Athletic Training

Resources, Strengths, Career Paths, Skills

Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) are experts at recognizing, treating and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Athletic Training is not the same profession as personal training. They are members of a health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association. ATCs have a unique and specialized medical background that is valuable for any organization that works with physically active people. Certified Athletic Trainers are eligible for jobs in a wide range of organizations like secondary schools, universities, sports-medicine facilities and professional sports teams.

Transferable Skills: Athletic Training students acquire a blend of specialized medical skills and general skills including:

  • Risk management and injury prevention
  • Conducting clinical examination and diagnosis
  • Providing acute care of injury and illness
  • Using therapeutic modalities
  • Using therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise
  • Knowledge of pharmacology
  • Knowledge of the nutritional aspects of injury and illness
  • Knowledge of general medical conditions and disabilities
  • Knowledge of health care administration
  • Clinical experience & classroom experience
  • Thinking critically and analytically

Certification: Athletic Training students are required to have the following certifications, maintained through annual refresher coursework:

  • Standard First Aid
  • Professional Level Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  • Blood Borne Pathogens

During the final semester of the program, Athletic Training students are eligible to take the Board of Certification Examination*. They become an ATC upon passing the exam and graduating from an accredited athletic training program at the University.

*once certified, an ATC must regularly obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and meet state regulations. More information on maintaining certification can be found on the Board of Certification’s website.

Career Paths: There is a wide range of organizations that are looking to hire ATCs:

  • Secondary Schools
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Professional Sports
  • Youth Sports and Recreation
  • Sports Medicine Clinics and Hospitals
  • Physician Offices
  • Public Safety
  • Occupational/Industrial Workplaces
  • Performing Arts
  • Military Branches
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Research

Resources & Professional Associations of Interest: There are numerous academic and professional organizations for students interested in connecting with other athletic trainers. Here is a small list to help get you started:

Also consider joining on-campus clubs related to health care. On-campus student organizations, such as the Sports Medicine Athletic Training Club (sportsmedatclub@gmail.com), are a great way to meet people with similar interests who may be able to connect you with professionals in your intended field. Visit the Stony Brook University Student Activities website for more information.

Clinical Experiences: Clinical experiences are integrated into the Athletic Training undergraduate course progression to give students the opportunity to work in a health care setting alongside Approved Clinical Instructors who are practicing ATC’s. In addition to on-campus clinical sites with Stony Brook University’s Division I Athletics program, students may also work at one of the many Long Island colleges, local high schools or clinics that employ ATCs. Students and faculty often volunteer at local events such as the LI Festival of Races and the LI DIVA half marathon where they work the finish lines and medical tents. Volunteering is a great way to boost your resume and meet professionals in the Athletic Training field.

Sample Job Titles: The Athletic Training’s Class of 2011 boasts a 100% first-time pass rate for the Board of Certification exam. All are currently employed or continuing their education. The following are some of the job titles held by alumni of the Athletic Training program at Stony Brook:

  • Head Athletic Trainer WNBA New York Liberty
  • Athletic Trainer for the Radio City Rockettes
  • Athletic Trainer for the New York Knicks City Dancers
  • Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Athletic Director at a College D-3
  • Assistant Athletic Trainer at a College D-1
  • Head Athletic Trainer and Adjunct Instructor at a Community College
  • Head Athletic Trainer at Public and Private Schools
  • Teacher and Head Athletic Trainer at Public and Private Schools
  • Area Hospital Department of Orthopaedics Certified Athletic Trainer
  • Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Physician Extender and Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Certified Athletic Trainer at Therapy Clinics

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Additional Information: For more information on Stony Brook’s Athletic Training Program, visit their website at: http://www.hsc.stonybrook.edu/shtm/at/at.cfm