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Athletic Trainers

SOC 29-9091.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers athletic trainers working across high school, collegiate, professional sport, and clinical sports medicine settings, from supervised entry-level practice through executive program leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Initial injury assessments — conduct under direct supervision using standardized protocols to determine emergency care needs for athletes in a collegiate or clinical training setting.
  2. Protective taping and bracing techniques — apply to ankles, fingers, and wrists following established procedures under the guidance of a supervising athletic trainer on a practice field.
  3. Athletic training room sanitation — clean and sanitize equipment, surfaces, and treatment areas according to infection control standards in a sports medicine facility.
  4. Athlete progress notes — document recovery status and treatment sessions using electronic medical record software under clinical supervision.
  5. Physical therapy modalities — operate basic equipment such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation units under direct oversight in a sports medicine clinic.
  6. Emergency action plans — recognize and follow established protocols when an athlete presents with an acute injury or sudden illness during a supervised practice or competition.
  7. Injury prevention devices — select and apply tape, bandages, and braces to appropriate body parts based on pre-approved protocols during team practice sessions.
  8. Administrative records — maintain athlete files, scheduling logs, and injury reports using office suite and calendar software in a sports medicine department.
  9. Referral documentation — prepare clear written summaries of athlete injury presentations to support physician referral under the direction of a licensed athletic trainer.
  10. Preventive health instructions — deliver basic injury-prevention information to athletes and coaches using prepared materials in a structured team or classroom setting.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Injury and illness assessments — conduct independent initial evaluations of musculoskeletal and systemic conditions to determine care pathways for athletes across multiple sport programs.
  2. Return-to-play clearances — evaluate athletes' functional readiness and provide participation clearances based on clinical examination findings and established criteria in a high school or collegiate environment.
  3. Progress reporting — assess and communicate recovery milestones to coaches and team physicians using objective outcome measures and standardized reporting tools.
  4. Therapeutic intervention plans — design and implement individualized rehabilitation programs using physical therapy equipment and evidence-based techniques in a sports medicine clinic.
  5. Protective device selection — determine appropriate taping, bracing, and padding strategies for injury prevention and management across diverse sport and position demands.
  6. Athlete education sessions — instruct athletes, parents, and coaches on injury prevention, nutrition, and safe sport participation using clear oral and written communication in group settings.
  7. Medical software utilization — manage athlete health records, treatment logs, and scheduling data using medical database and electronic mail platforms in a multi-sport department.
  8. Clinical decision-making — apply critical thinking and deductive reasoning to differentiate between conditions requiring immediate physician referral and those manageable within the athletic training scope.
  9. Time management under workload pressure — prioritize assessment and treatment tasks across overlapping practice and competition schedules in a high-demand collegiate athletic environment.
  10. Community safety outreach — present injury prevention and emergency response information to parents and community members using presentation software in public or school-based settings.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Comprehensive injury evaluation — conduct autonomous, full-scope assessments of acute and chronic athletic injuries and illnesses, integrating clinical findings to direct emergency and ongoing care without supervisory input.
  2. Physician collaboration and referral — synthesize assessment data, generate differential diagnoses, and prepare detailed referral communications to physicians to ensure definitive diagnosis and coordinated treatment planning.
  3. Advanced rehabilitation programming — design and supervise multi-phase rehabilitation protocols using the full range of physical therapy equipment and manual techniques for athletes with complex or high-stakes injuries.
  4. Readiness-to-participate decisions — independently evaluate biomechanical, physiological, and psychological factors to issue or withhold sport participation clearances under time-sensitive competition conditions.
  5. Non-routine clinical problem-solving — apply inductive reasoning and complex problem-solving skills to manage atypical presentations, comorbidities, and multi-system injuries in professional or collegiate sport contexts.
  6. Stakeholder reporting and advocacy — produce comprehensive written and verbal progress reports for coaches, medical staff, and administrators that influence treatment decisions and athlete welfare policies.
  7. Mentorship of emerging clinicians — guide and supervise students and early-career athletic trainers through clinical rotations, modeling professional judgment and clinical reasoning in a sports medicine department.
