Burning Alive
Understanding the Crisis of Burnout in Athletic Training and Pathways to Professional Sustainability
By Destiny Adkins, MAT, LAT, ATC
Burnout has become one of the greatest threats facing the athletic training profession
Burnout has become one of the greatest threats facing the athletic training profession, and for many clinicians, it is no longer a matter of if it will happen, but when. Behind every practice, competition, and rehabilitation session is an athletic trainer carrying the responsibility of protecting athletes while navigating a profession built around constant availability. The expectation to be present physically and mentally at all times has created an environment where dedication can gradually become exhaustion, leaving many clinicians questioning how long they can sustain the demands of the profession.
The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional effectiveness. Within athletic training, burnout is not simply the result of a difficult day or a demanding season. It is the culmination of prolonged exposure to high expectations, limited recovery time, and a professional culture that has historically valued sacrifice as a measure of commitment.
Burnout is widespread among athletic trainers across multiple practice settings
Research suggests burnout is widespread among athletic trainers across multiple practice settings. A 2024 study examining collegiate athletic trainers found that 72% of respondents reported experiencing moderate-to-high levels of burnout, demonstrating the emotional and professional strain many clinicians face. Additional research involving secondary school athletic trainers found that approximately 28% reported moderate-to-high levels of burnout, reflecting the demanding responsibilities placed on clinicians managing youth athletics and providing comprehensive athlete care.
Burnout has also contributed to growing challenges surrounding workforce retention. Nearly 50% of collegiate athletic trainers reported leaving their position since 2019, while secondary school athletic trainers continue to report issues related to workload, burnout, and job dissatisfaction that may influence their decision to remain in the profession.
The workload placed on athletic trainers contributes significantly to this growing challenge
The workload placed on athletic trainers contributes significantly to this growing challenge. Unlike many healthcare providers who operate within scheduled appointments, athletic trainers work in an environment where injuries, clinical decisions, and athlete needs often require immediate attention. The work rarely ends when the final athlete leaves the facility, as administrative responsibilities, patient follow-up, and clinic management often continue beyond traditional hours.
The challenge is further amplified by the patient volume athletic trainers manage. During a typical season, one athletic trainer may be responsible for dozens or even hundreds of athletes across multiple teams. This creates a unique healthcare environment where clinicians must continuously shift between patients, injuries, and priorities while maintaining the same level of attention and quality of care. The ability to multitask is essential, but constantly operating at maximum capacity can eventually become unsustainable.
Beyond workload, burnout is also influenced by the culture surrounding athletic training
Beyond workload, burnout is also influenced by the culture surrounding athletic training. For decades, the profession has been shaped by the belief that the best athletic trainers are the ones who always answer the call, stay late, and put the needs of others before their own. While dedication remains one of the profession's greatest strengths, the expectation of unlimited availability can blur the boundaries between professional responsibility and personal well-being.
Creating sustainable careers in athletic training requires a shift in how success is measured. Commitment to athletes should not require sacrificing personal health, relationships, or overall quality of life. Establishing boundaries is not a sign of reduced dedication; it is an essential component of maintaining a long and effective career. Athletic trainers must be encouraged to leave work at work when possible, utilize time away from the profession without guilt, and recognize that recovery is necessary to continue providing high-quality care.
Organizations also play a critical role in reducing burnout. Athletic training programs, schools, and healthcare systems must evaluate staffing models, workload expectations, and available resources. A culture that supports work-life balance, encourages open conversations about burnout, and prioritizes clinician well-being creates an environment where athletic trainers can thrive rather than simply survive.
Addressing burnout does not mean lowering standards or diminishing the passion that defines athletic training. Instead, it requires recognizing the profession can only continue protecting athletes when clinicians have the support and resources necessary to sustain their careers. The future of athletic training depends on creating a culture where excellence and sustainability exist together.
Burnout does not have to be the final chapter of athletic training. The fire fueling this profession has always come from passion, dedication, and a commitment to athletes. The challenge is not to extinguish the fire, but to create a profession where sports medicine providers can continue to fan the flame without being consumed.
Author Bio
Destiny Adkins, MAT, LAT, ATC, is a licensed and certified athletic trainer in Louisiana with more than five years of experience working in the secondary school settings. She is passionate about advancing the athletic training profession, improving clinician well-being, and advocating for sustainable practices that support both healthcare providers and athletes.
References
National Athletic Trainers' Association. (n.d.). Professional resources and position statements on athletic trainer well-being, workforce concerns, and professional sustainability. National Athletic Trainers' Association.
World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out as an occupational phenomenon: International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). World Health Organization.
Singe, S. M., et al. (2022). Burnout, job satisfaction, and professional challenges among secondary school athletic trainers. Journal of Athletic Training.
Singe, S. M., et al. (2024). Burnout, workplace stressors, and professional sustainability among collegiate athletic trainers. Journal of Athletic Training.
