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First, some facts. Of the Athletic Training graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 694 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Athletic Training graduates have a much higher likelihood (+13%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 68% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Athletic Training graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Athletic Training. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONQuality Assurance and Weld Specialist Westermeyer Industries Inc. Feb 2018 - Jul 2022 Quality Control Fabwell, LP Mar 2022 - Feb 2024 Quality Assurance Manager Westermeyer Industries Inc. Dec 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing a vast array of LinkedIn profiles of individuals who graduated with degrees in Athletic Training, it's clear that a significant number of them pursue careers directly relevant to their education. The most common job titles among this group are Athletic Trainer and Certified Athletic Trainer, with many holding positions in schools, hospitals, and sports teams. Most of these roles heavily rely on the skills and knowledge acquired during their academic training, including injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation techniques.
While many graduates remain in athletic training positions throughout their careers, a notable number also transition into related fields such as physical therapy, teaching, coaching, or even roles that are not related to athletic training at all. For instance, individuals who move into physical therapist positions benefit from the foundational knowledge gained in athletic training, allowing them to thrive in rehabilitation settings. However, there are cases where athletic training graduates veer off into unrelated careers, with some taking on administrative or sales jobs where athletic training expertise is not required. This diversification showcases the versatility of the skills acquired during their training but demonstrates a departure from the core purpose of their education.
Overall, the data indicates that graduates in Athletic Training commonly secure roles that leverage their academic background effectively. Despite some deviation into less-related fields, the majority of the profiles analyzed indicate a consistent application of their education in vital areas of healthcare and sports-related support, affirming the relevance and necessity of the knowledge and skills developed during their studies.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Athletic Training graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with a degree in Athletic Training, a few key trends become apparent. Right out of college, many graduates tend to land positions as athletic trainers at various educational institutions, physical therapy clinics, or health facilities. For instance, graduates from universities like Michigan State and the University of Florida consistently began their careers in athletic training roles associated with schools or athletic programs. This trend is particularly noticeable among those who graduated between 2010 and 2016, where a significant number found themselves in high school settings, college athletics, or sports medicine clinics shortly upon graduation.
As the years progress—about five to ten years after graduation—many of these professionals shift into higher responsibility positions within the athletic training field. Job titles evolve from entry-level athletic trainers to roles such as head athletic trainer, athletic director of sports medicine, or even moving into clinical specialties like physiotherapy and rehabilitation. A notable number of graduates have also transitioned into related fields that capitalize on their athletic training skills, such as sports performance specialists, physical therapists, or ergonomic specialists. Some, however, have taken less conventional paths by moving into administration, education, or sales within sports and health-related industries. While many seem to stay true to the athletic training profession, others appear to have drifted away into different careers, often seeking new opportunities that align with personal interests or emerging trends in the health field.
In summary, while graduates of Athletic Training programs frequently begin their careers in relevant fields, and many find fulfilling and relevant roles over the next decade, there is also a noticeable variety in career paths. It’s a mixed bag, really: most maintain connections to their training roots, while some veer off into entirely different sectors. This suggests a robust foundation in health and fitness that is conducive to a variety of professional opportunities, but it also indicates a potential disconnect for a segment of graduates who may not find their initial positions aligned with long-term career aspirations.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training can be pretty challenging, but it's definitely doable if you're passionate about sports and health. You'll dive into a mix of biology, anatomy, and kinesiology, along with hands-on clinical experiences, which can feel like a lot at times. Expect to juggle coursework, labs, and internships, so you've got to be organized and committed. It's not the easiest major out there, but if you're ready to put in the effort and stay engaged, it can also be super rewarding and interesting. Just make sure you're up for the challenge!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Athletic Training.
Looking at the job histories of these Athletic Training graduates, it's clear that some have made decent money while others may not have achieved the same level of financial success. For example, those who graduated from universities with well-known athletic programs and landed roles at professional teams or large healthcare companies likely pulled in higher salaries. On the other hand, many athletic trainers are working in high schools or smaller organizations, which typically pay less. Long-term positions in healthcare facilities or specialized clinics seem to trend towards better salary opportunities.
Overall, if you want to be an athletic trainer, your earnings will greatly depend on factors like location, type of employer, and your specific role. A lot of these professionals are working hard to build their careers in an industry that often starts on the lower end of the pay scale but can grow with experience and specialization. So, while some graduates might be starting off on a solid income path, others have a bit more of a journey ahead before they're raking in the dough.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Athletic Training. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Athletic Training (ordered by the average relevance score of their Athletic Training graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Missouri State University
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84 | 10 |
 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
|
79 | 10 |