For National Athletic Training Month in 2022 we are exploring the theme “Providing Health Care Everywhere” and we can’t think of a better way to do that than to showcase some of our own outstanding athletic trainers. We’ll spend the month sharing with you the inside scoop from athletic trainers who are working in emerging settings and unique positions. So read on and enjoy!
Nathan Borget, MEd, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Where did you go to school? East Carolina University: B.S. in Athletic Training '06; MAEd in Education '09
Additional Certifications Held: Dry Needling, Graston, USAW
Current AT Setting: Contract Athletic Trainer in the Military/Tactical Setting
Employer: KBR Inc. assigned to cover the U.S. Army Rangers at Fort Benning
Years at current job: 6 months with the Army Rangers but spent 4 years with an AFSOC (Special Operations) unit prior to this.
Who are your “athletes”? Army Rangers. They are an Army special operations infantry unit several hundred strong that specialize in ground assault operations. They are airborne qualified and proficient in a wide
range of weapons systems. Their specific jobs in the formation range from cook to infantry soldier, supply or medic to sniper.
What’s your schedule like? I am contracted to work 40hours per week and am able to stick to that schedule. Typically my day runs 630a-230p then I workout at our gym for another 60-90min where I am able to build rapport/buy in with the Rangers. When their schedule shifts we try to accommodate so that way we are meeting the needs at the time.
What does your facility/ATR look like? I work mainly out of a typical college ATR or PT clinic that is about 2500sqft with a treatment/recovery area containing10 total tables, NormaTecs and GameReadys, and 2 "Alter-G" type treadmills. There is a rehab area that includes a squat rack, cable machine and BFR. I work with 2 PTs and we all have offices in the space. Across the street is a 6000sqft facility for cardio/weightlifting that we also use to help bridge the gap from formal PT to full-go training.
Have you been to any exciting locations/events with this job? Being new to this position I haven't had a chance to travel however I do have a trip to the Center for the Intrepid (San Antonio) and the NATA symposium in Philadelphia. With my last job I was able to travel to Alaska, and Idaho for training exercises and spent a lot of time in Savannah, GA and Tacoma, WA providing care to my unit.. Part of the job is getting to know what the soldier does so we try to observe training to get a sense of how to treat them better.
What do you like most about your job? One of the most amazing parts of the job is who I get to work with, they are highly motivated athletes that are serving in the military. Almost the entirety of my job is focused on active patient care so I can make a huge impact on the organization. There isn't much waiting around for things to happen. This job allows for an amazing work-life balance too with great benefits. I work directly with 2 PTs and 2 CSCSs and have access to MDs/PAs next door which makes collaboration and referrals easy so the Ranger gets what they need.
Any advice for an AT who wants to work in this setting? Networking is one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give to any young professional. the more people you can establish meaningful communication with the better. A lot of these jobs have experience requirements so build your work experience with purpose to try and make yourself more attractive. Get the dry needling certification, shadow tactical ATCs/PTs, get the Graston and FMS certifications so you stand out.
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