CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Certified Athletic Trainer is someone who evaluates injuries, clears athletes to return to play, and coordinates care with physicians - all before most people realize a medical decision was made. The role owns the continuum from on-field triage and sideline treatment through structured rehabilitation and physician referral within hospital-affiliated and outreach sports medicine programs. BOC certification and state licensure define the legal scope of practice, and working across age groups from pediatrics to geriatrics is routine. No two patient days are the same.

As the Certified Athletic Trainer, you assess, treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries across a mixed patient population, serving as the primary point of contact between athletes, physicians, and coaching staff in a hospital-affiliated sports medicine setting. You operate within a defined BOC scope of practice and report outcomes to supervising physicians while managing event coverage, documentation, and community outreach responsibilities across contracted school and institutional partnerships.

Career Impact: Gaining BOC certification and state licensure while managing return-to-play decisions across pediatric through geriatric populations builds a clinical record that opens doors to senior sports medicine coordinator and clinic management roles.

Business Impact: Athletes, coaches, and families depend on timely triage and accurate rehabilitation protocols to reduce reinjury rates and keep program contracts with schools and community organizations viable.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to outreach program development and physician-clinic workflows positions you to move into sports medicine program administration or pursue advanced credentials in manual therapy or strength and conditioning.

• Evaluate acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries using isokinetic testing, range of motion assessment, and gross strength measurement to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Administer athletic training techniques including taping, bracing, and therapeutic modalities before and during practices and events to reduce injury risk.
• Design and implement rehabilitation programs tailored to each athlete's injury profile, monitoring progress and adjusting protocols based on measurable response.
• Coordinate care with supervising physicians, physical therapists, and specialists to ensure continuity from initial evaluation through return-to-play clearance.
• Manage emergency incidents on-site, activating EMS and executing Basic Life Support procedures to stabilize athletes pending physician transfer.
• Document injury assessments, treatment sessions, referrals, and physician notes in compliance with insurance, legal, and professional recordkeeping standards.
• Deliver injury prevention education to athletes, caregivers, and coaches, including guidance on conditioning programs and environmental safety monitoring.
• Support outreach program development and event coverage under hospital and institutional contracts with schools and community organizations.

• Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of clinical athletic training experience, with demonstrated exposure to multi-population patient care across sport and age groups.
• Board of Certification (BOC) credential as a Certified Athletic Trainer, current and in good standing.
• Current state Athletic Trainer licensure or documented eligibility for licensure in the state of employment.
• Current CPR, AED, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification maintained throughout employment.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and injury classification terminology sufficient to document diagnoses and communicate with supervising physicians.
• Ability to lift and transfer patients using biomedical techniques and sustain physical demands including prolonged standing and constant movement throughout a shift.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for accurate documentation and high-stakes interaction with athletes, families, coaches, and medical staff.

• ACLS certification or willingness to obtain within an employer-defined timeframe after hire.
• Experience performing pre-season athletic evaluations and managing sports-specific rehabilitation protocols across multiple contracted school or institutional programs.
• Certification or documented coursework in manual therapy techniques relevant to musculoskeletal sports medicine.
• Prior experience functioning as a clinical preceptor within a CAATE-accredited Athletic Training education program.

• Return-to-play clearance rate, measuring how accurately rehabilitation protocols restore athletes to full participation without reinjury.
• Average time from initial evaluation to physician referral, reflecting efficiency of triage and care coordination workflows.
• Injury documentation completeness rate, assessed against insurance and legal recordkeeping standards across all active cases.
• Outreach program event coverage hours fulfilled versus contracted obligation, tracking delivery of institutional partnership commitments.
• Emergency response readiness, measured by current BLS and AED certification status and documented drill participation.