  8. Emergency response leadership — lead on-field emergency management, direct ancillary personnel, and coordinate with emergency medical services during acute life-threatening events at large-scale athletic competitions.
  9. Evidence-based practice integration — critically appraise current research literature and translate findings into updated clinical protocols, treatment guidelines, and staff training materials.
  10. Program administration — manage athletic training department operations including budget tracking, compliance documentation, and interdisciplinary coordination using administrative and data management software.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational clinical strategy — define and direct the vision, standards, and clinical quality framework for a sports medicine program across a multi-sport professional, collegiate, or healthcare organization.
  2. System-level policy development — author and implement institutional policies on injury prevention, return-to-play criteria, and emergency action planning that align with national professional standards and accreditation requirements.
  3. Leadership and talent development — design structured competency development pathways, mentorship programs, and performance evaluation systems to grow a high-performing athletic training staff.
  4. Interprofessional team leadership — lead integrated care teams comprising physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, and strength staff to deliver coordinated athlete health services at an organizational scale.
  5. Research and scholarship direction — conceive, fund, and oversee original research initiatives or evidence synthesis projects that advance the science and practice of athletic training at a national level.
  6. Advocacy and public health influence — represent the profession before regulatory bodies, athletic associations, and legislative stakeholders to shape public policy on athlete safety and scope-of-practice legislation.
  7. Executive reporting and governance — present strategic program outcomes, risk assessments, and resource plans to boards of directors, athletic directors, or executive healthcare leadership using data-driven narratives.
  8. Curriculum and academic leadership — develop and lead graduate-level athletic training education programs, ensuring alignment with CAATE accreditation standards and preparing the next generation of practitioners.
  9. Cross-institutional crisis management — direct organizational response to large-scale medical emergencies, epidemics, or catastrophic injury events, coordinating communication, logistics, and care protocols across departments.
  10. Culture of safety and performance — establish and sustain an organizational culture that prioritizes athlete health, ethical practice, and psychological safety across all levels of a sport or healthcare enterprise.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted documentation drafting — uses an AI tool to generate initial injury reports and progress notes from dictated summaries, then reviews and corrects output before submission Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic injury-data lookup — queries an AI assistant for evidence-based rehabilitation protocols or medication reference information to supplement clinical decision-making WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Progress-reporting acceleration — directs an AI tool to structure athlete recovery data into formatted reports for coaches and physicians, reducing documentation time while retaining clinical judgment over content Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Return-to-play decision support — feeds athlete assessment data into an AI-assisted tool to surface risk stratification indicators, then applies independent clinical reasoning before issuing participation clearances Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Administrative task delegation — hands off scheduling summaries, inventory tracking, and routine correspondence drafts to an AI assistant, freeing time for direct athlete care Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Injury-pattern monitoring — integrates AI-driven analytics across team-wide assessment records to identify emerging injury trends and proactively adjusts conditioning or taping protocols Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Emergency triage documentation — dictates real-time assessment findings to an AI transcription tool during initial injury evaluation, capturing structured notes without interrupting hands-on care Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Rehabilitation protocol customization — directs an AI assistant to cross-reference clinical guidelines with individual athlete histories, then synthesizes the output into a tailored treatment plan requiring professional validation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Referral rationale drafting — uses an AI tool to compile assessment findings into physician referral letters, editing for clinical accuracy and contextual nuance that AI output alone does not capture Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Human-AI workflow design — architects department-level protocols specifying which assessment, documentation, and monitoring tasks route to AI tools versus require direct athletic trainer judgment, optimizing care throughput without compromising patient safety Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Predictive readiness modeling — directs AI-assisted biomechanical and load-monitoring platforms to generate injury-risk forecasts for individual athletes, critically evaluates model confidence against lived clinical observation, and communicates synthesized recommendations to coaching staff WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. AI output quality governance — establishes review standards for AI-generated clinical notes and progress reports across a sports medicine staff, training junior athletic trainers to identify hallucinated clinical details and maintain documentation integrity Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 218
Augment share: 21.8%
Time saved: 86%
AI autonomy: 2.83
