Occupational Athletic Trainer Employment Outlook

Manufacturing is on the decline in the U.S., but OSHA somewhat ensures that ergonomics are on the increase. It is likely that commercial establishments are inclined to outsource its allied health care needs vs. hiring a full-time ATC. It is estimated there are 30,000 businesses with more than 500 employees that could potentially support a full-time ATC. Note that more research needs to be conducted on market potential and reasonable saturation.

 

• In 2002, there were 675 full-time certified athletic trainers in commercial and industrial settings. This does not include those who have designated that they practice in the clinical setting but are outsourced to a commercial or industrial setting. This is equal to about 2 percent of the certified athletic trainer membership category (conservative).
  
  
• The market size by commercial setting is estimated at 30,000 businesses that would be able to support at least one full-time certified athletic trainer.
  
  
• It is likely that the real growth within this niche will not be through full-time employees, but through outreach clinic contracts.