• Base Salary Range: $46,000 to $62,000 per year, depending on state, setting, and experience level.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus uncommon; some hospital systems offer modest merit increases.
• Equity: Not typical for this role in healthcare or outreach settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard through hospital or health system employer.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days per year plus standard holidays; varies by employer size and system.
• Common Perks: CEU reimbursement for BOC renewal, liability coverage, and access to clinic equipment for professional development.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, drug screening consistent with healthcare workplace standards. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Certified Athletic Trainer owns event and practice coverage across the Brainerd/Baxter area, assessing, treating, and rehabilitating acute, chronic, and emergency injuries while supporting the Twin Cities Orthopedics Outreach Program. Working alongside physicians, coaches, parents, and administrators, this role delivers consistent athlete care and community education within a collaborative sports medicine setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Certified Athletic Trainer for sporting events and activities in the Brainerd/Baxter area.
• Assess, treat, prevent, and rehabilitate acute, chronic, and emergency injuries and illnesses.
• Refer student-athletes to physicians and specialists as needed.
• Document injury management processes and outcomes.
• Provide practice and event coverage across assigned locations.
• Communicate effectively with doctors, coaches, parents, administrators, co-workers, and athletes.
• Provide and assist in community education as needed.
• Work in physician clinic as assigned.
• Assist in the administration and further development of the Twin Cities Orthopedics Outreach Program.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• NATABOC certification and current CPR certification required.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Minnesota.
• 1-2 years of Certified Athletic Trainer experience preferred.
• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to travel independently throughout the workplace, stand for long periods, and work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• Proficiency in operating modern clinic and office equipment, including PC and phone systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to converse in a calm and friendly manner.

Embedded within a sports medicine team, the Certified Athletic Trainer designs and implements therapeutic rehabilitation programs while administering athletic training techniques before and during games and practices to reduce injury risk. Working closely with physical therapists and area physicians, this role maintains communication pathways that ensure athletes receive optimal care from evaluation through emergency response.

Core Functions

• Design and implement specific therapeutic programs for rehabilitation of injured athletes.
• Determine the need for and administer proper athletic training techniques prior to and during games and practices to decrease risk of injury.
• Perform selected measurement procedures such as isokinetic testing, range of motion, gross strength of muscle groups, and vital signs.
• Determine the effectiveness of athletic training and rehabilitative techniques and record changes as indicated by athlete response.
• Work closely with physical therapists and area physicians to treat athletes and maintain proper lines of communication.
• Manage emergency incidents and coordinate EMS and acute care procedures including Basic Life Support.
• Seek outreach opportunities and participate in events to promote the company.
• Assist in the development of marketing strategies within the athletic trainer's area of clinical expertise.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum one year of clinical experience required.
• National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) certification and CPR certification required.
• Applicable state license where required.
• Ability to lift patients using biomedical techniques and lift up to 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a work day.
• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate records, recognize people, and understand written directions.
• Fine motor skills adequate for scheduling and preparing athletes, equipment, and supplies for treatment.
• Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand and give directions.

Reporting to the Musculoskeletal practice leadership, the Certified Athletic Trainer develops, markets, and expands the SPHP/Sunnyview Sports Medicine program while covering athletic events under hospital contracts with colleges and high schools. Partnering with providers and healthcare professionals across age groups from pediatrics to geriatrics, this role advances athlete care from pre-season evaluation through return-to-play clearance.

Primary Duties

• Work closely with providers to room patients and recommend exercises.
• Assist with program development across assigned areas.
• Perform pre-season athletic evaluations and on-field triaging of injuries after program development.
• Provide sideline treatment for acute injuries and follow up with ER and physician recommendations.
• Manage return-to-play clearance, injury diagnosis, follow-up referrals, and sports-specific rehabilitation protocols.
• Cover athletic events under all contracts held by St. Peter's/Sunnyview Hospital with colleges and high schools.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Must be a Certified Athletic Trainer per guidelines set by NYS Ed, with ACLS and BLS certifications provided by the institution.
• Experience working with multiple age ranges from pediatrics through geriatrics preferred, or credible internship experience considered.
• Knowledge of a large range of medical problems required.
• Ability to think critically and make independent decisions regarding assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play per state licensure guidelines.
• Strong communication skills in high-stress situations with patients, medical professionals, staff, and families.
• Assessment and evaluation skills with experience working alongside other healthcare professionals.

