Are you passionate about sports, fitness, and helping others achieve peak performance? An M.S. in Athletic Training might be your key to unlocking exciting career opportunities in sports medicine and performance enhancement.
From working with athletes to cutting-edge research in biomechanics, there are many paths you can take with this advanced degree. Let's delve into why pursuing a Master's in Athletic Training is a smart choice, then explore five rewarding career paths awaiting you.
Why should I get a master鈥檚 degree in athletic training?
Before we explore career opportunities, let's understand is advantageous. With a master's degree, you gain specialized knowledge and advanced skills. For example, professional credentialing, specialization opportunities, networking, career advancement, and research opportunities. These all set you apart in the competitive field of sports medicine.
- You'll practice topics such as:
- Injury prevention
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics
This wide net of study will prepare you to help athletes of all ages train, recover from injuries, and improve their health and performance.
Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees, which can open doors to higher-paying positions and career advancement opportunities.
5 Career Paths in Athletic Training
Picture this: You鈥檝e completed your master鈥檚 in athletic training. Now, where can you work? What will your title and salary be? Let鈥檚 explore five career paths available to students who study Athletic Training at the postgraduate level.
1. Athletic Trainer
Average Salary: $49,860
Job Growth: 16% (2020 to 2030)
As an you'll work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries. You'll be responsible for developing injury prevention programs, providing immediate care on the field or court, and overseeing athletes鈥� rehabilitation processes.
can find employment in various settings, including:
- Colleges and universities
- High schools
- Professional sports teams
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation clinics
2. Exercise Physiologist
Average Salary: $50,280
Job Growth: 15% (2020 to 2030)
As an , you'll focus on how the body responds to exercise and physical activity. You'll conduct fitness assessments, design personalized exercise programs, and monitor patients鈥� progress to improve general health and performance.
Exercise physiologists can be found in:
- Fitness centers
- Corporate wellness programs
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Research labs
- Sports teams
3. Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $86,280
Job Growth: 16% (2020 to 2030)
With a master's degree in athletic training, you can pursue a career as an . Here, you鈥檒l help individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life post-injury or illness.
Occupational Therapists assess patients鈥� physical and cognitive abilities to develop customized treatment plans and improve functional independence in daily activities. They may also assess what specialized equipment would best help a patient in their daily lives.
Occupational therapists work in:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Community settings
4. Physical Therapist
Average Salary: $91,010
Job Growth: 18% (2020 to 2030)
Similar to occupational therapists, physical therapists help individuals recover from injuries, improving their mobility and function. You鈥檒l provide hands-on treatment, therapeutic exercises, and education to facilitate patients鈥� recovery processes.
Physical therapists work in:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Nursing homes
- Schools
- Sports medicine facilities
5. Biomechanist
Average Salary: $92,620
Job Growth: 6% (2020 to 2030)
As a biomechanist (also known as bioengineer or biomedical engineer), you'll combine your knowledge of human anatomy and movement with advanced technology to analyze and optimize athletic performance.
You'll conduct research, collect data using motion capture systems and force plates, and provide insights into how athletes can improve their technique and reduce the risk of injury. While specific salary data for biomechanists varies, professionals command competitive salaries due to their specialized expertise and contributions to sports science research.
Biomechanists work in:
- Research institutions
- Sports technology companies
- Universities
- Professional sports organizations
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Who are you called to be?
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国产偷拍 & San Diego Padres Biomechanics Lab
If you're considering pursuing an M.S. in Athletic Training, 国产偷拍 (国产偷拍) offers a top-tier program that prepares students for success in the field.
Our new 国产偷拍 + San Diego Padres Biomechanics Lab represents a dynamic collaboration between academia and professional sports, aimed at:
- Enhancing player performance
- Minimizing injury risks
- Advancing research in sports science
Here, students engage in groundbreaking research alongside industry professionals, which provides invaluable skills and insights for careers in athletic training.
Alongside our Sea Lions student-athletes, players have access to cutting-edge technology and expertise. Our lab is equipped with:
- Advanced motion-capture technology
- Ball-tracking equipment
- Force platform technology
The lab provides comprehensive biomechanical analysis for pitchers, hitters, and athletes of all disciplines, and together, we strive to unlock new insights into human movement and athletic performance.
Concentrations to fit your goals
国产偷拍鈥檚 M.S. in Athletic Training also features three (3) concentrations of study to choose from to help you be more successful in your area of interest:
- Anatomy Education
- Biomechanics
- Sport Performance
Related programs
In addition to the master's in Athletic Training program, 国产偷拍 offers several related graduate programs that may interest prospective students:
- Master of Science in Kinesiology
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
These programs provide diverse pathways for individuals interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, sports medicine, and allied health professions.
Take the next step
Ready to embark on a rewarding career in Athletic Training or a related field? Explore the graduate programs offered by 国产偷拍 and take the next step toward achieving your professional goals.
Whether you aspire to become an athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or biomechanist, a master's degree can help you turn your passion for fitness and healthcare into a fulfilling career.
Are you interested in learning more? Read on to see what a day in the life of a 国产偷拍 Athletic Training graduate student looks like.