• Most employers require athletic trainers to be certified as a condition of employment.kn_higu1 image by Paco Ayala from Fotolia.com
  
  Athletic trainers work with athletes and other individuals to prevent injuries that may occur during physical activity. They also provide treatment and rehabilitation services when injuries do occur. Because their work impacts individuals' health, many states require athletic trainers to be registered or licensed. This usually involves obtaining certification from the National Athletic Trainers Association's Board of Certification (BOC). Athletic trainers must also meet several other requirements to be successful in the field.
  
  

Education

• Athletic trainers must complete at least a bachelor's degree in athletic training from an accredited college or university. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009, there were 350 accredited undergraduate programs in athletic training in the United States. These programs provide both classroom and clinical instruction. Students take courses in physiology, anatomy, bio-mechanics, nutrition, and other related topics. Some athletic trainers choose to pursue a master's or doctoral degree because colleges and universities often prefer to hire trainers with those qualifications. Advanced degrees also improve athletic trainers' promotion opportunities.
  
  

First Aid Training

• In addition to formal education in athletic training, athletic trainers must receive first aid instruction. They must complete emergency cardiac care certification training, which includes adult and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), second rescuer CPR, airway obstruction, and barrier devices. Athletic trainers can take approved courses from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute, National Safety Council, the Emergency Response Institute, and other safety organizations.
  
  

Examination

• Athletic trainers must complete the BOC Exam to become certified. The exam contains 175 questions, which include multiple choice items, text based simulations, and focused scenarios with corresponding questions. Test topics include clinical evaluation and diagnosis, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning, immediate care, organization and administration, and professional responsibility. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the test, which is administered via computer. In order to pass, candidates must score at least a 500 on a scale of 200 to 800. Candidates who fail the exam may retake the test within a year of receiving their failing score. Once a candidate has passed the exam, they may use the Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) credential.
  
  

Skills

• Because they deal with clients, coaches, and other trainers on a regular basis, athletic trainers must have good communication and social skills. They must also be highly organized and possess good time management skills. In some cases, coaches, clients, or parents may disagree with a trainer's recommended training program or treatment, and athletic trainers must be able to handle stressful situations like these without losing their temper or patience. An interest in athletics and helping others is also important for a career as an athletic trainer.