STRESS AND BURNOUT IN COLLEGIATE CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Certified athletic trainers (ATC) have a variety of job responsibilities which revolve around the delivery of health care services to athletes as well as physically active individuals. Studies related to stress and burnout among certified athleic trainers working at the collegiate setting of athletic training are growing. Many of the stressors that certified athletic trainers experience are due to the demands of varying athletic schedules, unrealistic expectations of sport coverage by coaches, parents and athletes, as well as the inherent competitiveness of athletics. Since certified athletic trainers spend a considerable amount of their time interacting with athletes and coaches, their perception of stressors can be a critical part in their definition of stress. Without intentional intervention, long term stress can lead to burnout. Stress and burnout will directly impact the quality of health care services that are provided by a certified athletic trainer.