Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
An Athletic Trainer is a certified and licensed healthcare professional who collaborates with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. They are specialized in managing the health and well-being of athletes and physically active individuals.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 14.1% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 2 400
Direct AI exposure: 33% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 49% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Kinesiologists and Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment. According to the wage tables, average income is $67K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $46K per year | $54K per year | $67K per year | $79K per year | $103K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $1.56K above the national average. | ||||
Athletic Trainers work in a variety of settings including schools, universities, professional sports teams, clinics, hospitals, corporations, and fitness centers. Their environment can vary from indoor gyms and training rooms to outdoor sports fields, often requiring travel with sports teams and irregular working hours, including weekends and evenings.
Athletic Trainers play a vital role in the sports and physical activity realm by ensuring the health and safety of athletes. They are equipped with skills to address the unique needs of athletes, including injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation. Athletic Trainers must be well-versed in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to effectively diagnose injuries and create appropriate treatment plans.
Beyond the physical aspects, Athletic Trainers also provide valuable education and counseling to athletes on topics such as nutrition, stress management, and injury prevention strategies. They must stay up-to-date with the latest research and practices in sports medicine to provide the best care.
The role of an Athletic Trainer is dynamic and requires adaptability. They work closely with other healthcare professionals and must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with athletes, coaches, and medical staff. Athletic Trainers often play a key role in helping athletes return to play safely and efficiently after an injury.
In Canada, becoming an Athletic Therapist typically requires completing an accredited Bachelor's degree in Athletic Therapy, which takes about four years and includes extensive supervised clinical placements. Graduates must then pass the national certification exam administered by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) to earn the CAT(C) designation. A master's degree is optional and is not required for entry to practice.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
