Athletic trainers find employment
opportunities in professional sports, education and physical fitness
realms. Certificate programs in athletic training aren't generally
available online but, although rare, students interested in distance
learning can enroll in an accredited degree program - completion of
which is necessary for certification - that makes some coursework
available through online means.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training Overview
An athletic training degree program at the bachelor's level teaches
students how to prevent, recognize and treat athletic injuries. The
curriculum includes study in medical conditions, motor skills,
pharmacology and professional conduct, among other subjects. Students
also participate in research experiences pertaining to sports medicine
topics. One of the purposes of the program is to prepare individuals for
the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) examination upon graduation.
Students should expect to spend four years completing a bachelor's
degree program. Athletic training programs with distance learning
options require students to spend a significant amount of time on campus
to complete lab requirements, as well as participate in various
clinical settings so that they may gain hands-on practice in the field.
However, some required and elective courses may be available through
online means. The online component of the program requires that students
have a computer and Internet access in order to obtain assignments and
submit completed work.
List of Online Bachelor's-Level Athletic Training Courses
A hybrid bachelor's degree program in athletic training includes
on-campus courses in areas such as ethics, legal and insurance issues,
sports psychology and emergency care. Sample courses with online
components are discussed below.
Structural Kinesiology Course
In this course, students learn about the musculoskeletal system of
humans. Study of basic anatomy allows them to gain an understanding of
the body's form and functions in relation to movement.
Nutrition Course
This course explores the nutritional requirements of humans over
their lifetime. It also provides instruction in making healthy food
choices.
Graduation from an accredited bachelor's degree program in athletic
training may qualify students for entry-level jobs in the field. In
2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that
postsecondary schools and hospitals employed the greatest concentration
of athletic trainers (
www.bls.gov). Other places of employment
included fitness centers and health practitioner offices. The top-paying
jobs for athletic trainers in 2009 were in the spectator sports
industry.
Also according to BLS, many athletic trainers hold a graduate degree,
which may be necessary for certain positions or advancement. Most
states also require athletic trainers to be registered or licensed,
which hinges on achieving certification through the BOC. To be eligible
for the certification exam, candidates must have graduated from a
bachelor's or master's degree program accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Athletic Training Education and pass an examination.
Continuing education classes are required to retain certification and
licensure.
Online Master's Degree in Athletic Training Overview
A master's-level curriculum in athletic training provides students
with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide athletic
training to sports teams as a whole, as well as on an individual basis
with athletes. Students learn skills for preventive, emergency and
rehabilitative care of athletic injuries. Classroom and distance
learning is accompanied by hands-on work in clinical settings. Through
the program, students also prepare for the
athletic trainer certification exam offered by BOC.
The master's degree program typically takes about two years to
complete. Because of the hands-on nature of athletic training, distance
learning courses included in the curriculum often have a short-term
residency requirement. The on-campus residency typically includes short
lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practice of training techniques. A
computer with Internet access is required to complete the online
learning component of the program; instructors and students use an
online course management system to track assignments and materials.
List of Online Master's-Level Athletic Training Courses
Courses at the master's level consist of advanced topics related to kinesiology, strength, conditioning and training practices.
Athletic Training and Pharmaceuticals Course
Government regulations related to pharmaceuticals common to the
athletic training field are discussed, as are typical applications and
dosing schedules. Students learn when and how to advise athletes
regarding the use of medications. Topics include possible drug
interactions and contraindications.
Fundamentals of Athletic Conditioning and Strength Training Course
Theories behind strength training and conditioning activities are
discussed, in addition to practical methods for implementation. Since
athletic trainers may work with a diverse group of individuals
possessing varying physical skills and abilities, an exploration of how
best to tailor programs to meet athlete needs is also part of the class.
Administrative Skills for Athletic Trainers Course
An overview of the organizational and administrative duties of
athletic trainers is covered, including discussion of initial physical
evaluations, progress reports, athlete questionnaires and injury report
forms. Students learn to collect data, write accurate reports and
interact as needed with primary care doctors or medical specialists when
an athlete's condition warrants referral or conferral.
BLS established a mean annual salary of $44,020 for athletic trainers
and estimated a 37% increase in jobs from 2008-2018. Growth was
projected due to the role of athletic trainers in providing preventative
health care, which helps bring down associated costs, as well as such
factors as efforts in some states to require employment of athletic
trainers in high schools to aid student sports teams.
No comments:
Post a Comment