Location, location, location is a phrase often uttered by real
estate agents when discussing the three most important factors of selling
property. The same factors may also play
a major role for those seeking a career in the field of Athletic Training.
Salary. Location matters when
searching for a job with a competitive salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2012 average salary for
Athletic Trainers in California was $48,650 compared to $52,900 in Texas; the
national average was $44,010. The salary in Texas is significantly higher when
cost-of-living is factored into the equation.
Certifications. Location determines the type of certification that
is required for Athletic Trainers. The Board of Certification for the Athletic
Trainer offers a national certification that allows an individual to practice
as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). In
addition, each state can have its own licensing board, allowing athletic
trainers to practice as Licensed Athletic Trainers (LAT) only in that specific
state. To practice in a different state, the athletic trainer must acquire the required
licensure or registration.
Regulations. Forty-eight of
the 50 states have some sort of regulation for the athletic training profession.
The levels of regulation include national certification, state licensure,
registration or no regulation. According
to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Alaska and California are the
only two states that do not have any form of regulation. In California, anyone
can call themselves an athletic trainer even if they have no formal training or
credentials. Often coaches claim to be the athletic trainer, merely because he
or she knows how to tape an ankle; a scary thought when these individuals are
responsible for the health and safety of our student-athletes. In Texas,
athletic trainers must be licensed in order to practice.
In a nutshell, location may be a
determining factor for individuals seeking a career in the Athletic Training
profession. Athletic Trainers are better
paid in Texas and the Athletic Trainers are required to hold the necessary
certifications in order to legally practice.
I have never looked into the salaries and certifications of athletic trainers. I have always respected what athletic trainers do and the time they put into their work. As a future coach I know that a vital piece to my players development is the recovery and treatment they can receive from the athletic trainers.
ReplyDeleteLike anything else location is extremely important and I think what also factors into the location is the importance of athletic trainers that is emphasized by the different states of the country. While some states see the value of what athletic trainers bring to the table, others are left behind trying to figure out ways to get their players back on the field.