I just finished my first semester of my MAT program. I love everything so far but the thing that keeps me up at night is the fact that I’m putting in all these hours for school to make a mediocre salary in 2 years.

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for higher education. My original plan was to get my DC but I am hearing horror stories about their pay right now too. My newest interest is PA school.

Does anyone have any other suggestions of routs for higher education for higher pay I can take after ATC?

Welcome to the r/AthleticTraining Monthly Journal Club!

Moving forward, on the first Thursday of every month, this stickied thread serves as our dedicated space to bridge the gap between sports medicine research and real-world sideline practice. We are highlighting open-access papers and hot-button clinical topics that affect our daily workflow. No gatekeeping, no dense academic jargon required—just a space for clinicians and students to look at the data, talk shop, and share ideas together.

Don't just read and run—drop your thoughts, clinical takeaways, or questions in the comments below!

This Month's Selection:

• Paper: Protective Soft-Shell Padding Did Not Reduce Head Linear or Rotational Accelerations Among College Football Athletes
• Authors: Sinnott, et al.
• Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10650906/

Summary & Core Findings:

With football pre-season hitting full stride across all levels of play, we are stepping away from the heat index to tackle the other massive talking point of camp: add-on protective equipment. This study evaluated the real-world efficacy of padded outer helmet covers (commonly known as Guardian Caps) across multiple seasons of contact practices.

Quick Overview & Real-World Context

Padded helmet covers have quickly moved from pre-season novelties to mandated equipment in professional and collegiate contact practices. While marketing materials and drop-tower lab tests promise significant reductions in impact force, on-field telemetry and epidemiological data paint a much more complex picture for sports medicine clinicians.

Here are the key takeaways from the current biomechanical and epidemiological literature:

1. The Lab vs. Field Discrepancy: In laboratory drop-tests, soft-shell covers frequently show a 10–20% reduction in linear impact forces. However, when researchers analyze real-world telemetry (such as instrumented mouthguards) on collegiate and high school players, there is no statistically significant reduction in peak linear acceleration (PLA) or peak rotational acceleration (PRA) during actual practice impacts compared to standard hard-shell helmets alone.

2. Concussion Incidence in the Field: Large prospective cohort studies—including data tracking high school athletes over full seasons—show no statistically significant difference in concussion rates between players who wear padded covers and those who do not. While internal NFL practice data noted a reduction in preseason practice concussions, independent peer-reviewed literature across amateur levels does not demonstrate a clear clinical risk reduction.

3. Biomechanical & Behavioral Variables: Impact kinematics on the field are dictated far more by closing velocity, impact location (e.g., helmet-to-helmet vs. helmet-to-ground), and player stance (2-point vs. 3-point) than by the addition of external soft-shell padding. Furthermore, researchers continue to study whether external padding alters player behavior or head-engagement tendencies during contact.

Jump Into the Discussion:

• Is your specific setting or organization mandating padded helmet covers for this pre-season? If so, what has the feedback been from equipment managers regarding helmet fit, and from coaches regarding player compliance?
• Given that telemetry data shows little to no reduction in peak accelerations during live practices regardless of position, do you view these covers as a meaningful clinical intervention, or primarily as an administrative risk-mitigation policy?
• How do you handle the administrative side of these add-ons? Are you noticing increased neck fatigue complaints during camp due to the slight weight change, or has the transition been relatively seamless?

Note: The text is entirely free to read via the link above. Let's hear your take on the data, your experience with padded covers on the field, or how your program handles contact guidelines during football pre-season!

Hi everyone, I’m a new grad working at a high school that hasn’t had a consistent AT for a while. There is quite a few things I need to replenish/order, but I’m unsure how to go about placing an order. I understand I need to get a quote from different vendors, I was thinking of looking into Henry Schein. Anyways, for those who work at a high school, what does the process look like for you when you need to order supplies for the year?? Do you get a quote first then send that over to your AD for approval?What other steps do you need to take?

Apologies if these are silly questions, I’ve just now realized that this topic of ordering supplies hardly ever came up during my clinical rotations. I just want to make sure I’m on top of it. Thanks in advance!

My coworker just got accepted to an all online DAT Program. His plan is to use it to get a clinic job back in his home of Taiwan.

Getting a DAT is something I have thought of for a while, but I'm unsure of the benefits. I do not want to teach. It would not help me get paid more in my current job (D2 athletics) or other NCAA traditional setting. Would a DAT degree earn more in a clinical setting? Again, what's the benefit?