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Injury intake communication — elicits basic symptom descriptions and injury history from athletes using structured questions during initial assessment encounters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Progress reporting — conveys athlete recovery status to supervising athletic trainers or coaches using standard terminology and verbal updates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Multi-audience injury briefing — translates clinical findings into accessible language when reporting athlete status to coaches, parents, and non-medical staff Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Taping and bracing instruction — explains the purpose, application, and limitations of protective devices to athletes during pre-practice preparation sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Referral communication — documents and verbally conveys clinical observations and assessment findings to physicians during athlete referral handoffs O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emergency situation communication — delivers clear, calm, and sequenced verbal instructions to medical personnel, coaches, and bystanders during acute on-field injury responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Rehabilitation education — instructs athletes through therapeutic exercise protocols using precise anatomical and functional language calibrated to athlete comprehension level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Administrative documentation — composes accurate, legally defensible injury records, treatment logs, and clearance reports using standardized medical writing conventions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Community injury-prevention education — designs and delivers structured presentations on athletic injury prevention to coaches, parents, and community members across varied literacy and knowledge levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary case communication — leads athlete case conferences with physicians, physical therapists, and mental health providers, synthesizing clinical information into unified return-to-play narratives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Athletic training room stewardship — takes ownership of sanitization and equipment readiness protocols to maintain a safe treatment environment for athletes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer support initiative — volunteers to assist senior athletic trainers during high-volume practice and competition coverage to build situational competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Athlete injury advocacy — initiates referral decisions independently when clinical findings indicate a need for physician evaluation, without waiting for coach or athlete prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student or aide supervision — directs the work of athletic training students or support staff during routine taping, treatment, and facility preparation tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Return-to-play decision ownership — assumes authoritative responsibility for participation clearance decisions, communicating rationale clearly to coaches and athletes under competitive pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prevention program leadership — designs and implements sport-specific injury prevention programs, coordinating athlete compliance and coach buy-in across a season Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis response command — directs on-field emergency response operations, assigning roles to bystanders and coordinating EMS handoff during life-threatening athletic emergencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Department culture development — establishes evidence-based standards of care, mentors junior athletic trainers, and cultivates a professional practice culture across a multi-sport athletic program Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional policy influence — leads development of organizational protocols for concussion management, heat illness prevention, or emergency action plans adopted program-wide Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Clinical knowledge gap identification — recognizes limitations in own assessment capabilities and seeks supervision or consultation when athlete presentations exceed current competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Reflective treatment review — revisits treatment decisions after sessions to identify whether chosen interventions aligned with established clinical protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Assessment accuracy self-monitoring — tracks own diagnostic accuracy over time by comparing initial injury evaluations to confirmed physician diagnoses to calibrate clinical judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuing education planning — identifies specific knowledge deficits in emerging therapeutic modalities or injury management and selects targeted professional development activities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cognitive bias recognition — monitors own clinical reasoning during high-pressure game situations to prevent anchoring on initial diagnoses when new symptom data emerges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intervention outcome evaluation — systematically evaluates the effectiveness of rehabilitation protocols against athlete recovery timelines and adjusts approach when expected milestones are not met Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Practice wisdom articulation — explicitly models metacognitive clinical reasoning processes for athletic training students, narrating decision-making steps during live athlete evaluations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational learning facilitation — leads post-season reviews of injury incidence data to identify systemic gaps in prevention or treatment protocols and drive evidence-based program refinement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Differential symptom analysis — applies anatomical knowledge to distinguish between injury types presenting with similar symptoms during initial athlete evaluations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol-based decision making — follows established clinical guidelines to determine appropriate immediate care responses to common musculoskeletal injuries O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Mechanism-of-injury reasoning — analyzes the biomechanical forces involved in an injury event to formulate accurate tissue damage hypotheses before physical examination Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence appraisal — evaluates peer-reviewed literature and clinical practice guidelines to determine whether current treatment approaches align with best available evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Contraindication identification — critically assesses athlete medical histories, current medications, and comorbidities to rule out contraindicated therapeutic interventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Return-to-play risk analysis — integrates functional testing results, symptom status, and sport demands to form evidence-based participation clearance decisions under time-sensitive conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multi-system injury evaluation — systematically rules out referred pain patterns, vascular compromise, and neurological involvement during complex injury assessments to avoid missed diagnoses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ambiguous