Pursuing Career Dreams in Athletic Training…Just Go for It!

Recently, an athletic trainer asked a colleague for advice on changing roles and exploring a new direction within athletic training. It’s a question many in the field have likely asked themselves at some point. The colleague advised her to consider where she wants to be in one, five, or ten years and to reflect on how that vision aligns with her life and family. “What fulfills you in this field? What brings you genuine joy?” they asked.

Athletic training offers unique flexibility, enabling professionals to move between roles and specialties while staying within a field they are passionate about. One athletic trainer recalled their own journey, starting with a role supporting a single team before being given the chance to assist a different sport with entirely new demands. This opportunity introduced them to a fresh set of skills, which they eagerly embraced. Eventually, they transitioned into a permanent role in that specialty, discovering a newfound enthusiasm for their work. This approach, they noted, has guided them in developing their career.

For many athletic trainers, their career paths unfold as they explore new opportunities and pinpoint roles that offer growth and fulfillment. Some professionals from outside the field may admit they work mainly for financial reasons, despite a lack of enjoyment in their roles. Athletic training is different; with a variety of specialties and pathways, athletic trainers can find roles that provide both purpose and satisfaction.

In recent years, numerous athletic trainers have successfully transitioned into new specialties or roles, often driven by shifts in priorities or a desire for change after the pandemic. Regardless of the reason, such shifts are a win for the profession when experienced trainers remain in the field, bringing their knowledge and mentorship to the next generation. Athletic training’s future success hinges on roles in education, professional development, and leadership to cultivate new talent and continue advancing the field.

An athletic training career is a journey that evolves alongside the professional. Today, that same colleague has taken on a new role in athletic training education while still overseeing a single sport, blending the art and science of the profession. To all athletic trainers with dreams of exploring something new—if the opportunity arises, take the leap! 

As Walt Disney said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. Our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”