Sitting at the intersection of sports medicine and NCAA Division I athletics, the Certified Athletic Trainer provides daily treatment and rehabilitation of student-athletes while coordinating educational programming and drug testing for Kansas City Athletics. Operating across home and away competitions, physician communications, and compliance requirements, this role ensures injured student-athletes receive evidence-based care aligned with current sports medicine standards.

Duties

• Provide daily treatment and rehabilitation of student-athletes.
• Assist with operation of sports medicine facilities.
• Coordinate educational programming and drug testing programs.
• Prepare and maintain records, reports, and information on injuries and treatments for insurance, legal, and professional purposes.
• Attend scheduled team practices and competitions, including home and away events.
• Communicate with team physicians, supervisor, and extended medical staff to ensure proper evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured student-athletes.
• Communicate effectively with coaches and student-athletes regarding injuries and playing status.
• Remain current on all state and national requirements for certification and license renewal.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related or relevant area required.
• BOC certification and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or BLS Provider certification required.
• Eligibility for licensure as an Athletic Trainer in the state of Missouri required.
• Master's degree in athletic training or a related field preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
• Experience working with collegiate or elite-level basketball athletes preferred.
• Knowledge of evidence-based best practice guidelines and current trends in sports medicine.

A key member of the sports medicine team, the Certified Athletic Trainer provides care for injured athletes from adolescents to geriatrics at community sporting events and on the practice and playing field, assessing and treating conditions within the Athletic Training scope of practice. Collaborating across physician, coaching, and caregiver networks, this role supports documentation, education, and equipment maintenance that sustain program revenues and athlete outcomes.

Functions

• Assess and examine athletes with varying diagnoses according to the Athletic Training scope of practice.
• Treat athletes within the AT scope of practice and administer immediate first aid care.
• Develop treatment programs based on the nature of the injury, including follow-up with physician as appropriate.
• Provide education to patients, caregivers, and coaches regarding athletic injuries and care.
• Complete documentation of athletic injuries via injury reports and coaches notes.
• Maintain athletic training supplies and equipment.
• Contribute to profits and revenues including marketing and productivity.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training, Health, Physical Education, or Exercise Science.
• Current certification by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification and current ATC State of Georgia License required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Certification or experience with manual therapy techniques preferred.
• Experience as a preceptor for a CAATE-Accredited Athletic Training Program and demonstrated leadership experience preferred.

Athlete recovery across school and clinical settings depends on the Certified Athletic Trainer, who delivers superior rehabilitative care, provides athletic training coverage at assigned events, and assists with clinical physician support while functioning as a liaison between athletes, physicians, physical therapists, coaches, and school administration. Based within an interdisciplinary care environment, this role upholds the highest standard of care and integrity to ensure the best possible student-athlete experience.

Accountabilities

• Provide superior rehabilitative care to injured athletes and patients.
• Provide athletic training coverage at assigned events.
• Supervise First Aiders with on-field care of campers.
• Communicate and collaborate with all customers and interdisciplinary team members.
• Provide clinical physician assistance while maintaining the highest standard of care and integrity.

Technical Qualifications

• National certification (ATC) through the Board of Certification (BOC) required.
• Illinois State licensure or eligibility required.
• Current CPR certification and valid driver's license required.
• Strong rehabilitation skill set preferred.
• Additional manual therapy or sports performance background preferred but not required.
• Experience working in a physician or physical therapy clinic preferred but not required.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally with physicians, patients, and staff at all levels.
• Ability to develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships over time.

As the Certified Athletic Trainer, this role delivers athletic training services to campers of all ages attending UVA sports camps, covering acute injury evaluation, emergency action activation, and compliance with health protocols throughout each camp session. The sports medicine program relies on this work to maintain safe camp environments, accurate registration records, and coordinated communication with parents, coaches, and the Director of Sports Medicine.

