What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Athletic trainers prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries, working with individuals of all ages. They provide first aid, develop rehabilitation programs, and help prevent injuries under the guidance of licensed physicians. Exercise physiologists design exercise programs to improve health, often for patients with chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease or obesity. They analyze medical histories, conduct fitness tests, and monitor key health indicators to create effective fitness regimens, often collaborating with physicians for patient care.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Athletic trainers primarily work in sports-related settings such as colleges, high schools, fitness centers, and professional sports organizations. They may also work in health care facilities, rehabilitation clinics, the military, or with performing artists. Exercise physiologists work in hospitals, clinics, university labs, and fitness centers. Those in health care settings often have structured schedules, while trainers in sports and fitness environments may have varied hours, including nights and weekends, with longer workdays.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Athletic Trainers
Median annual salary: $64,181
Entry-level annual salary: $50,771
Exercise Physiologists
Median annual salary: $67,899
Entry-level annual salary: $50,914
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Athletic trainers are expected to grow statewide by 19% between 2022 and 2032, with 99 average annual openings.
Exercise Physiologists are expected to grow statewide by 6% between 2022 and 2032, with average annual openings of 54.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Athletic trainers and exercise physiologists need at least a bachelor’s degree, with master’s programs also common. Their education includes both classroom and clinical components, covering subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology, physics, and nutrition. In New York, certified athletic trainers must have a bachelor’s degree from a state-approved program, while exercise physiologists can choose to become board certified by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP).
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
In New York, individuals using the title “certified athletic trainer” must be licensed. This requires graduating from an accredited program and passing an approved exam, such as the NATA Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Licensure for exercise physiologists is not required in New York, and standards of practice are less common. However, exercise physiologists can earn certifications, such as the ACSM’s Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (for graduate degree holders) or Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist (for bachelor’s degree holders).
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: http://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/athletic-training/license-requirements
American Society of Exercise Physiologists Certification: http://www.asep.org
Board of Certification for Athletic Tainers: https://bocatc.org/
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education: https://caate.net/
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Foundation Scholarship Program: https://natafoundation.org/education/scholarships/
NATA Student Resources: https://www.nata.org/professional-interests/students
American College of Sports Medicine® Foundation: https://www.acsm.org/acsm-membership/support-acsm-foundation
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University at Buffalo SUNY | MS | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
SUNY Cortland | MS | Cortland | Central NY | Visit |
SUNY Brockport | MS | Brockport | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Stony Brook University SUNY | MS | Stony Brook | Long Island | Visit |
Marist College | MS | Poughkeepsie | Hudson Valley | Visit |
Ithaca College | MS | Ithaca | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Hofstra University | MS | Hempstead | Long Island | Visit |
Alfred University | BS | Alfred | Western NY | Visit |