Athletic Training Profession
History of the Athletic Training Profession
Athletic training has roots dating back to ancient Greece, but the athletic training profession as it is known today is radically different by comparison. Gone are the days when “trainers” were known mainly for carrying water jugs and acting as team managers. Today, certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are highly educated and fully trained to understand the complexities of the human body and health. National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) members can be found in schools, on the sidelines of professional sports, in hospitals and clinics, in the military, and in industrial settings -- as the profession that began with college sports expands to guard the safety of all people.
Once housed in Greenville, North Carolina, the NATA now is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. From humble beginnings, the association has expanded to encompass a global membership totaling nearly 30,000, plus a full-time executive director and staff. Members serve as leaders for the association, which has more than 30 committees working together to help advance the profession.
Athletic training continues to blossom as a profession. As society notes the importance of health for all people, certified athletic trainers are finding their skills and qualifications as allied health professionals can be utilized in many fields. Beyond the traditional job settings of colleges and secondary schools, athletic trainers have emerged in clinics, offices and even industrial settings. Athletic trainers are making their mark on the world and proving that athletics is only one arena where their skill sets can shine.
With a diverse range of clientele, from professional athletes to office workers, athletic trainers have had to become increasingly dynamic in the workplace. As a result, athletic trainers have focused their full attention on education and professionalism.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association members strive to keep up with the latest treatment techniques, research and technological advancements. The NATA fulfills this growing need for knowledge by offering benefits aimed at maximizing each athletic trainer’s professional potential.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-2003 Edition, the demand for health care services will create tremendous job opportunities over the next eight years. Nine of the top 20 job growth categories are in health care services. These health care services, including home health care services, hospitals and offices of health practitioners, will add 2.8 million new jobs as demand for health care services increases. An aging population and longer life expectancies are factors that increase demand. Professional occupations, in which a bachelor’s degree is required, will grow the fastest, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. There is expected to be a 26 percent increase in the professions, though that number covers all professions, not only health care. This equates to a 6.9 million jobs gained during 2000-2010, and these jobs are typically well disbursed in private industry and government.
Of the total professional jobs, 5.2 million will be added from three groups: health care services and technology; education, training and library occupations; and computer/mathematical occupations. ATCs are represented in two of the three major job growth categories: health care services and education. ATCs are at the front end of their growth curve, and have a broad practice scope. Additionally, the Labor Department figures are reflective rather than projective, meaning that the aggressive growth seen in the 1990s is unlikely sustainable in the current economic conditions.
