Discovering Career Paths in Athletic Training

The practice settings we are most familiar with are just the beginning — athletic trainers (ATs) can pursue many exciting pathways spanning many different industries. From preventing injuries and rehabilitating performers, musicians, and vocalists to keeping active military members healthy, in every setting, ATs care about the patients’ growth, development, and well-being. Learning about the different settings in which ATs work is the first step on the path to this rewarding career.

More than half of Athletic Trainers work in organized athletics, including secondary school settings (24% of all ATs), clinics/hospitals (18%), and universities/colleges/junior colleges (16%). The options don’t end there! We’ll look at tactical professions, performing arts, physician practice, industrial and corporate, education, and administration below.

Athletic Trainers & the Military

Recruits and active-duty members often have musculoskeletal injuries, which is an Athletic Trainer’s specialty. In the field, being physically and mentally ready for challenges can mean the difference between life and death. In the military, ATs get to be creative and help tactical athletes return to their units faster while on active duty or training. A lot of ATs get to use cutting-edge, state-of-the-art equipment when they’re in military facilities.