presentation resolution — formulates sound clinical management plans for atypical or rare athlete presentations where standard protocols provide insufficient guidance, integrating physiology, imaging findings, and specialist input Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prevention logic modeling — critically analyzes team-wide injury epidemiology data to identify causal patterns, challenge assumed risk factors, and construct evidence-based prevention interventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Coaching staff coordination — shares athlete availability and restriction information with coaching staff in a timely and reliable manner during daily practice operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Team medical support participation — contributes to game-day medical coverage by fulfilling assigned roles within a coordinated sports medicine team structure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Physician partnership — collaborates with team physicians by providing thorough pre-examination summaries and implementing post-consultation treatment directives accurately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation coordination — coordinates athlete care plans with physical therapists, strength coaches, and nutritionists to ensure consistent recovery messaging and workload management Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Parent and guardian engagement — integrates family members into athlete rehabilitation planning by sharing progress updates, home care instructions, and return-to-sport timelines collaboratively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emergency action plan execution — fulfills designated role within a rehearsed multi-responder emergency action plan during life-threatening athletic events, coordinating seamlessly with EMS and coaching personnel Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-disciplinary care model leadership — builds and sustains collaborative networks between sports medicine, mental health, academic support, and strength and conditioning staff to deliver integrated athlete care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Community sports medicine collaboration — partners with local physicians, hospitals, and school systems to coordinate athletic healthcare coverage and referral pathways across a geographic region Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Athlete confidentiality respect — maintains privacy of athlete injury and health information consistent with HIPAA requirements and professional ethical standards during casual interactions with coaches or teammates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment documentation integrity — records athlete assessments, treatments, and outcomes accurately and completely without omission or alteration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Conflict-of-interest navigation — prioritizes athlete health and safety over coaching staff or institutional pressure when making return-to-play and participation clearance decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional boundary maintenance — upholds appropriate therapeutic relationships with athletes, recognizing and managing the power differential inherent in the athletic trainer-athlete dynamic Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical referral practice — refers athletes to physicians or specialists promptly when conditions exceed athletic training scope of practice, without delay caused by institutional convenience or cost pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cultural humility in care — delivers equitable, respectful care to athletes across diverse cultural backgrounds, adapting communication and treatment approaches without bias Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical standards advocacy — identifies and formally addresses systemic ethical violations in athletic program practices, such as pressure to clear injured athletes, through appropriate institutional channels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional role modeling — consistently demonstrates integrity, accountability, and athlete-centered decision-making in observable ways that shape the ethical culture of the sports medicine program Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Improvised injury management — adapts available supplies creatively to construct effective protective padding or supportive devices when standard materials are unavailable during away competitions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete motivation exploration — experiments with varied communication approaches to engage athletes who show low adherence to prescribed rehabilitation protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Individualized rehabilitation design — modifies standardized rehabilitation protocols creatively to accommodate sport-specific movement demands, positional requirements, and athlete physical characteristics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prevention drill innovation — develops novel warm-up and neuromuscular training activities that embed injury prevention principles into sport-specific practice formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Adaptive return-to-play programming — designs creative sport-specific functional progressions for athletes with atypical recovery trajectories or permanent physical limitations to restore competitive function Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Educational material development — creates engaging injury prevention and health literacy resources tailored to athlete age, sport context, and cultural background Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Novel program architecture — architects comprehensive, evidence-informed athlete health programs that integrate prevention, monitoring, treatment, and mental wellness in formats not previously used within the organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Technology integration innovation — identifies and pilots emerging clinical technologies, wearable monitoring tools, or telehealth platforms that improve athlete health surveillance and treatment delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Clinical feedback receptivity — accepts corrective feedback from supervising athletic trainers and physicians regarding assessment or treatment errors and implements suggested changes in subsequent cases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Certification maintenance commitment — pursues required continuing education units with engagement and intention rather than treating them as compliance obligations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emerging evidence adoption — actively integrates newly published clinical guidelines and research findings into treatment practice, replacing outdated approaches when evidence supports doing so Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge case persistence — sustains clinical effort and curiosity on athletes with complex, slow-progressing, or diagnostically ambiguous conditions rather than defaulting to fixed treatment routines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Setback reframing in athlete care — treats rehabilitation plateaus or re-injury events as diagnostic information rather than failures, adjusting programs and maintaining athlete confidence in the recovery process Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scope expansion pursuit — voluntarily pursues advanced certifications or clinical experiences in areas such as concussion management, sports nutrition, or orthopedic rehabilitation to expand professional capacity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture cultivation — mentors junior staff and students by modeling intellectual curiosity, openness to being wrong, and commitment to evidence-based practice evolution within the athletic training program Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Failure analysis integration — leads structured after-action reviews following adverse athlete outcomes or near-miss events to extract institutional learning and prevent recurrence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Athlete distress recognition — notices signs of psychological distress, fear of re-injury, or emotional dysregulation in athletes during treatment sessions and responds with appropriate acknowledgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. High-pressure attention management — maintains focus on current athlete assessment tasks during chaotic sideline or game-day environments without becoming distracted by peripheral activity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emotional regulation during emergencies — manages own physiological stress response during acute athletic emergencies to sustain clear clinical thinking and effective team coordination Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional assessment presence — gives complete attention to each athlete evaluation, resisting the pull of administrative tasks or coaching staff interactions that could compromise assessment quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Athlete psychological attunement — detects subtle behavioral cues indicating pain underreporting, mental health concerns, or readiness barriers in athletes and adjusts care responses accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Compassion fatigue self-monitoring — recognizes early personal signs of burnout or emotional exhaustion from sustained athlete care demands and initiates restorative self-care strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful high-stakes decision facilitation — applies deliberate, regulated thinking processes when making consequential participation clearance decisions under intense institutional or competitive pressure, explicitly pausing to consider full evidence before acting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Trauma-informed care practice — delivers treatment to athletes with histories of physical or psychological trauma using present-moment sensitivity, body-language awareness, and pacing that prioritizes safety and trust Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. High-volume workload endurance — maintains consistent care quality across extended game-day schedules, tournament weekends, and pre-season periods with compressed recovery time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult conversation initiation — delivers unwanted injury news or participation restrictions to athletes and coaches without avoidance, despite anticipated emotional reactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Institutional pressure resistance — upholds athlete health decisions under sustained pushback from coaches, administrators, or athletes seeking expedited return-to-play clearances without clinical justification Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Rehabilitation persistence facilitation — sustains therapeutic momentum with athletes experiencing slow recovery, repeated setbacks, or declining motivation across multi-month rehabilitation programs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Acute trauma composure — maintains effective clinical function and team leadership during mass casualty scenarios, cardiac events, or catastrophic spinal injuries in athletic settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adversarial environment navigation — continues to advocate for evidence-based athlete care within organizational cultures that historically undervalue or under-resource athletic training services Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Career-long professional courage — sustains a consistent pattern of athlete-first decision-making across years of institutional pressure, high-stakes competitive environments, and career risk, modeling professional fortitude for the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Critical incident resilience modeling — processes and openly discusses own emotional responses to traumatic athletic events with junior staff in ways that normalize resilience-building without suppressing healthy grief or stress responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors59 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Athletic Instructor · Athletic Lecturer · Athletic Trainer · Certified Athletic Trainer · Clinical Athletic Instructor · Clinical Athletic Trainer · Fitness Specialist · Licensed Athletic Trainer · On-Site Industrial Athletic Trainer · Outreach Athletic Trainer · Personal Trainer · Physical Trainer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Active ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionInstructingService OrientationWritingComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementLearning StrategiesCoordinationPersuasion
Knowledge domains
Medicine and DentistryCustomer and Personal ServicePsychologyTherapy and CounselingEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeBiologyAdministration and Management
Abilities
Problem SensitivityOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingOral Comprehension
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailCooperationStress ToleranceSocial OrientationEmpathy
Technology
Medical softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
  2. Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
  3. Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
  4. Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
  5. Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
  6. Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.
  7. Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
  8. Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
CIP education codes
31.050751.0913

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.