Coach will be preferable.
Athletic Trainer education and training requirements
Most Athletic Trainer jobs require a secondary school degree or a GED and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in physical education. Instead of university, some Athletic Trainers have extensive training in a particular sport or discipline, like gymnastics, karate, or hockey. Many Athletic Trainers also have certifications in personal training or their sport. The best Athletic Trainers have postgraduate degrees in physical education, kinesiology, health sciences, or a related subject. Some Athletic Trainer candidates may be former high-level competitors in their sport.
Athletic Trainer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Athletic Trainer in Canada is $31.06 per hour. Individual pay levels can vary depending on experience, education levels, the location, the sport, and the skill levels of trainees.
Job description samples for similar positions
If an Athletic Trainer isn’t exactly what your business is looking for, here are some similar job description samples that could satisfy your needs: