Sports Trainers

High School

Participation in sports while in high school, either as an athlete or as assistant trainer or manager for a school team, is a good way to learn more about sports training. Take classes in physical education, health, anatomy, and physiology. Students with an interest in becoming athletic trainers will want to become certified in CPR and first aid.

Postsecondary Training

Sports trainers usually earn a bachelor's degree from a college or university program in athletic training that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (http://caate.net/search-for-accredited-program/). Students then intern with a certified athletic trainer. Another option is to earn a bachelor's degree or even a master's or professional degree in a related health field, such as osteopathy, and then intern with a certified athletic trainer. The number of hours required for clinical study and the internship phase will vary, depending on the program and the professional organization.

Most accredited programs in athletic training include course work in the prevention and evaluation of athletic injuries and illnesses, first aid and emergency care, therapeutic exercises, therapeutic modalities, administration of athletic training programs, human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, psychology, and personal and community health.

Other Education or Training

Participating in continuing education classes is a great way to keep your skills up to date and learn about new developments in athletic training. The National Athletic Trainers' Association and the American College of Sports Medicine provide professional development workshops and seminars.