How to Train for Athletic Therapy
Athletic therapists help injured athletes heal and overcome their sports injuries. They also help to improve the skill and health of athletes in order to get them in top shape. Becoming an athletic therapist is challenging and requires a lot of study and training.
- Complete your high school education. If you aspire to be an athletic therapist, you should focus your studies on nutrition, health and science courses. You should also participate in physical education classes and team sports. This will help to give you a broad exposure to all of the basic aspects of sports medicine and athletic therapy.
- Enroll in an accredited university. Most colleges offer Bachelor's degree programs in athletic therapy, sports medicine or physical therapy. All of these disciplines can help you to achieve your goal of becoming an athletic therapist. It is important that you attend all of your classes and do well in college.
- Obtain an internship. Work with your counselor to find an internship opportunity with a local athletic rehabilitation company. This will help to give you some exposure and job experience. You likely will not be working directly with patients at this level, but you can learn a lot from shadowing an experienced athletic therapist. Learn as much as you can and perform well at your internship, as many companies offer permanent positions to well-liked interns.
- Obtain your certification. In order to become a certified athletic therapist, you will need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Each state has its own requirements that students must meet prior to sitting for this exam. Your college advisor will be able to provide you with information regarding exam requirements in your state.