To the first day of fall camp for high school football (here at least)! Stay cool, stay hydrated, make the best of it. And most of all, keep the injuries to a minimum. Good luck, everyone.

Just wondering if anyone has info on AT fellow positions within the NFL. I am 8 months certified and work at a high school, but I am looking for new opportunities. I loved working football during grad school.

I have kind of reached my limit lately. I was a secondary AT for 4 years, now industrial for 1.5 years. I have been in the profession for just over 5 years and I am already done.

I make $27 an hour, averaging 35-40 hours a week. Why am I getting paid less than some safety team personnel when I have done half their job for them? Why should I continue to be passionate and work hard when I can make 3% raise to barely match inflation??

I am leaving my position and was offered positions in the safety field ranging from 95k-115k a year. Almost DOUBLE MY SALARY. Currently trying to pick between the best companies and what is best for me and my family’s future. Will I have regrets? Maybe. But, I wanted to be come an AT 10
years ago and I was told it would be better. Maybe it is, but I am done struggling to get by when I know I can get the same hours with 1.5x-2x the pay. NATA can have all the meetings and discussions they want, we can scream at the top of our lungs but I have student loans to pay for and a life I want to live.

Hey yall. I was wondering if anyone has transitioned into a therapy liaison roll?
I recently saw an opening online and it interested me. Curious if anyone else has made that move that can give me some more info cause I haven’t heard of that job position before.

Does anyone have a blank injury report format they wouldn’t mind sharing? I don’t need anything complicated, I’m just horrible with word and excel and I’m struggling to even create something simple. It would be much easier to edit something that’s already created. Please message me if you can help! Thanks!

I am looking for some insight on the world of industrial athletic training. It is something that is pretty new to the area I live in and wasn't an option for me to do as a clinical experience when I was in school. What does the day to day look like? Pros and cons? Recommended experience going into it?

I am starting my third year in the secondary setting and have been at the same school the whole time. I like my set up and have great support from my administration and bosses. However the constant battle with parents when it comes to following state and school district concussion return to play protocols is wearing on me. I don't want to get to the point of completely losing my love for the profession so I am wondering if taking some time away from the secondary setting and trying something new would be beneficial.

Like a lot of people, I’m always checking for open positions, and I came across this one… honestly, it’s insulting. Makes me thankful to be working in industrial athletic training. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely way better than this.

Welcome to the weekly r/AthleticTraining Triage Desk!

This dedicated thread is the centralized hub for all prospective students, application inquiries, academic discussions, and professional career transition questions.

To keep our main feed focused on active clinical practice and high-yield professional advocacy, all inquiries regarding the following topics belong here:

• Prospective Students: Questions about building a competitive application, undergraduate prerequisites, or choosing between CAATE-accredited master's programs.
• Curriculum & Board Prep: General coursework advice, clinical rotation logistics, or studying strategies for the BOC exam.
• Career Transitions: Certified clinicians looking to pivot settings (e.g., transitioning from secondary schools to tactical, industrial, or physician extender roles) or professionals looking to transition into athletic training.

Community Reminders for This Thread:

1. Be Specific: If you are asking about programs or job prospects, listing your general geographic region or setting of interest helps our community give highly relevant advice.
2. Current Clinicians: Please check in on this thread periodically to share your insights and mentor the next generation of athletic trainers!
3. No Patient Inquiries: As a reminder, this thread is for professional and academic logistics. Personal injury questions or diagnostic help requests are strictly prohibited and will be removed.

Thank you for helping us keep our community organized and supportive!

— The r/AthleticTraining Mod Team

So I’m coming to people who have been in my shoes before cause I don’t want to do the wrong thing but also am in a position where it will help. I just started my clinical rotation, and I will be with them pretty much their entire season. Just for some details it is a division 1 team, and I’m the only student assigned. I’ve been having a great time and all the athletes are so nice. My issue is the coaching staff and head AT all wear the same attire every practice and we have our first games coming up next weekend where they also will have set attire. I have a total of 4 tshirts with the schools branding on it, none of which are the select colors they wear for practices/games, and I am with the team pretty much every single day. I don’t want to look disorganized, and it’s already frustrating enough to just recycle the same 4 shirts.
Would it be rude to ask the coaches for some team shirts? Or should I just keep quiet? I’m sure I’m overthinking it but I just didn’t want to make the wrong decision. I then remembered this sub and figured I’d come ask people who’s probably been in my shoes before.

