ALTERNATIVE SETTINGS FOR ATHLETIC

TRAINERSWilliam Morris

--Daniel Sullivan

Introduction

^The common settings of ATCs^

Purpose: To make known some alternate settings in which athletic trainers can work

Settings Overview

About 23% of ATs work with youth sports and recreation (typically on-the-side freelance work) 2

70% of ATCs have their master’s degrees 2

Common Non-Athletic SettingHospitals and Clinics

Athletic Trainers usually act as Physician Extenders 8

Hospital-Based Community Wellness Outreach Programs

Outpatient Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinics

Orthopedic Practice Administrators

“Our ATs essentially function as PAs with certain restrictions. The amount of education and experience they add to our clinic in regard to patient satisfaction is critical in continuing to provide elite patient care.” William Sterett, MD, The Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO 9

Emerging Setting - Military ATs treat active military as

civilians Musculoskeletal injuries remain

the primary impediment to mission readiness in recruits. 3

ATs work 3 4

in training facilities in SMART clinics as fitness coordinators with special forces (ex. SEAL teams)

Currently, most opportunities are in the USMC, Navy, and military academies. Less so for the Army and Air Force 3

Emerging Setting – Public Safety

Job Opportunities 11

Law Enforcement Fire Departments Rescue Agencies

Duties 11 12

Injury prevention for patrol, specialty units, and civilian employees

Interpretation of employee accident reports Injury rehabilitation and physical performance tests

for return to duty Management of worker’s compensation system Studies into public safety health concerns

Emerging Setting – Performing Arts

ATs can be found in the performing arts industry working with dancers, acrobats, musicians, and other physical performers 6

Cirque du Soleil Disneyland Ballet World Wrestling Entertainment

“Dance Medicine” has become popularized over the past few years

Journal of Dance Medicine & Science There is some evidence that ATs can

work with performers even in the school setting: Ohio State University Performing Arts Clinic 7

Conclusion Pros

More stable “9:00 to 5:00” schedule

Significantly less travel compared to athletics

Generally fewer physical demands allowing for extended career

Cons AT perceives steep learning

curve in emerging settings Justification of position with

evidence based outcomes and return on investment

Have to create your own position

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Questions for Discussion1. Any takers? Anyone thinking they might

like a career outside athletics? If so why?2. Do you think these non-athletic and

emerging settings should be featured more prominently in ATP curricula and clinical experience?

3. Should NATA and other AT professional organizations spend greater resources developing emerging settings or would that hinder increased opportunity in the traditional settings?

References1. National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) attributes rise in certified athletic trainers' salaries to their cost- effectiveness

in workplace and athletic environments. (2014, November 7). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/nr110705

2. Lockard, C. (2005). Athletic Trainers: Providing Healthcare for Athletes of All Kinds. Occupational Outlook Quaterly. pp. 38-41. Retrieved November, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/AT_providehealthcare.pdf

3. National Athletic Trainers Association (2004). Current Status of ATCs in the Military. Retrieved November, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/Status-of-ATCs-in-the-Military.pdf

4. Woods, I. (2012). Athletic Trainers in the Military and Government. NATA News. pp. 26-27. Retrieved November, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/AT-Military.pdf

5. Harkins, G. Five Things Every Marine Should Know About Athletic Trainers in Your Unit. Marine Corps Times: Sit Rep. pp. Retrieved November, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/MCTimesSitrep.pdf%5B1%5D.pdf

6. Certified athletic trainers help performing artists stay on pointe and injury-free. (2007, July 13). Retrieved November 5, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/NR081307

7. Performing Arts Medicine | OSU Wexner Medical Center. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2014, from http://sportsmedicine.osu.edu/sportsperformance/performing_arts/

8. Greene, J. (2004). Athletic Trainers in an Orthopedic Practice. Athletic Therapy Today, 9(5), 56-57. Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/ATsOrthopedicPractice.pdf

9. Athletic Training in the Physician Office Setting: An FAQ for Athletic Trainers. (2010, October 28). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/Athletic-Training-in-the-Physician-Office-Setting-an-FAQ-for- Athletic-Trainers.pdf

10. National Athletic Trainers Association (n.d.). Athletic Trainers in Orthopedic Offices. Retrieved November, 2014, from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/practice-profile-orthopedic-offices.pdf

11. Public Safety Athletic Trainers' Society (2009). Agencies. Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://www.psatsociety.com/Agencies.html

12. Porter, G. (n.d.). Day in the Life - City Government - Gary Porter. Retrieved December, 2014, from http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/nata1950-959116-day-in-the-life-city-government-gary-porter/