Allied Health Care Professions: Career Comparisons

As an athletic trainer, I knew from the beginning that I was not entering the profession for the money. An athletic trainer must love what they do because of the long hours that are put into the job. However, when comparing the profession to similar health care professions like physical therapy and physical therapy assistant; it makes me wonder if athletic trainers should get paid more for the hours that are put in and the educational background that is required.

Athletic Trainers

Job Description:

The National Athletic Training Association (NATA) states that athletic trainers provide services that include comprise prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Education: Students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. According to NATA 70% of athletic trainers also have a master’s degree.
Hours: 40 plus work weeks and work on holidays
Average pay according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic: $41,600

 

 

Physical Therapy Assistants

Job Description: Work under the direction of physical therapist. They help patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses and surgeries regain movement and manage pain.
Education: Associate degree from an accredited program.
Hours: 40 hour work weeks
Average pay according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic: $49,690

Physical Therapy

Job Description: Physical therapy as stated by the American Physical Therapy Association are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
Education: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Hours: 40 hour work weeks.
Average pay according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic: $76,310

Athletic trainers are rarely compensated for the amount of time spent caring for their athletes. I believe that athletic trainers should receive a pay increase because of the time they spend working and their educational background. Here is a good example of how fellow athletic trainer increased her salary after a year at her job.