Thomas County Central High School students interested in the Certified Athletic Trainer career field had a chance to learn more about the job during a special luncheon.

TCCHS hosted a Career Café event on Tuesday, Feb. 2, during its C Lunch period. Representatives from Vereen Rehabilitation Center spoke with students about their job as athletic trainers and what they do at TCCHS.

“Students can come in and talk with us about our job and our experiences,” athletic trainer Tyler Johnston said. “It gives them exposure to the job in high school.”

Athletic trainer Jessica Herndon adds, “We’re a resource they can use any time.”

In their presentation, Johnston and Herndon discussed the education required to become an athletic trainer, as well as training, daily duties, types of injuries that may be seen, and the type of personality needed to handle the job.

The athletic trainers told students the job is not for “the faint of heart” because of its intensity and time requirement, as they see a variety of injuries and spend many hours at practices and games.

“We help athletes that are hurt,” Johnston said. “We are first responders; we are the first ones on the field when there is an injury. If you can’t handle that, then this is not the job for you.”

Johnston said the best thing about the job, to him, is how rewarding it is to help an athlete get better.

“It's no fun to be hurt,” he said. “You want them to be able to play and have fun again. Helping an athlete through an injury is worth it.”

Herndon said knowing she’s made an impact in an athlete’s life is a good feeling.

The athletic trainers invited the attendees to stop by their school office on E Hall if they had more questions or wanted to discuss the career in more detail. They are on campus daily from 10 a.m. until the end of the last sports team’s practice.

TCCHS senior Jaym Densing, 18, wanted to attend the luncheon because he is interested in a career in training.

“I wanted to learn more about athletic trainers and further my outlook of employability,” he said.

Freshman Kasey Melton, 14, found the event to be very informative. She was interested in attending because she loves sports and helping others.

Students signed up for the luncheon through the school’s guidance office.

“This was the first of many Career Cafés,” TCCHS Guidance Counselor Melissa Rodgers said. “We hope to expand the opportunities that our students have to learn about potential careers.”