Majority of Michigan High Schools Lack Athletic Trainers

A recent investigation found that over half of Michigan high schools do not have access to a professional athletic trainer.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Secondary Education

Screen-print poster illustration of an empty medical table in a gym, overlooking an outdoor athletic field, representing the school staffing shortage. — A recent investigation revealed that over half of Michigan high schools currently lack access to a professional athletic trainer, as staffing shortages and credentialing changes strain the workforce. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Approximately 51 percent of Michigan high schools currently lack access to an athletic trainer. This shortfall comes as the state's athletic training workforce continues to shrink due to industry-wide challenges.

Why it matters

The scarcity of certified athletic trainers impacts the ability of schools to manage athlete safety, as limited staffing leaves individual schools to oversee hundreds of students. The labor shortage is largely driven by low pay, long hours, and increased educational requirements.

An analysis of approximately 800 schools found that 51 percent operate without athletic trainers. Since 2015, the number of available athletic training programs has dropped from 350 to 200.

The players

Michigan High School Athletic Association

This private, voluntary association oversees interscholastic athletics for member schools throughout Michigan.

Michigan State University

This major public research university serves as a key site for athletic training program education.

The details

Accreditors phased out bachelor's degree programs for athletic trainers in 2015, requiring a master's degree instead, which has reduced the pipeline of new professionals. While the Michigan High School Athletic Association mandates emergency action plans, they do not require schools to employ trainers, leaving those staffing decisions to individual districts.

In 2015, certification requirements for athletic trainers shifted to a master's degree level.
In September 2025, the MHSAA sent a letter to Michigan State University leadership regarding program protection.
On October 1, 2026, investigative findings were reported regarding school staffing levels.

Roadmap

This staffing crisis reflects broader trends in professional certification requirements that have consolidated the industry. Schools are now struggling to align with the Michigan High School Athletic Association emergency action plan requirements due to the decline in available licensed professionals.

Parents and student-athletes may see fewer medical personnel on the sidelines during games and practices. This shortage means that individual schools must rely on existing staff to manage concussion consent forms and emergency plans without specialized assistance.

The takeaway

Smaller schools facing these staffing gaps may need to explore collaborative hiring agreements to ensure student safety coverage. Families should verify the medical staffing levels at their local districts to understand what support is available during athletic events.