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Full-Time PRN AT with Elicia Black

Elicia Black is choosing Full-Time PRN work.

Elicia Black Full Time PRN
Elicia Black Full Time PRN

Can You Make a Living as a Full-Time PRN Athletic Trainer? | Elicia Black Interview

Host Jeremy Jackson sits down with Elicia Black to discuss a career path few attempt: becoming a full-time PRN Athletic Trainer. Elicia shares her journey from the Navy to her current non-traditional role, providing essential insights for anyone considering a flexible career.1

Episode Synopsis

Elicia Black, a certified Athletic Trainer, details the financial realities, logistical hustle, and unique work-life balance of working as a full-time PRN Athletic Trainer. She discusses her decision to leave the long hours of a high school setting for the freedom of contract work. Learn what it takes to secure repeat contracts (like the one Elicia holds with HISD), how to protect the value of the AT profession, and the trade-offs between flexibility and relationship building. Elicia also introduces her emerging cash-based business, EB Training, which provides virtual AT services focused on injury prevention and rehabilitation for first responders.1

Key Discussion Points

  • Elicia’s path from the Navy, through Physical Therapy school aspirations, to her Master’s at Texas Tech.
  • The difference between high school, junior college, and D1 rotations, and why Elicia chose to avoid high-level collegiate athletics.
  • The financial breakdown of working as a PRN Athletic Trainer in the Houston area (approx. $50/hour, estimated $30k annual income), and the necessity of “hustling” for contracts.
  • The work-life balance of PRN versus the 12+ hour days of a traditional high school AT job.
  • Advice on why ATs should avoid jobs paying $25/hour to maintain professional value.
  • Details on EB Training, Elicia's business providing virtual athletic training to first responders for injury prevention and rehab.
  • Elicia’s preference for manual therapy, such as Graston, over other modalities.

Mentioned in the Podcast

References: Dr. Josh Yellen (positively impacting AT education), Bob Marley (AT contract emails)

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