Additional Information
In the United States, the process involved in becoming an athletic trainer
is rigorous. The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) says about
100 educational institutions offer either undergraduate or graduate degree
programs.
Entry-level programs, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), include courses in athletic injury
prevention and evaluation, first aid, athletic training program administration,
physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and instruction.
Graduates must complete the program in less than two years, after which
they must have a minimum 800 hours of experience under the supervision of
a certified athletic trainer from the program.
Those interested in moving past the entry-level program may consider programs
accredited by NATA, which provide more advanced education. In order to become
a certified athletic trainer, they must then pass a three-part certification
examination administered by the NATA Board of Certification.
Some states have their own licensing and regulation requirements. To determine
if these added requirements apply, athletic trainers will have to check with
the states in which they practice.