How to Be Kinesiology Athletic Trainer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Exercising on a regular basis is essential for maintaining good physical health, but it can also cause strain and injury if not done correctly. This is where the role of a kinesiology athletic trainer comes in. A kinesiology athletic trainer is a health professional who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to physical activity.

Through their specialized knowledge and expertise, they help athletes to safely perform exercises and other physical activities while minimizing the risk of injury. By providing advice on proper form and technique, designing individualized exercise programs, and helping athletes to understand the importance of proper nutrition and hydration, kinesiology athletic trainers can help athletes to achieve their fitness goals without suffering from an injury.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become an athletic trainer, you must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Most athletic trainers have degrees in athletic training, exercise science, or kinesiology.
Get Certified. The Board of Certification (BOC) offers the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) credential to those who have completed their bachelors degree program and passed the BOC exam. To maintain this credential, you must complete continuing education credits every two years.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state you plan to practice in, you may need to obtain a license. Requirements vary by state, but generally include passing the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) exam and completing continuing education courses.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire athletic trainers with several years of experience. To gain experience, you may want to consider volunteering at a local school or sports team. This will give you the opportunity to hone your skills and learn from experienced trainers.
Consider Specializing. Athletic trainers may specialize in one particular sport or type of athlete, such as working with children or professional athletes. Specializing can help you become an expert in your field and increase your job prospects.

Kinesiology and athletic training are both important disciplines in the health and sports fields. Becoming a skilled and capable athletic trainer requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. It starts with obtaining a degree in kinesiology, which provides a strong foundation in the sciences of movement, exercise, human anatomy, biomechanics, and nutrition.

Beyond the program of study, aspiring athletic trainers must attain certification, register with their states board of certification, and pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. They must also complete an accredited athletic training program and receive a license from their state. All of these steps are necessary to become a competent and certified athletic trainer.

The knowledge acquired through rigorous study and practice equips them with the necessary skills to help athletes prevent and manage injury, improve performance, and maintain physical well-being. With the right education and training, kinesiology and athletic training can lead to a rewarding career in the health and sports fields.

You may want to check Kinesiology Health Specialist, Kinesiology Clinical Exercise Physiologist, and Kinesiology Physical Therapist for alternative.

Job Description

Evaluate injuries and conditions to develop treatment plans for athletes.
Monitor athletes during practice and games to recognize and assess injuries.
Educate athletes on injury prevention, nutrition, and physical conditioning.
Provide basic first aid and emergency care as needed.
Document patient progress and create reports.
Coordinate with medical personnel, coaches, and athletes to provide comprehensive health care.
Provide physical therapy treatments, including stretching, massage, and therapeutic exercises.
Develop rehabilitation programs designed to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Recommend lifestyle modifications to enhance overall health and performance.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best course of treatment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Understanding of human movement and biomechanics
Knowledge of diagnostic imaging techniques
Knowledge of therapeutic modalities and exercise prescription
Ability to evaluate injury sites and assess range of motion
Ability to develop rehabilitation plans and implement treatment protocols
Ability to educate patients on preventative care and recovery techniques
Understanding of nutrition and its role in injury prevention and rehabilitation
Knowledge of safety procedures
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Computer literacy, including the ability to use electronic health records (EHRs)
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals

Being an effective kinesiology athletic trainer requires a diverse set of skills to help athletes reach their optimal performance. One of the most important skills to have is communication. Being able to effectively communicate with athletes, coaches, and other healthcare professionals is essential for providing the best care possible.

Having good communication skills allows for the development of trust and understanding between the athletic trainer and athlete, which can lead to better outcomes in injury prevention and recovery. having strong organizational skills is key for keeping track of medical records, scheduling appointments, and ensuring athletes receive the proper treatment. Time management and problem-solving are also critical components of being an effective kinesiology athletic trainer.

