Athletic Trainer job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Athletic Trainer?
Athletic Trainers are medical care professionals who mainly work with athletes and coaches on diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and recovery after injuries.
They evaluate the athletes’ physical condition and determine whether they are ready to play or not.
They develop health, training, recovery, and nutrition plans for athletes in order to meet their fitness goals.
Athletic Trainers can be found in schools, universities, sports and fitness centers, and hospitals.
Sports teams can also hire Athletic Trainers.
The top Athletic Trainer skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are searching for a skilled and dedicated Athletic Trainer who will provide instant medical care and aid to injured and patients in need. You will be working with athletes, coaches, and other medical professionals to determine athletes' physical and health conditions and develop the proper nutrition, workout, and treatment plans. You will demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to evaluate and treat injuries.
Additionally, you will attend and monitor sports events, competitions, and training sessions to provide on-site assistance and care. Your goal is to contribute to the athletes’ health and success by advising them on how to maintain their overall health. As an Athletic Trainer, you should be highly knowledgeable about various sports injuries and emergencies. Your communication, listening, and decision-making skills must be top-notch.
Duties and responsibilities
- Work with athletes, coaches, and medical professionals to determine players’ health and fitness condition
- Deliver and provide medical care and first aid techniques
- Attend and monitor sports events, competitions, and training sessions to provide on-site care
- Apply bandages and tape to prevent injuries
- Create customized workout and nutrition plans
- Understand patients’ needs and set health and fitness goals
- Use knowledge and experience to evaluate, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries
- Refer athletes’ to other medical professionals if needed
- Design recovery and rehabilitation programs based on patients’ injuries
- Monitor patients’ recovery process
- Assist in clerical and administrative tasks, such as managing budgets, restocking inventory, etc
- Write and maintain patients’ medical records
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in athletic training
- Valid state license or certification to practice as an Athletic Trainer
- Prior working experience as an Athletic Trainer
- Strong knowledge of sports-related injuries, nutrition, treatment programs, physical therapy, and massage techniques
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Organization and time management
- Ability to make quick and appropriate decisions
- Attentive and compassionate personality
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
Athletic Trainers need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in athletic training or sports medicine through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Trainer Education (CAATE) accredited education program.
The majority of employers would prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in these fields.
Candidates take courses in biology, anatomy, nutrition, sports medicine, etc.
Most states also require candidates to obtain a valid certification or license to practice as Athletic Trainers.
Candidates must pass a certification exam conducted by the Board of Certification.
Sample interview questions for an Athletic Trainer.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What are your strongest traits?
- What is your favorite sport?
- Have you ever had any sports injuries?
- Could you briefly tell us about your education and certification programs?
- Why did you leave your previous workplace?
- How do you imagine your ideal working environment?
- How do you keep injured players motivated?
- How do you share a difficult diagnosis with players and their families?
- Imagine there are more injuries on the site at the same time. How do you deal with that situation?
- How do you determine whether a player is ready to go back on court after the injury?
- What details and information do you take into account when designing a nutrition and training program for an athlete?
- How long does it take for a player to recover and go back on track after the broken bone?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $11 at the 10th percentile to $34 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Physiotherapist
Fitness Trainer
Frequently asked questions.
Where do Athletic Trainers work?
Athletic Trainers can work in various settings.
They can work in educational institutions (schools, colleges, and universities), hospitals, fitness, and sports centers, physician’s offices, or for various sports teams.
Who do Athletic Trainers work with?
Athletic Trainers work and collaborate with athletes, coaches, and medical professionals.
What degrees do Athletic Trainers need?
Athletic Trainers must acquire at least a Bachelor’s degree in athletic training or sports medicine.
Most Athletic Trainers have a Master’s degree as well.
After graduating, Athletic Trainers must pass the state certification exam in order to become officially licensed to practice.
What skills make a successful Athletic Trainer?
Athletic Trainers should be passionate and highly knowledgeable about their field of work, including extensive expertise with sports injuries, first aid techniques, physical therapy, and massage.
They must also have great communication, organization, listening, and decision-making skills.
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