What Can You Do With A Master’s of Athletic Training?
Posted: July 15, 2020 | Author: Heather Winkler | Read Time: 4 minutes
A scraped knee. A pulled muscle. A broken bone. These are experiences that you, me, and everyone goes through at some point in their life. But in certain instances, injuries could cost someone their livelihood and years of dedication. Master’s of Athletic Training graduates have the tools to provide credible evaluations of injuries, methods to help care for these accidents, and the knowledge to follow through with the care of patients from start to finish. The employment pool for athletic trainers will grow 19% by 2028, so graduates have many opportunities ahead in the field.
Here are a few opportunities for graduates with a master’s degree in athletic training:
Career Fluidity
With a master’s degree in athletic training, graduates take part in a vast employment world. Athletic trainers have the chance to work in all kinds of settings, each with different needs, focuses, and concerns. This gives you the benefit to become proficient in specific skills and the freedom to change career paths to try new areas. Furthermore, you will always have an influential hands-on experience.
School and Community Careers
In a school-based setting students assist athletes involved in a wide variety of sports. On a college level, students work with a team and help student athletes during games and practices. In this environment students work with players who are at peak physical performance, but who are also highly exposed to risk. Within this age group students learn clear communication and proficiency in dealing with common sport-related injuries. While doing so, they have access to the schools equipment/resources to run examinations. Not only are students able to work with athletes on the field but also in the clinic and recovery/rehab areas. Students in the master’s of athletic training program play a critical role in the athletic life of other students.
After graduation, if you decide to use your skills at a local recreation center, you will have the added benefit of networking. The connections created while in school can expand professional opportunities. Generally, if graduates decide to work for a city recreation center or with other community involvement, they have the same benefits as working for a school. The recreation teams and other classes will need help to assess injuries during their activities.
Professional Careers
With a master’s degree in athletic training graduates are prepared to potentially work with their favorite teams. An education could lead to opportunities to work with Olympians, professional football teams, soccer leagues, etc. The need for athletic trainers in this area is intense because trainers in this field are working with those who have dedicated their lives to their sport. These athletes depend heavily on assessment skills as well as recovery plans that must be specific and accurate. Due to the nature of the work athletic trainers have a close relationship with the athletes they serve. Not only do graduates showcase skills learned in the classroom, they also see the direct influence of their work on those they help.
Physician Office Involvement
Many medical offices need athletic trainers. With a master’s degree in athletic training graduates are able to walk into a new experience that deepens their medical experience and knowledge by working with a physician. Athletic trainers are an asset to the office providing personal care and attention for each person that walks through the office doors. Trainers are essential for the recovery process, making it a faster, specialized, and a more holistic experience. In these offices trainers care for patients over a long period of time and have a constant stream of people to care for.
Other Careers in Athletic Training
Obtaining a master’s degree in athletic training allows graduates to work in other capacities such as law enforcement, performing arts, camps, etc. Although the need for an athletic trainer in these areas may not be readily apparent, each requires specific physical demands. No matter what career path you choose, students can feel confident in the knowledge gained from the Master of Athletic Training program at Southern Utah University.
A Master’s in Athletic Training gives graduates an edge in the sport medicine world, along with the expertise and confidence to be a valuable asset to patients. With this training job options are expansive. If this athletic training is your passion, you will find fulfillment in the career you choose to pursue.
Produced by SUU Graduate Studies
SUU's Graduate School draws from a prestigious heritage and allows students to pursue a quality education. The master's degree programs offer students the chance to further their professional and educational careers on campus or online.
To take the next step and find out more about the Master of Athletic Training at SUU, reach out to Nathan Slaughter at (435) 586-7823 or nathanslaughter@suu.edu.
Tags: Athletic Training