Being able to accurately assess situations, recognize potential problems, and develop solutions quickly is essential for providing athletes with the best care. having a combination of these skills, along with a thorough knowledge of kinesiology and human anatomy, are essential for being an effective kinesiology athletic trainer.

Kinesiology Nutritionist, Kinesiology Exercise Physiologist, and Kinesiology Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How do you view the role of athletic training in sports medicine?
Describe how you tailor individualized exercise programs to meet the needs of your athletes.
What methods do you use to evaluate injury risk in athletes?
How do you manage multiple athletes with various injuries?
How do you develop and maintain communication with coaches and players?
What strategies do you use to educate athletes on injury prevention?
Describe a time when you had to speak up for an injured athlete.
How do you ensure a safe environment for your athletes?
Describe a time when you had to intervene to prevent an injury.
What experience do you have with taping, bracing and wrapping techniques?

Common Tools in Industry

Tape and Bandaging Supplies. Used to provide support and stability to injured joints, muscles, and other body parts (eg: athletic tape, compression bandages).
Exercise Balls. Used to improve core strength and stability (eg: Swiss ball, medicine ball).
Resistance Bands. Used to increase strength and flexibility (eg: resistance tubes, stretch bands).
Foam Rollers. Used to release muscle tension and improve mobility (eg: foam rollers, massage balls).
Balance Boards. Used to improve balance and coordination (eg: wobble boards, balance boards).
Kinesiology Tape. Used to reduce pain and improve joint stability (eg: Kinesio tape, Rocktape).
Isometric Exercises. Used to increase muscle strength and stability (eg: wall squats, isometric pushes).
Stretching Exercises. Used to improve range of motion and flexibility (eg: dynamic stretching, static stretching).
Ice Packs. Used to reduce inflammation and pain (eg: cold packs, gel packs).
Heat Packs. Used to improve circulation and reduce pain (eg: electric heating pads, hot water bottles).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM)
American Kinesiology Association (AKA)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
National Athletic Trainers' Association Education Council (NATEC)
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
International Association of Kinesiologists (IAK)

We also have Kinesiology Instructor, Kinesiology Program Coordinator, and Kinesiology Clinical Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Exercise Physiology. The study of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity.
Rehabilitation. The process of restoring an injured person or athlete to their pre-injury level of functioning.
Biomechanics. The study of the mechanics of human movement and the forces acting on the body during physical activities.
Injury Prevention. Strategies used to reduce the risk of injury in athletes.
Nutrition. The study of how food and nutrition affects the body, performance and overall health of athletes.
Sports Psychology. The study of the psychological factors that influence athletic performance and behavior.
Strength and Conditioning. The development of strength, power and endurance through exercise programming.
Exercise Testing. A series of tests used to assess physical fitness and performance capabilities.
Physiotherapy. The use of physical techniques to treat injuries and improve physical performance.
Orthopedic Assessment. Examination of the musculoskeletal system to diagnose and treat sports injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of a Kinesiology Athletic Trainer?

The primary responsibilities of a Kinesiology Athletic Trainer include providing injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and emergency care services to athletes, as well as designing and implementing injury prevention programs.

What qualifications are needed to become a Kinesiology Athletic Trainer?

To become a Kinesiology Athletic Trainer, one must complete a minimum of a bachelors degree program in kinesiology or related fields, followed by an accredited athletic training program. Additionally, most states require certification or licensure.

What is the average salary for a Kinesiology Athletic Trainer?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Kinesiology Athletic Trainer is $53,890 per year.

In what settings do Kinesiology Athletic Trainers typically work?

Kinesiology Athletic Trainers typically work in schools, clinics, and sports teams at the amateur and professional levels.

What type of continuing education is required for Kinesiology Athletic Trainers?

Kinesiology Athletic Trainers must complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification or licensure. These courses may cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Web Resources

Home - Kinesiology and Athletic Training uwosh.edu
Athletic Trainer Info for Students | Department of Kinesiology www.kinesiology.msstate.edu
Athletic Training - Kinesiology kinesiology.education.wisc.edu