An athletic trainer is a position by the American Medical Association. Whose responsibilities include examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Athletic Trainers are known as multi-skilled health care professionals who provide service or treatment under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician ( Nata). Some services provided by athletic trainers include primary care, illness prevention, injury prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination of clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Also, Athletic trainers can work in a variety of environments, not just sports. They accept all sorts of patients, but they do specialize in preventing injuries and re-injuries ( Nata).  

There are many different salaries for different types of athletic trainers. As an international athletic trainer, the annual salary is $381,121, while a professional athlete assistant earns $141,250. An international school athletic trainer; salary is $98,290. The average hourly pay in the State of North Dakota is $25.28 an hour. But can be as high as $40.70 an hour compared to a low of $12.97. The average range is usually $22.88 to $31.30 dollars an hour (Athletic Trainer Salary). Other jobs and careers are possible with their degrees in athletic training? With an athletic training degree, students can help advance their knowledge and skill set. 

     There are many different salaries for different types of athletic trainers. As an international athletic trainer, the annual salary is $381,121, while a professional athlete assistant earns $141,250. An international school athletic trainer; salary is $98,290. The average hourly pay in the State of North Dakota is $25.28 an hour. But can be as high as $40.70 an hour compared to a low of $12.97. The average range is usually $22.88 to $31.30 dollars an hour (Athletic Trainer Salary). Other jobs and careers are possible with their degrees in athletic training? With an athletic training degree, students can help advance their knowledge and skill set. 

During an athletic training degree program, students learn about injury and illness prevention, injury assessment, first aid application and emergency care. In addition, they also learn about human health,in courses such as anatomy, nutrition or wellness. This education mostly takes place in the classroom, however; students also gain field experience in clinical settings like sports medicine clinics or emergency care centers. 

Graduates of athletic training degree programs will often work in health clinics and specialized fitness centers. They can also provide support for sports teams and organizations. The work environments of an athletic trainer include high schools, colleges, professional sports organizations, performing arts centers, hospital emergency departments, sports medicine clinics, law enforcement and military, primary care facilities, and emergency departments. 

Sports nutrition may be one of the most  important keys to an athlete's career. A perfect example is Tom Brady. Although Tom Brady has played the most seasons in NFL history, he is well known for his effective training and diet routine. Tom Brady stated," If I'm craving bacon, I have a piece. Same with pizza. You should never restrict what you really want. We're humans, here for one life,"(Tom Brady). He wouldn't be quite as strict on his diet as most would think. He is just cautious about what he consumes, and if wants it and craves it, he is going to eat it ( Armstrong). There are many different recommendations for sports nutrition based on the sport, position, training experience, and on and off-season status. Regardless of the sport, most sports nutrition will be good for any athlete. Foods to focus on is fruits, vegetables, grains, lean proteins, and low fat dairy or dairy alternatives. A high building performance plan for an athlete should consist of many fruits and vegetables that will provide important vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Whole grains are preferred over refined grains, making a majority of the grains whole. Lean protein is key, and some examples are chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, soy products, and meat alternatives. Olive oil is preferred more than butter and margarine.

Food with high potassium, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D are the best options. Carbohydrates are argued as the best food to consume as an athlete ( Cartwright). What role does an athletic trainer play in sports nutrition? Athletic trainers are often questioned about what types of food an athlete should eat to be at their best. The answer is simple, without specifics; eat a well-balanced meal suggested by the food pyramid. The healthier an athlete eats, the better the performance. Also an athletic trainer and a dietitian need to know if the athlete wants to gain, lose, or maintain their weight. Pre game meals, post game meals, and all day diets have been researched as to how they affect athletes. Pregame meals are important to the athlete. 

The pregame meal should have high carbohydrates and fluids. Carbohydrates digest quicker than fat and protein, and when digested, they turn into energy. The pregame meal should be consumed 3–4 hours before the activity. Water is the best fluid to drink because it will help  hydrate the right way. Anxious athletes may use carbohydrate -loaded sports drinks to help the athlete avoid feelings of nausea. After the game or activity, the athlete should eat a mixture of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and simple carbohydrates. Eating as soon as possible after the event is the best time to replenish the body's energy stores. 

Water replacement is also very important for replacing the sweat the athlete lost. Glasses of juice, water, and sports drinks are also a great option. There are some athletic competitions that take place over an entire day. Full sit down meals will be hard to get or eat. Throughout the day, the athlete should be snacking on little meals that contain little protein and fat and a lot of complex carbohydrates. Water is also another important part. The more water consumed, the more refreshing a feeling. Some examples are English muffins, bananas, baked potatoes, soup, fruit, sports drinks, yogurt, cereal, and vegetables ( Preiato). Although an athletic trainer does not play the largest role in sports nutrition, having additional knowledge will benefit the athletes.