Unlock Your Future in Athletic Training: Thriving Careers in Sports Medicine and Beyond!
Athletic Training faculty jobs represent a dynamic intersection of healthcare, education, and athletics, where professionals shape the next generation of sports injury specialists. With universities expanding kinesiology and sports medicine programs amid surging college sports participation—over 500,000 NCAA student-athletes in 2023—the demand for expert educators is skyrocketing. Students pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in athletic training can launch into roles preventing and rehabilitating injuries, while seasoned certified athletic trainers (ATCs) advance to professor positions. Browse higher ed jobs to find openings at leading institutions. Discover salary insights via professor salaries, rate instructors on Rate My Professor, and tap higher ed career advice for success. From collegiate sidelines to research labs, athletic training offers prestige and impact in higher education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), athletic trainer employment will grow 14% through 2033, faster than average, driven by concussion protocols and wellness initiatives. Faculty roles blend teaching, research on biomechanics, and clinical supervision, with unique opportunities like esports health at universities such as Ohio University.
What Defines Athletic Training in Higher Education?
Athletic training in academia focuses on evidence-based injury prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation for athletes. Faculty develop curricula accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), preparing students for Board of Certification (BOC) exams—98% first-time pass rates at top programs. Quirky niche: High-altitude training adaptations at U.S. Air Force Academy, where trainers tackle hypoxia effects unique to military sports.
Student Paths: Degrees, Certifications, and Entry Points
Aspiring athletic trainers start with a bachelor's in athletic training or exercise science, followed by a master's for professional entry. Key certifications include BOC ATC and CPR/AED. Career paths span collegiate athletics, high schools, clinics, and pro teams. Scholarships abound for programs at powerhouses like University of Florida.
Top Student Steps
- Earn BS/MS in Athletic Training (CAATE-accredited)
- Pass BOC exam (pass rate: 91% nationally)
- Gain clinical hours via research assistant jobs
- Intern at NCAA Division I schools
Parents and students: Evaluate professors via rate my professor for Athletic Training before enrolling.
Faculty Job Opportunities in Athletic Training
Universities seek assistant, associate, and full professors for lecture, lab, and fieldwork. Hotspots include Texas and California due to powerhouse programs—Texas higher ed jobs lead with 200+ openings yearly. Emerging: Faculty roles in tactical athletic training for military academies. Search Professor Jobs. Niche anecdote: Post-COVID, remote-hybrid remote higher ed jobs in tele-rehab training surged.
Check faculty feedback on Rate My Professor Athletic Training courses.
Athletic Training Professor Salaries and Earnings
Earnings vary by rank, location, and experience. National medians from 2023 data: athletic trainers at $62,000, but faculty command premiums for PhDs and publications. Prestige boosts pay at Big Ten schools.
| Role | Avg Salary (2023) | High-Pay Location |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $72,000 | California |
| Associate Professor | $88,000 | Texas |
| Full Professor | $110,000+ | Florida |
View detailed breakdowns on professor salaries and university salaries. Job seekers: Tailor resumes with free resume template.
Trends, Prestige, and Future in Athletic Training Academia
Growth fueled by Title IX expansions and mental health integration—20% rise in wellness-focused hires. Prestige peaks with research on ACL prevention, published in Journal of Athletic Training. Fringe trend: AI wearables for injury prediction at pilot programs like Texas A&M. Career advice highlights networking via NATA conferences. Rate top professors in Rate My Professor for Athletic Training.
Find Faculty Jobs NowAssociations for Athletic Training
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
A professional membership association dedicated to advancing the athletic training profession through education, advocacy, and research in the United States.
Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA)
An organization that certifies and supports athletic therapists in providing injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation services across Canada.
World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT)
An international body that promotes global standards, education, and collaboration in athletic training and therapy worldwide.
British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT)
A UK-based register and professional body that regulates and advances the practice of sport rehabilitation and athletic training in the United Kingdom.
Sports Medicine Australia (SMA)
An multidisciplinary organization focused on promoting excellence in sports medicine, injury prevention, and athletic training in Australia.
Japan Athletic Trainers' Organization (JATO)
A professional group dedicated to developing and standardizing athletic training practices and education in Japan.

.jpg&w=128&q=75)
