| Introduction
Many of us dream of becoming world-class athletes,
like Marion Jones, the fastest female in the world,
or Steve Young, the former quarterback of the
San Francisco 49ers. We watch with awe at what
professional athletes can do with their bodies.
We all know they work hard, exercising and training
many hours per day. And although it's true that
most of us aren't going to become the next Tiger
Woods, we can opt for professions which will enable
us to work with all these athletes and players
to help them reach their physical potential. Career
choices for the sports sciences are many. Here
are descriptions of some of the most popular sports
medicine occupations:
Athletic Trainers
Job Description
Athletic trainers help athletes become fit so
they can compete in sports. They evaluate, advise
and treat athletes and others who are physically
active to assist them in recovering from injury
and preventing injuries. They also play a significant
role in the management, prevention, recognition
and rehabilitation of injured athletes. For athletes,
athletic trainers also provide a vital communication
link between the injured athlete, the physician,
the coach, and sometimes the athlete's family,
to determine when it’s right to return to
practice and competition.
Education
To work as an athletic trainer, you must: have
at least a bachelor's degree in athletic training;
complete an internship; pass exams to become certified;
and have strong interpersonal skills.
Employment
Nationally, about 14,500 athletic trainers work
in this very small occupation. Major employers
are gyms and athletic clubs, athletic training
facilities, hospitals, doctors' offices and professional
sports teams.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for athletic trainers
is $33,450 per year. Half of all athletic trainers
earn between $26,420 and $41,970 per year.
Wages vary depending on the education and experience
of the athletic trainer. With a master’s
degree, you can start from $30,000 to $36,000
a year. Wages also vary by employer. Athletic
trainers who work for university or professional
sports teams earn the most.
Benefits
Full-time athletic trainers often receive benefits.
These usually include paid vacation, sick leave,
and health insurance.
Career Progression
Career opportunities for athletic trainers are
good. Approximately 25,000 athletic trainers are
employed in the United States. Nationally, the
number of jobs for athletic trainers is expected
to grow as fast as average through the year 2010.
Projected growth varies by industry. The number
of jobs for athletic trainers at hospitals and
athletic training facilities is expected to decrease.
However, gyms, doctors' offices, and professional
sports teams are all expected to hire more athletic
trainers. Jobs at colleges are expected to be
hard to find because the pay is good and there
is little turnover. Jobs with professional athletes
or teams will also be hard to find. Athletic trainers
with many years of experience will have the best
opportunities.
Massage Therapist
Job Description
The American Massage Therapy Association defines
massage therapy as "a profession in which
the practitioner applies manual techniques and
may apply adjunctive therapies with the intention
of positively affecting the health and well-being
of the client." Massage therapy has a broad
number of applications. These include relaxation,
stress reduction, health promotion, pain management,
and injury recovery. Massage therapists may work
under the supervision of doctors, chiropractors,
acupuncturists, dentists, or physical therapists
to help people deal with injuries, stress, and
chronic pain. Some massage therapists specialize
in serving a particular clientele such as athletes,
the elderly, or performers (such as dancers).
Education
Professional technical schools offer massage therapy
programs. Massage programs take about one year
to complete and grant a certificate in massage
therapy. In a massage program anatomy and physiology,
massage theory, and technique are included as
the basic subjects. While completing a training
program, students also begin to do massages under
the supervision of a fully-trained massage therapist.
Employment
Nationally, about 34,000 massage therapists are
employed. Many massage therapists are self-employed.
Employers include hospitals, clinics, health clubs,
resorts, country clubs and retirement residences.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage is $13.92 per hour.
Half of all massage therapists earn between $9.01
and $22.94 per hour. For self-employed workers,
earnings vary depending on level of experience
and the location of the practice. The typical
rate charged customers is about $35-$60 per hour
in large metropolitan areas and $25-$50 per hour
in smaller communities.
Benefits
Massage therapists who work full time often receive
benefits. Common benefits include health insurance,
sick leave, and paid vacation.
Career Progression
Massage therapists may be promoted to supervisory
positions. Self-employed therapists advance by
reputation and ability to draw clients. Many build
their client base gradually over several years.
As they develop broader skills and expertise,
they earn more and may begin teaching their methods
to others. Many specialize in one technique and
become known by clients for their expertise.
Physical Therapist
Job Description
The physical therapist helps people rehabilitate
from injuries or diseases of the muscles, joints,
nerves, or bones. Physical therapists (PTs) provide
services that help restore function, improve mobility,
relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical
disabilities of patients suffering from injuries
or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote
overall fitness and health.
Education
Most physical therapy schools require two to three
years after a four-year undergraduate degree.
In addition to an advanced degree, one must pass
a national examination to become a licensed physical
therapist.
Employment
Physical therapists held about 137,000 jobs in
2002. The number of jobs is greater than the number
of practicing physical therapists, because some
physical therapists hold two or more jobs. For
example, some may work in a private practice,
but also work part time in another healthcare
facility.
Wages
Median annual earnings of physical therapists
were $57,330 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned
between $48,480 and $70.050. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $40,200, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $86,260.
Benefits
Physical therapists who work full time often receive
benefits. Common benefits include health insurance,
sick leave, and paid vacation.
Career Progression
Employment of physical therapists is expected
to grow faster than the average for all occupations
through 2012, as growth in the number of individuals
with disabilities or limited function spurs demand
for therapy services.
