Athletic trainers are allied
health care professionals that must go through a very demanding educational
program in order to be eligible to sit for their certification exam. Moreover,
most athletic trainers do not stop their educational journey there; according to
the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), 70% of all athletic
trainers have a master or higher degree. So, why do athletic trainers
pursue a higher degree? Is it because of a potential higher salary or to gain
experience?
In the case of a higher salary, an
advanced degree, such as a master’s degree, does have a positive, albeit small,
effect. According to the latest
salary survey by NATA, athletic trainers with a bachelor’s degree have an average
annual salary of $46,176, whereas athletic trainers who hold a master degree earn
$51,144 annually. For some, the roughly $5,000 difference is worth the effort of
those 2-3 years that it takes to obtain the advanced degree. Athletic trainers
who only have a bachelor’s degree, but carry other credentials such as Physical
Therapist Assistant (PTA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS), or
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) can make as much money as those with a master
degree. For instance, in May 2012 the Bureau of Labor
Statistics stated that the average salary
for a PTA was $52,320; this could potentially be higher for athletic trainers
because they would hold two credentials (AT and PTA) instead of only one.
Experience is huge in every
profession – athletic training is no exception. In fact, athletic trainers with
less than a year of experience only gross $34,623, whereas those with 5-10 years of
experience earn $44,505 on average. This could
explain why graduate assistant positions are so popular and a great way for
young athletic trainers to ‘get their feet wet’ in the profession, while at the
same time gaining experience and a higher education.
Athletic trainer students should
thoroughly consider what they want to do with their future. They must consider
all the possible options and resources that are out there. Master’s degrees are
great and look good on a resume, however time, money, and experience are also
valuable factors that should be considered before making that next move.
Excellent topic, the small pay scale increase that results from one having their master’s degree is widespread among the education system. It truly does depend on the goals that one sets for themselves. A higher education degree can open many doors if presented in the correct light and timing. While I believe that achieving ones master’s degree is a huge undertaking, it should not be compared to a salary pay scale alone. It could assist in meeting job requirements and leverage overs those who do not have higher education experience.
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