Requirements for a high school athletic trainer job?

I want to become a high school athletic trainer and I'm trying to figure out the job requirements. Do I need specific certifications or degrees? How important is experience in this field, and where could I potentially gain it?

As an aspiring high school athletic trainer, it's great that you're doing your homework on the job requirements. Your studies and experience will be fundamental to your services as you will be dealing with injury prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation.

Starting with education, most states typically require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training or a related field, but many employers are starting to prefer a master's degree. Programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Coursework often includes anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and therapeutic modalities.

After you complete your degree, you'll need to get certified through the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). This involves passing their Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) exam, which ensures you're ready to provide high-quality patient care as a healthcare professional.

In terms of experience, the more hands-on experience you have, the better. Your academic program should provide clinical rotations which will give you valuable exposure to different aspects of the job and practical aspects of athletic training. In addition, you might consider finding a job or an internship as an assistant athletic trainer to gain further practical experience.

Lastly, as per state regulations, you might also need to obtain licensure in your state. The specifics of licensure and required continued education credits will vary from state to state, so be sure to look up what your state requires.

In short, the journey to becoming a high school athletic trainer involves a combination of education, certification, and practical experience. It's definitely a role that requires both expertise and dedication, but it's also a rewarding career for those passionate about sports and student health.