How to Become an NFL Athletic Trainer
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So you want to become an NFL athletic trainer? It’s a tough road, but if you’re dedicated and have the right skills, it can be a very rewarding career. Here’s a quick guide on how to become an NFL athletic trainer.
Introduction
In order to become an NFL athletic trainer, you must have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from an accredited university and be certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATABOC). You must also complete a one-year internship with an NFL team.
What Does an Athletic Trainer Do?
Athletic trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. ATs work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to: high schools, colleges and universities, professional sports, hospitals, clinics, corporate and industrial workplaces, and the military.
In order to become an NFL athletic trainer, one must first complete an accredited athletic training education program. After completion of an accredited program, certification by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) is required in order to practice as an AT. The BOC offers various pathways to certification for those who have completed their accredited athletic training education. Once certified, ATs must meet state licensure requirements in order to practice.
Athletic trainers who work in the NFL must be able to effectively communicate with players, coaches, and other members of the medical staff. They must also be able to work well under pressure and have a thorough knowledge of injury prevention and rehabilitation exercises.
Resources:
-Board of Certification: https://www.bocatc.org/
-National Athletic Trainers’ Association: https://www.nata.org/
Education and Certification
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) certifies athletic trainers. To become certified, individuals must graduate from an accredited athletic training education program and pass the NATABOC exam. Once certified, individuals must meet continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
Athletic trainers who are interested in working with a professional football team may choose to pursue additional education and training. The NFL offers a one-week educational program for athletic trainers who are interested in working with a professional football team. The program includes lectures, labs, and clinical rotations. Participants have the opportunity to shadow current NFL athletic trainers and learn about the day-to-day operations of an NFL Athletic Training staff.
Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for an NFL athletic trainer is $67,000 per year. Job growth in this field is expected to be about average, with about a 9% increase in jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Steps to Becoming an Athletic Trainer
In order to become an athletic trainer, one must first earn a degree from an accredited athletic training program. Once the degree has been earned, the student must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). The BOC is the gold standard for certifying athletic trainers. After passing the BOC exam, the student will then need to obtain a state license in order to practice.
Many schools offer programs that combine undergraduate and graduate study leading to a master’s degree in athletic training. A master’s degree may be required for some jobs, particularly those in research or teaching. Some colleges and universities also offer doctoral programs in athletic training.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed this article on how to become an NFL athletic trainer. The most important thing to remember is that you need to have a passion for the game and a willingness to work hard. With these two things, you will be well on your way to becoming an NFL athletic trainer.
