Background
The interview by an athletic trainer was on Matthew R. Kiessling who is the Head Athletic Trainer, for Norton City Schools in Cleveland Ohio. He is an experienced athletics trainer who has worked in many organizations. His work experience includes Outreach Trainer for Summa Health System, Graduate Assistant at Notre Dame School, FX FITNESS, and Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Notre Dame Catholic High School. He is an alumnus of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania where he got his post-graduate qualification, and Baldwin Wallace University. Mathew says that his passion for athletics is what drives him to better his skills in the profession. He has the self-drive to ensure that those under him receive quality.
The interview
What does it take to make it as an athletic trainer?
One needs to get certification to work as an athletic trainer. One acquires education on prevention of injuries, assessing and recognizing injuries, managing accidents and rehabilitation of persons that have been injured due to physical activity. Athletics trainers work in a healthcare environment, learning institutions, sports, and other performance related areas. One needs to have good knowledge of the human body, first aid, basic treatment and rehabilitation.
What does a typical day on the job look like?
In a college set-up where I work, the department works with the other sections of the college that engage in physical activities like sports, athletics and performing arts. We train the students on safe engagements in physical activities; we also work with injured students by offering care when injuries occur and providing treatment support during recovery. A typical day involves reviewing existing cases, checking the schedules and assigning someone to assist during various trainings by students.
Any challenges in the profession?
There are normal challenges on the job. Most significant is having t often travel to where activities are taking place. Sometimes when students get injured, it personally affects the trainer since there is often that feeling that something more could have been done to prevent the injury. Also, when cases are presented for rehabilitation, while it feels good to help, it feels worse when a patient does not make impressive recovery.
Are their opportunities for career growth, and what options are available?
Often one starts as an assistant in the athletics department before rising through the ranks to director, etc. One can also go for additional training to become a tutor for athletics trainers. There also openings for one to go into private practice and work as consultant in the field. The field has good projections in the job market within and outside the country. In some places, the field is only picking up now, offering several opportunities for qualified practitioners.
What would you advice a fresh graduate studying kinesiology and is interested in becoming an athletics trainer?
The best advice is to love the works and keep learning about the job so that one’s skills can be current. Also, identify the area of interest early so that you can build on it.
Reflection
The interview was informative, especially on the different areas of work available for graduates in this field. The challenges are also an eye opener that one not only has to be prepared with skills required to perform on the job, but also with the emotional strength to handle situations.
Works Cited