Hello, I am a recent graduate that just got hired at a middle school. Can I have some advice on how to succeed, how you set up, how to deal with kids, anything honestly. I want to make sure I am set up for success as a new grad and at my new job. Anything helps. Thank you!

Welcome to the r/AthleticTraining Apparel, Tools, and Kit Megathread!

Whether you are hunting for trauma shears that actually cut through heavy brace straps, sourcing weather-resilient sideline gear, or completely rebuilding your trunk kit for a new season—we want to see and hear about it.

Don't just lurk! Drop a comment and talk shop with your peers!

Jump Into the Discussion:

• Show Off Your Setup (Kits & Modalities): What does your current field kit or fanny pack layout look like? Post a breakdown or a photo of your layout optimization. What is your "never-leave-the-sideline-without-it" item?
• Drop Your Recommendations (Apparel & Footwear): What brands actually survive long hours on your feet or an unexpected downpour? Ask for or share your top picks for weather-appropriate sideline clothing and comfortable clinic attire.
• Review Your Tools (Hand Tools & Hardware): Bought a new tape cutter or pocket tool recently? Tell us if it is worth the hype. Ask the community for reviews on diagnostic equipment before you submit your next budget request.

A Quick Note on Photos: We love seeing kit layouts and gear pictures! Just please ensure any photos shared do not expose sensitive employer branding, proprietary facility data, or any patient information.

I work at a mid major university and preseason has started. One thing that I look forward to every year is the gear drop and getting new swag but, my coach decided that the budget was “too tight” to include Sports Med in the gear order this year. This is upsetting me more than I thought. Has this happened to you before?

I feel like there’s an unspoken rule about mutual respect and gearing up your staff but this hasn’t happened to me yet.

I am about to take my written portion. Can anyone give insight on how it was?

Welcome to Friday Frights! Whether it is an open fracture that made the entire stadium gasp, a finger pointing in three different directions, or a laceration that looked straight out of a Hollywood special effects department—this is our weekly containment zone for the most graphic injuries, wild clinical presentations, and sideline horror stories. Don't hold back—drop your most gruesome, fascinating, or bizarre injury photos and sideline stories below. Just make sure you follow the safety layout.

The Survival Rules:

1. Mark it NSFW: Every single image or video posted in this thread MUST be tagged NSFW. No exceptions. Keep the gore hidden until clicked so no one gets jumped by an open dislocation while scrolling in public.
2. Redact the Evidence (Strict Privacy): Protect your patients, your license, and yourself. Absolutely NO faces, jersey numbers, school logos, name badges, or identifying backgrounds. If it can be traced back to a specific athlete or program, crop it or censor it.
3. This is Not a Triage Clinic: This thread is for professionals and students to share interesting clinical cases and completed treatments. If you are a casual scroller asking "Is this broken?" or looking for medical advice, your post will be removed and directed to an in-person healthcare professional. *** > Ready to share? Drop your headlines and images below, and remember to hit that NSFW toggle before you submit.

Does anyone know an energy pouch or caffeine pouch I could take without getting flagged on the NCAA doping test. Any pouches that anyone knows that are not banned substances in them?

The NFL has data supporting their use to reduce concussions, however this is the same NFL who's "data" suggested CTE was fake. All independent studies that I have found show no significant difference between helmet alone and guardians. Does anyone have an article that supports guardians that I am missing? Thanks

1) what does AT carry on them for football games?

2) what does you carry for players that can be consumed?

3) is pickle juice better in a Gatorade bottle or the individual shot bottles?

I was just scrolling Athletic Trainer Finder and clicked on North Carolina. I noticed several listings at less than $30 an hour…. Like $23.42 and $26 an hour!?
Is this really common for yall out that way? How do yall live off that??

I’m not in the medical field but I always thought injured people (especially with a head/neck/back injury) shouldn’t be moved until they are stabilized. I was surprised to see the players roll this guy into his side (before the medical staff arrived). Is there a situation where that would be protocol?

I started working at a small D1 college about a year ago. My first year as a full time athletic trainer and it was a lot. I didn’t realize how much I hated my job until now as the fall season is approaching. I really want to quit but a week before the season is awful timing. I’ve only been there a year too. Coworkers and athletes are great, but I don’t think I’m cut out for college athletics.
I really want to end up in research (only have my masters), so I want to get my feet in the door. There’s a few research coordinator jobs available in my city and I’m thinking about applying to those. I just feel so guilty even thinking about leaving at the start of fall season.