Athletic trainers work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. They work with a variety of people, from professional and college athletes to high school students and even weekend warriors. Athletic trainers need to have a vast knowledge of the human body and how it works, as well as strong problem-solving skills.
If you’re looking to become an athletic trainer, you’ll need to be able to answer a range of interview questions. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions and answers that you may be asked during your interview.
When you’re walking into a job interview, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotion of the moment. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your next interview. It isn’t an interrogation! It’s a conversation. Make sure you add something about organizational fit. Ask any Athletic Trainer (AT) what they wish they could tell their younger self before their first interview and you might find some of the following answers:
Many organizations are willing to support your professional development. All you have to do is ask. As healthcare professionals, we need to make sure we are always using evidence to support our practice. If your employer values their patient care, they will devise a plan to help you stay current in your clinical practice.
While it is important to make sure you’ve got good bedside manner, it’s also important to make sure you’re getting regular constructive feedback about your clinical performance. Not only is it important to identify who is giving you feedback, but how often you’re receiving the feedback. Since it’s your first job, getting regular feedback not only allows you to develop your clinical practice, but allows you the opportunity to grow your professional network. Don’t be afraid to ask who’s evaluating your skills.
This is important to ask because it allows you to determine if the organization truly acts within its values system. If what the interviewer says directly opposes the organization’s mission or values, that’s a red flag. Ask probing questions to determine if your personal and professional mission align with that of the organization. If not, this may not be the job for you!
Knowing up front how much the organization is willing to pay you will tell you a lot about their value system. If an organization intends to pay you part-time for full-time work, it may tell you more about the value they place on healthcare professionals, including ATs.Attending college often comes with a steep price tag; you need to make sure you’re making enough money to pay off those student loans! Have the guts to say no, if you don’t think your services are valued.
How would you design a therapy plan for an athlete?
Look for candidates who demonstrate a sound knowledge of medical treatment plans.
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level. If you have worked with a variety of sports, discuss what you learned from each one and how it helped you in future situations. If you’ve only worked with one sport, explain why that’s the case and what you hope to learn if hired.
In addition, I make sure to network with other professionals in the industry. This helps me stay connected with what’s going on in the world of athletic training, and it allows me to learn from others who have different perspectives and experiences. Finally, I regularly review my own performance and look for areas where I can improve. By doing this, I ensure that I am always providing the best possible care for my athletes.”
Athletic trainers must stay up to date on the latest medical techniques and technologies. Employers ask this question to make sure you have a plan for continuing your education throughout your career. In your answer, explain how you will keep yourself informed about new developments in athletic training. Share any certifications or educational programs you are currently enrolled in.
In addition, I have experience in strength and conditioning training, nutrition counseling, and psychological support. I understand the importance of creating an environment that is conducive to success and helping athletes achieve their highest potential. I also have a strong understanding of sport rules and regulations, as well as safety protocols.”
This question can help interviewers learn about your experience level and how it relates to the position you’re interviewing for. If you have professional or collegiate athletic experience, share what your role was and what responsibilities you had. If you don’t have any experience working in a professional or collegiate setting, you can still answer this question by describing your athletic training experience and how it prepared you for this type of work.