Job Functions

• Provide athletic training services to campers of all ages attending UVA sports camps.
• Evaluate and provide acute care for all sports camp injuries.
• Activate Emergency Action Plan for all emergencies within the camp setting.
• Communicate with parents, First Aiders, Director of Sports Medicine, and coaches regarding all injuries and missed sessions.
• Collect and maintain registration documents throughout the duration of camp.
• Provide water and ice to camps not included in the Gatorade Summer Camp Sports Program.
• Encourage compliance with wearing PPE.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field required.
• Certified Athletic Trainer by the Board of Certification, with First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications required.
• Eligibility for Athletic Trainer Licensure in the state of Virginia required.
• Some related experience in Sports Medicine required, including non-certified student experience at undergraduate or graduate level.
• Valid driver's license with ability to submit a copy of driving record preferred.

Certified Athletic Trainer delivers individualized prehabilitation programming for fighter aircrew, developing fitness protocols and standard operating procedures focused on neck and back injury prevention within a military health system setting. The work directly supports unit commanders, OHWS program continuity, and the safety and operational readiness of aircrew by combining evidence-based strength conditioning with regulatory compliance and outcome reporting.

Key Deliverables

• Develop an Individualized Program (IP) for each member served in collaboration with other team members to increase physical conditioning and minimize risk of neck and back injury.
• Advise unit commanders and individuals on matters related to injury prevention and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) for fitness programs.
• Review equipment, products, regimens, and literature to ensure the OHWS program continues to improve.
• Ensure safe and effective operation of equipment and report potential safety concerns to the command immediately.
• Advise unit commanders of administrative matters and provide recommendations on additional tools and resources to enhance the prehabilitative program.

Background and Experience

• Master's degree in Athletic Training required, no other degree accepted.
• Current licensed Athletic Trainer by NATA process with NATA certification as a Certified Athletic Trainer required.
• Current CPR and AED certification required.
• At least 2 years of demonstrated experience as an Athletic Trainer.
• Experience working with professional and collegiate sports required.
• Certification in strength and conditioning through NSCA or equivalent strongly recommended.
• Oral and written communication skills to interact with peers, outside agencies, vendors, providers, and Military Health System stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, professional code of ethics, AF guidance, DoD guidance, and practice standards.
• Ability to create and present computer-generated outcome analysis information for peer and higher-level educational programs or project briefings.

The Certified Athletic Trainer owns comprehensive injury management for a broad community athlete population, developing and overseeing rehabilitation and return-to-play programs while communicating treatment plans to coaches, athletes, parents, and team physicians at the Sports Medicine Institute. Working alongside hospital departments and community organizations, this role enables injury prevention education and timely athlete recovery across school, youth, and community settings.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Communicate injuries and treatment plans to coaches, athletes, parents, team physicians, and Sports Medicine Institute staff.
• Complete thorough and accurate evaluations of athletic injuries and provide first aid and immediate care of acute injuries.
• Develop, implement, and oversee appropriate rehabilitation and return-to-play programs for athletes.
• Maintain proper documentation and record keeping of all athletic injuries, related referrals, and doctors notes.
• Participate in educational outreach programs for local schools, youth sports organizations, parents, and community groups to promote conditioning and injury prevention.
• Promote prevention of injuries through appropriate conditioning programs, monitoring environmental conditions, and maintaining protective equipment.
• Treat injuries using appropriate treatment modalities within the scope of athletic training certification and state practice act.

Professional Experience

• Prior Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation experience preferred.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and athletic training modalities at a level normally acquired through certification as an athletic trainer.
• Knowledge of terminology used in diagnosis and classification of illnesses, injuries, and disabilities.
• Ability to critically evaluate and analyze information in written materials.
• Ability to develop effective relationships with patients, hospital departments, and other external parties.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage conflict and tactfully handle complaints and difficult situations.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
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