Best Athletic Training/Trainer colleges in South Dakota 2021

Contrary to the name, athletic trainers work with more than just athletes. Athletic trainers, under the direction of a physician, specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses for individuals of all ages and skill levels who are physically active. Their other services consist of emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and rehab. The curriculum for this degree program involves health care administration, anatomy, biology, injury prevention, hands-on clinical experience, first aid and emergency care, physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition.

The job outlook for athletic trainers is expected to grow 30 percent by 2020, which equates to over 5,000 jobs. ATs work in physicians? offices, clinics, hospitals, schools, occupational health departments, and police and fire departments. Although $41,600 was the median salary back in 2010, more than 70 percent of certified ATs hold master?s degrees. To become a certified athletic trainer you must graduate from an accredited athletic training program and then pass the exam administered by the Omaha-based Board of Certification (depending on your state regulations). Graduates should also think about joining the National Athletic Trainers? Association. NATA members can stay abreast of the current athletic trainer trends, have access to continuing education and professional development information, and build their professional networks.