Occupation AtlasAthletic Trainers
O*NET · 29-9091.00
Athletic Trainers
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Also called Athletic Instructor · Athletic Lecturer · Athletic Trainer · Certified Athletic Trainer · Clinical Athletic Instructor · Clinical Athletic Trainer · Fitness Specialist · Licensed Athletic Trainer
9 more
On-Site Industrial Athletic Trainer · Outreach Athletic Trainer · Personal Trainer · Physical Trainer · Resident Athletic Trainer · Sports Athletic Trainer · Sports Medicine Trainer · Sports Trainer · Women's Athletic Trainer
Compare with another occupationCompare with Physical Therapists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SRISocial · Realistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social5.75
- R Realistic5.63
- I Investigative4.40
- C Conventional3.22
- E Enterprising2.24
- A Artistic1.15
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (43%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (51%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (45%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- InstructingImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- WritingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
Show the other 23
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- SciencebasicImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.3Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
20 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.Importance 4.8
- Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.Importance 4.7
- Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.Importance 4.7
- Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.Importance 4.6
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.Importance 4.4
- Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.Importance 4.4
- Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.Importance 4.2
- Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.Importance 4.2
- Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.Importance 4.2
- Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.Importance 4.1
- Plan or implement comprehensive athletic injury or illness prevention programs.Importance 3.8
- Inspect playing fields to locate any items that could injure players.Importance 3.8
Show the other 11
- Advise athletes on the proper use of equipment.Importance 3.7
- Develop training programs or routines designed to improve athletic performance.Importance 3.6
- Confer with coaches to select protective equipment.Importance 3.6
- Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, or bruises.Importance 3.4
- Accompany injured athletes to hospitals.Importance 3.3
- Lead stretching exercises for team members prior to games or practices.Importance 3.3
- Conduct research or provide instruction on subject matter related to athletic training or sports medicine.Importance 3.2
- Recommend special diets to improve athletes' health, increase their stamina, or alter their weight.Importance 3.1
- File athlete insurance claims and communicate with insurance providers.Importance 3.7
- Teach sports medicine courses to athletic training students.Importance 3.3
- Perform team support duties, such as running errands, maintaining equipment, or stocking supplies.Importance 2.8
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- PsychologyImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- English LanguageImportance 3.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- AdministrativeImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- BiologyImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
Show all 33
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- PhysicsImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- ChemistryImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- MechanicalImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.6
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Static StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- StaminaImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
- Rate ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.9Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Care for seriously injured persons in an emergency room
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.7Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Getting InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
Show all 41
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.8
- Processing InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
15 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
Hot (4; 1 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (10)
- BioEx Systems Exercise Pro
- Database software
- Digital Coach AthleticTrainer
- Email software
- ImPACT Applications ImPACT
- Injury tracking software
- Keffer Development Services Athletic Trainer System ATS
- Premier Software Simtrak Mobility
- Scheduling software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Physical Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.8, Active Learning −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Registered Nurses
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.9, Mathematics +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.9, Mathematics +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Physical Therapist Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Judgment and Decision Making −0.8, Critical Thinking −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.9, Judgment and Decision Making −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.0, Coordination +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Orthodontists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.0, Operations Analysis +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Exercise Physiologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.7, Operations Monitoring −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.