Use this Athletic Trainer job description template to attract certified sports medicine professionals who can prevent, diagnose, and treat athletic injuries while supporting overall athlete health and performance.
An Athletic Trainer is a licensed or certified healthcare professional who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle, bone, and joint injuries. They work with athletes and physically active individuals to enhance performance, promote recovery, and ensure safe participation in sports and physical activities.
An Athletic Trainer supports athlete health and performance through proactive care and rehabilitation. Their key responsibilities include:
- Assessing and preventing sports-related injuries
- Providing immediate care for athletic injuries and emergencies
- Designing and implementing rehabilitation programs
- Educating athletes on injury prevention and proper conditioning
- Collaborating with physicians, coaches, and healthcare teams
Athletic Trainer Job Description Template
We are looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Athletic Trainer to support athletes and active individuals by delivering high-quality injury prevention and rehabilitation services. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for sports medicine. If you are committed to helping athletes perform safely and recover effectively, we’d love to meet you!
Roles & Responsibilities
- Evaluate athletes for injuries and physical conditions
- Provide immediate care for acute injuries, including first aid and emergency response
- Develop and oversee rehabilitation and conditioning programs
- Apply therapeutic techniques such as taping, bracing, and modalities
- Monitor athlete progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
- Educate athletes on injury prevention, nutrition, and safe training practices
- Maintain accurate medical records and injury reports
- Coordinate care with physicians, physical therapists, and coaches
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and athletic regulations
- Support pre-participation screenings and return-to-play decisions
Requirements & Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Athletic Training or related field
- Valid Athletic Trainer certification (ATC) and state licensure as required
- Proven experience as an Athletic Trainer or in sports medicine settings
- Strong knowledge of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and emergency care
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Physical stamina to assist athletes during training and competitions
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
Who do Athletic Trainers report to?
Athletic Trainers typically report to:
- Sports Medicine Director
- Team Physician
- Athletic Director
- Clinical or Rehabilitation Manager
Post this on job boards and career pages to find candidates skilled in injury prevention, rehabilitation, emergency care, and sports conditioning. Feel free to customize duties and requirements based on your organization’s needs. Similar job titles include Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Sports Medicine Trainer, and Athletic Training Specialist.
How to Assess Athletic Trainer Skills Effectively
Candidates may list athletic training or sports medicine experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to prevent injuries, support rehabilitation, and respond to emergencies before the interview is crucial. A structured Athletic Trainer assessment ensures you hire professionals who can safeguard athlete health, enhance performance, and manage injuries effectively.
Here’s how you can assess Athletic Trainer proficiency effectively:
- Injury Prevention & Risk Assessment – Test candidates on their ability to identify injury risks, implement preventive programs, and apply taping or bracing techniques.
- Injury Evaluation & Emergency Response – Evaluate their skills in assessing acute injuries, providing first aid, and responding to on-field emergencies.
- Rehabilitation & Recovery Planning – Assess their capability to design and assist with rehab exercises, monitor recovery, and support return-to-play decisions.
- Anatomy, Physiology & Sports Medicine Knowledge – Check their understanding of musculoskeletal systems, common sports injuries, and treatment protocols.
- Communication & Athlete Education – Ensure they can communicate clearly with athletes, coaches, and medical professionals while educating athletes on injury prevention.
With Athletic Trainer assessments, you can efficiently filter out underqualified candidates, streamline hiring, and ensure high-quality hires who prioritize athlete safety, recovery, and peak performance.
