Certified athletic trainers often choose their career paths because they want to help people achieve their personal fitness goals. Nearly all states have minimum education requirements for certified athletic trainers, and most of the professionals practicing in this competitive field hold bachelor's or master's degrees in relevant areas of study.
For committed individuals who want to advance their careers and offer the best possible help to their clients, that's not enough. Serious athletic trainers go out of their way to stay up-to-date with all the latest changes in the field, which requires ongoing education, often in the form of specialized seminars and courses, which assign continuing education units (CEUs).
What Are CEUs?
Before discussing the role of athletic training ceus in advancing a career, let's take a moment to define what they are and how they work. In general terms, CEUs are measures used primarily in licensed professions to indicate that a person has completed nationally recognized professional development and training activities. In the context of athletic training, courses and seminars can include information about anything from performing physical assessments to program planning, client education, and even how to communicate with medical providers.
Some states require athletic trainers to pursue continuing education or professional development to maintain their licenses. Others leave it up to the individual to take advantage of these opportunities for career advancement. Even in states that don't require ongoing professional development, athletic trainers who want to advance in their careers can benefit from obtaining CEUs.
NATA Certification
The National Athletic Trainers' Association is the largest professional organization for these industry professionals working in the United States. Becoming certified by the NATA can open up doors for trainers who want to move upward on the career ladder, find more lucrative opportunities with new companies, or start taking clients as independent contractors. Unsurprisingly, maintaining NATA certification requires trainers to obtain CEUs.
State Licensing
Nearly all states require athletic trainers to be licensed. California is the only state that does not require practicing professionals to take this step. Most states require not just initial occupational licenses but also ongoing education in the form of obtaining a certain number of CEUs each year.
Advancing Careers
CEUs can help athletic trainers advance their careers. When employers read through resumes, they often view them as proof that the prospective hire takes their job seriously and is committed to providing the highest level of service to their clients. There's a good reason for that perception. Even if an athletic trainer has received a BA or MA in a related field, standards for practice change quickly. Taking courses allows experienced professionals to keep up with those changes, and employers know it.
Taking On Independent Clients
Not all athletic trainers are interested in working for gyms, schools, or private companies. Some prefer to set out on their own as independent contractors. When that's the case, continuing education is still essential. The clients who are willing and able to seek out private athletic trainers want to know that they will get their money's worth. CEUs show a commitment to the practice of athletic training.
Find a Course Provider
Once athletic trainers realize how helpful it can be to obtain CEUs throughout their careers, the next steps are easy. Find a respected institution that conducts courses, choose the one that seems most relevant, and sign up today.