Recreational Therapists
Job Description
Recreational therapists plan and carry out treatment
services or activities for patients in hospitals,
nursing homes, day care centers, and other health
care institutions. They use a variety of techniques
to keep their patients physically and mentally
healthy. An important part of their job is to
keep track of patients' progress. Recreational
therapists usually work with doctors, nurses,
social workers, psychologists, and physical and
occupational therapists in setting up treatment
for patients.
Education
To work as a recreational therapist, you must:
complete a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy
or adapted physical education; pass exams to become
certified; and have good interpersonal skills.
Employment
Recreational therapists held about 27,000 jobs
in 2002. About a third of salaried jobs for therapists
were in nursing care facilities and almost another
third were in hospitals. Others worked in State
and local government agencies and in community
care facilities for the elderly, including assisted-living
facilities.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for recreational therapists
is $2,500 per month ($14.44 per hour). Half of
all recreational therapists earn between $1,920
and $3,140 per month ($11.05 and $18.14 per hour).
Wages vary by employer, area of the country, and
the therapists' level of experience.
Benefits
Recreational therapists who work full time often
receive benefits. Common benefits include health
insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.
Career Progression
Overall employment of recreational therapists
is expected to grow more slowly than the average
for all occupations, but employment of therapists
who work in community care facilities for the
elderly and in residential mental retardation,
mental health, and substance abuse facilities
should grow faster than the average.
Coaches and Sports Instructors
Job Description
Coaches and sports instructors teach and motivate
players in individual and team sports. Coaches
of non-professional sports often work for schools
or recreation programs. Professional coaches observe
athletes to determine what areas of their game
need improvement. They also plan game strategy
by evaluating the abilities of both their own
and the opposing team.
Education
The education and training required to coach depends
on your employer. The sport you coach or teach
and your level of responsibility also determine
the training you need. Some entry-level jobs only
require experience in the sport. Other coaching
jobs require a great deal of education and experience.
In contrast, school coaches and sports instructors
usually must have a bachelor's degree.
Employment
Nationally, about 99,300 professional coaches
and scouts work in this occupation. Specific information
about the number of non-professional coaches is
not available. However, they are part of the larger
group of "fitness trainers and aerobics instructors."
About 30 percent of professional coaches are self-employed.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for coaches and instructors
of non-professional sports is $23,340 per year.
Half of all non-professional coaches earn between
$16,300 and $37,570 per year. Some are paid a
salary. Others may be paid by the hour, per session,
or by the number of participants. Many work part
time or seasonally. Nationally, the median wage
for professional coaches is $29,030 per year.
Half of all professional coaches earn between
$18,190 and $43,390 per year.
Benefits
Coaches and sports instructors often receive benefits.
Common benefits include health insurance, sick
leave, and paid vacation.
Career Progression
Nationally, the number of jobs for coaches and
instructors of non-professional sports is expected
to increase much faster than the average through
the year 2010. People increasingly participate
in sports for entertainment, fun, and physical
fitness. Demand for coaches and instructors will
remain high as long as the public continues this
trend. Job prospects will be best for those with
bachelor's degrees and plenty of experience in
their specialty. The number of jobs for professional
coaches should grow as fast as average.
Sports Psychologists
Job Description
Sports Psychology is the study of the psychological
and mental factors that influence and are influenced
by participation and performance in sport, exercise,
and physical activity, and the application of
the knowledge gained through this study to everyday
settings. Sport psychology professionals are interested
in how participation in sport, exercise, and physical
activity may enhance personal development and
well-being throughout the life span. Sport psychologists
are also involved in assisting coaches in working
with athletes as well as helping improve athletes'
motivation.
Education
The educational opportunities for working as a
sport psychologist are limited. A graduate degree
is often necessary. A doctoral degree is generally
required for employment as a licensed clinical
or counseling psychologist. A bachelor's degree
in psychology qualifies a person to assist psychologists
and other professionals in community mental health
centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and
correctional programs.
Employment
More than 40 percent of all psychologists are
self-employed, about five times the average for
all professional workers. A doctoral degree generally
is required for employment as a licensed clinical
or counseling psychologist. Opportunities for
employment in psychology for those with only a
bachelor's degree are severely limited.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for sports psychologists
is $69,915.
Benefits
Sports psychologists often receive benefits. Common
benefits include health insurance, sick leave,
and paid vacation.
Career Progression
Employment of psychologists is expected to grow
more slowly than the average for all occupations
through the year 2006.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Job Description
Dietitians and nutritionists plan food and nutrition
programs and supervise the preparation and serving
of meals. They help to prevent and treat illnesses
by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending
dietary modifications, such as the use of less
salt for those with high blood pressure or the
reduction of fat and sugar intake for those who
are overweight.
Education
Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor’s
degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food
service systems management, or a related area.
Employment
Dietitians and nutritionists held about 49,000
jobs in 2002. More than half of all jobs were
in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient
care centers, or offices of physicians and other
health practitioners. Some are also employed as
consultants of players.
Wages
Median annual earnings of dietitians and nutritionists
were $41,170 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned
between $33,210 and $49,830. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $25,520, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $58,700.
Benefits
Dietitians and nutritionists often receive benefits.
Common benefits include health insurance, sick
leave, and paid vacation.
Career Progression
Employment of dietitians is expected to grow about
as fast as the average for all occupations through
2012 as a result of increasing emphasis on disease
prevention through improved dietary habits. |