By Chris Craddock
Ever wonder where the medical personnel on the sidelines of sporting events receive their training? Some will begin their training soon at Kilgore College with a new program opening this fall intended to train future athletic trainers.
Athletic trainers are the men and women who assist all types of athletes with injuries, as well as injury prevention.
“Our only purpose isn’t just to sit on the sidelines and wait to bandage up an injury,” said Bill Anderson, KC’s athletic trainer and instructor. “Trainers are taught, in detail, how to prevent, assess, treat and rehabilitate injuries and illnesses.”
Athletic trainers, as one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur, must be able to recognize, evaluate and assess injuries and provide quick and precise care when needed.
“Athletic trainers shouldn’t be confused with fitness trainers or personal trainers who are not healthcare workers,” Anderson said. “They train people to become physically fit.”
Athletic trainers, on the other hand, specialize in preventing injuries by educating people on how to reduce the risk of injury by advising them on the proper use of equipment, exercises to improve strength and balance and therapy programs.
Recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals, they also help apply protective or injury-preventive devices such as tape, bandages and braces.
The athletic training curriculum at KC will provide students an opportunity to continue toward a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology with a major in athletic training, Anderson said.
“Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required for most athletic training jobs,” Anderson said. “Classes students will take include many science and health-related courses such as human anatomy, physiology, nutrition and biomechanics.”
According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, almost 70 percent of athletic trainers have a master's degree or higher.
Athletic trainers may need a master's degree to qualify for some positions, especially those in colleges and universities. And because some positions in high schools involve teaching along with athletic training responsibilities, a teaching certificate or license could be required.
Anderson also said that students who enter the program must have good social and communication skills.
“The successful athletic trainer is a person who is a sharp thinker and someone who can deal with difficult situations and the stress that comes along with it,” Anderson said. “It’s also extremely important that a prospective trainer has a strong desire to help people.”
JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 37 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations, because of their role in preventing injuries and reducing healthcare costs.
Job growth will be mostly in the healthcare industry, though fitness and recreation sports centers also will provide new jobs as these establishments grow and continue to need additional athletic trainers to provide support for their clients.
Growth in positions with sports teams will be somewhat slower, however, as most professional sports clubs and colleges and universities already have complete athletic training staffs.
The demand for healthcare, with emphasis on preventive care, should grow as the population ages and as a way to reduce healthcare costs. Increased licensure requirements and regulation has led to a greater acceptance of athletic trainers as qualified healthcare providers.
In some states, there are efforts under way to have an athletic trainer in every high school to work with student-athletes, which may lead to growth in the number of athletic trainers employed in high schools. In addition, as more young athletes specialize in certain sports, there is an increasing demand for athletic trainers to deal with repetitive stress injuries.
Most athletic trainers work in full-time positions, and typically receive benefits. The salary of an athletic trainer depends on experience and job responsibilities.
Median annual wages for athletic trainers were $39,640 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,070 and $49,250. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,450, while the top 10 percent earned more than $60,960. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
THE INSTRUCTOR
Anderson was hired last August as the school’s first full-time athletic trainer and will coordinate and help teach the new curriculum.
Anderson began collaborating last semester with the athletic training staff at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall to establish a baseline curriculum for KC.
“We’re excited to get this off the ground to create a curriculum that will give our students an opportunity to transfer to a four-year institution,” Anderson said. “Working with ETBU will give our students opportunities to interact with faculty and students of an accredited athletic training education program.”
Students completing the two-year curriculum will receive an Associate of Science degree with emphasis in athletic training.
Students will receive hands-on training working with the college’s sports teams, Rangerettes, cheerleaders and other organizations.
For more information, contact Anderson at (903) 983-8628 or e-mail him: banderson@kilgore.edu.
Additional information is also available at KC’s Athletic Training webpage: www.kilgore.edu/athletictraining.asp.
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"Trainers are taught, in detail, how to prevent, assess, treat and rehabilitate injuries and illnesses."
Bill Anderson
KC Athletic Trainer & Program Instructor
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"The successful athletic trainer is a person who is a sharp thinker and some who can deal with difficult situations and the stress that comes along with it."
Bill Anderson
KC Athletic Trainer & Program Instructor
_______________________________________________________________________________
Bill Anderson 