From Athletic Trainer to Physician Assistant: A Rewarding Career Transition

Introduction

Athletic trainers (ATs) play a crucial role in sports medicine, providing essential care and support to athletes. However, some ATs may find themselves seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth in the healthcare field. One increasingly popular career transition is from athletic trainer to physician assistant (PA). This shift allows ATs to leverage their existing medical knowledge and skills while expanding their scope of practice and career potential.

The Natural Progression: From AT to PA

The transition from athletic trainer to physician assistant is often seen as a natural progression within the healthcare field. Both professions require a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and patient care. According to a study by Allman et al. (2015), there is a clear interest among both PAs and other healthcare professionals in expanding the role of PAs in various medical specialties, including sports medicine.

Leveraging Athletic Training Experience

Athletic trainers bring valuable experience to the physician assistant role, particularly in areas such as:

• Musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment
• Emergency care and injury management
• Rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise
• Patient education and communication

These skills provide a strong foundation for the expanded responsibilities of a PA. Pecha et al. (2013) found that utilizing athletic trainers as physician extenders in primary care sports medicine and orthopedic practices improved clinic efficiency, with patient encounters increasing by 18% to 22% per day.

Educational Requirements and Transition Process

To become a physician assistant, athletic trainers typically need to:

1. Complete a master's-level PA program (usually 2-3 years)
2. Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
3. Obtain state licensure

Many PA programs value the clinical experience that athletic trainers bring to the table. Mazerolle et al. (2015) highlighted the importance of postprofessional education in facilitating the transition from student to professional, which can be particularly relevant for ATs pursuing PA careers.

Expanded Scope of Practice

As physician assistants, former athletic trainers can expand their scope of practice significantly. PAs work under the supervision of physicians and can:

• Conduct physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illnesses
• Order and interpret tests
• Prescribe medications
• Assist in surgeries

This expanded role allows for greater autonomy and the ability to work in various medical specialties beyond sports medicine. Salcido et al. (1993) noted that PAs are an underutilized source of healthcare for rehabilitation patients, suggesting potential opportunities for ATs transitioning to PA roles in this field.

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook

The job outlook for physician assistants is extremely positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of PAs is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth presents excellent opportunities for athletic trainers looking to advance their careers.

Challenges in the Transition

While the transition from AT to PA can be rewarding, it's not without challenges. These may include:

• Additional education and associated costs
• Adapting to a new role and responsibilities
• Potential need for relocation
• Adjusting to different work environments and schedules

Walker et al. (2016) emphasized the importance of mentoring and support during the transition to practice for newly credentialed healthcare professionals, which can be particularly valuable for ATs becoming PAs.

Conclusion

The transition from athletic trainer to physician assistant offers a compelling career path for those looking to expand their medical knowledge and practice. While it requires additional education and adaptation to new roles, the rewards can be significant in terms of career growth, expanded scope of practice, and increased job opportunities. For athletic trainers passionate about healthcare and seeking new challenges, becoming a physician assistant can be a fulfilling next step in their professional journey.