5 reasons to major in Athletic Training
- Job Security
- Never a dull moment
- Ability to relocate and work anywhere
- Competitive salary
- Field is wide-open to many choices
Reason #1 – Job Security
Athletic Training is one of the most diverse and exciting careers available in the health care market. And more good news – the occupation demand is growing exponentially, making it one of the most stable career choices. The U.S. Board of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for Athletic Trainers projects 23 percent growth from 2020 to 2030*, a rate much faster than average occupational growth
Reason #2 - Never a dull moment
Students selecting an athletic training career are set for an exciting work life! In addition to employment in the world of sports, athletic trainers are in high demand with orthopedic and sports medicine physicians, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, private employers, schools, industrial institutions, the military, performing arts, e-sports, and more. Athletic trainers may work with patients dealing with chronic health-related challenges such as heart disease, obesity, asthma, and diabetes. Additionally, athletic trainers work with employers looking to improve work-environment safety and decrease work-related injuries for their employees. Anywhere that people are active as a part of their job, as a hobby, or for a sport, you can find an athletic trainer!
If being first on the scene of an injury is of interest, then working as an athletic trainer in the sports fields is an exciting setting. If working in a doctor’s office interests you, then working in an Orthopedics practice is a great option. With a supplemental certification, athletic trainers are able to scrub in to and assist with surgical procedures.
Reason #3 – Ability to relocate and work anywhere
Location, location, location! Athletic trainers are able to find employment in almost any town or city they choose. As an occupation with endless options, athletic trainers can look to schools, health care, corporations, and more almost anywhere in the nation, if not the world.
The American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) all recognize athletic training as an allied health care profession. To explore the many opportunities in the field of athletic training, visit the National Athletic Training Association website.
Reason #4 – Competitive salary
Athletic trainers earn a good living doing what they love. And Texas is in the top five highest salary states for athletic trainers!
The median annual wage for athletic trainers is $49,860, which is higher than the median wage for all occupations. Athletic trainer salaries in a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey ranged from $32,980 to $75,810. Often times, there are sign-on bonuses offered by employers looking for the expertise an athletic training graduate holds.
Reason #5 – Field is wide-open to many choices
Athletic training graduates are able to choose from a variety of settings in which to grow their career. Depending on the stage in their lives, they may change their employer or their practice setting several times over their employment years.
An aging population will demand additional personnel who are able to prevent and treat injuries as their patients face challenges related to the aging process. Athletic trainers hold valued positions in assisted living facilities, rehabilitation businesses, hospitals, and home health. This line of work is very personal as the athletic trainer can help the patient have more independence and additional time to enjoy their friends and family.
If a corporate setting is more to your liking, working with large companies’ staff to make sure physical tasks are being performed in a way to prevent injury is an important role. By making sure the workforce is safe, fewer “lost-time accidents” occur that may limit an individual’s ability to work and participate in their home life.
If an exciting environment is more your style, many performance companies employ athletic trainers to assist their cast with stage injuries. For example, Cirque de Solei’s performers’ workload is highly physical. Athletic trainers are on staff to help prevent injuries and to treat those injuries that happen in such an environment.
Department of Athletic Training at The University of Texas Permian Basin’s College of Health Sciences and Human Performance
The UT Permian Basin athletic training program teaches prevention, diagnosis, care, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Students in the UT Permian Basin athletic training program receive their academic course work and practical hands-on experience under the supervision of nationally-certified and state-licensed athletic trainers. The faculty members are highly trained and experienced professionals who are passionate about student success. Students receive personalized attention during their time at UT Permian Basin that is incredibly beneficial as our graduates move into the exciting occupational opportunities for an athletic trainer.
UT Permian Basin is one of the most affordable universities in Texas. Moreover, UT Permian Basin wants to make sure that a money issue is never a reason that keeps a student from attending college. Financial Aid representatives help students figure out a financial solution by researching scholarships, loans, and grants that will make it possible for the student to attend UT Permian Basin.
Technology available for hands-on training
As students take courses, they solidify textbook knowledge by practicing hands-on learning in a safe, holistic, and supportive environment.
The Biomechanics Lab allows faculty and students to study the mechanics of the human body in motion.
The Simulation and Learning Resource Center (SLRC) and Clinical Labs bring classroom information to life for students looking to become more confident and competent in their skills.
Advanced visualization technology, known as the Anatomage table, allows students to digitally explore 3D renderings of anatomy one layer at a time.
Additional labs include the Clinical Skills Lab, Rehab Lab, Body Composition Lab, and Bone Densitometry Lab.