Athletic Trainers' duties during summer time?

Question

I am a college student in Texas aspiring to become an athletic trainer at a high school someday. Though I have alot of info about the profession I have always wondered what the athletic trainers do during the summer time.

Answer 1

That completely depends on who hires you and the terms of your contract.

It's quite common for ATC's to be employed by clinics/hospitals/etc and contracted out to work at a school, in which case the ATC will generally work within the company through summer months (most commonly in the physical therapy department).

However, when hired directly by the school (high school or collegiate) ATC's can end up with most of the summer off. They may, however, be required to cover summer camps.

It all comes down to reviewing your contract upon initial hire. Every position is different. But in general, collegiate ATC's will have more time off in the summer and high school ATC's (who are most often contracted through clinics due to the decrease in cost to the school district) will have clinical obligations through the summer months.