Athletic Training: How Salary, Certifications & Regulations Differ Across the Country

Location, location, location is a phrase often uttered by real estate agents when discussing the three most important factors of selling property.  The same factors may also play a major role for those seeking a career in the field of Athletic Training.

 

Salary.  Location matters when searching for a job with a competitive salary.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2012 average salary for Athletic Trainers in California was $48,650 compared to $52,900 in Texas; the national average was $44,010. The salary in Texas is significantly higher when cost-of-living is factored into the equation.

 

Certifications. Location determines the type of certification that is required for Athletic Trainers. The Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer offers a national certification that allows an individual to practice as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).  In addition, each state can have its own licensing board, allowing athletic trainers to practice as Licensed Athletic Trainers (LAT) only in that specific state. To practice in a different state, the athletic trainer must acquire the required licensure or registration. 

Regulations.  Forty-eight of the 50 states have some sort of regulation for the athletic training profession. The levels of regulation include national certification, state licensure, registration or no regulation.  According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Alaska and California are the only two states that do not have any form of regulation. In California, anyone can call themselves an athletic trainer even if they have no formal training or credentials. Often coaches claim to be the athletic trainer, merely because he or she knows how to tape an ankle; a scary thought when these individuals are responsible for the health and safety of our student-athletes. In Texas, athletic trainers must be licensed in order to practice.

In a nutshell, location may be a determining factor for individuals seeking a career in the Athletic Training profession.  Athletic Trainers are better paid in Texas and the Athletic Trainers are required to hold the necessary certifications in order to legally practice.