College Athletic Trainer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of college athletics, the critical role of athletic trainers has never been more apparent.

As sporting competitions become increasingly intense, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, protect, and enhance athlete’s physical health escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a college athletic trainer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker exploring the dimensions of this role,
• A hiring manager picturing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of sports medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable college athletic trainer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

College Athletic Trainer Duties and Responsibilities

College Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation for athletes and patients.

They work on improving the athletes’ performance as well as preventing and treating injuries.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and assessing the physical condition of athletes and determining their readiness for participation in sports
• Designing and implementing training and rehabilitation programs for athletes
• Providing emergency care and first aid for sports-related injuries, including sprains, fractures, and concussions
• Collaborating with physicians, coaches, and other healthcare professionals to develop and execute comprehensive rehabilitation programs
• Documenting and maintaining accurate records of athletes’ injuries, treatment plans, and progress
• Teaching athletes about the prevention and management of injuries
• Assessing and reporting the progress of recovering athletes to the relevant parties
• Providing guidance on sports equipment use, diet, and nutrition
• Staying updated on the latest trends and advancements in athletic training and rehabilitation

 

College Athletic Trainer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced College Athletic Trainer to join our sports department.

In this role, your primary responsibility will be to provide athletic training services to our student athletes, including injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Our ideal candidate has a comprehensive understanding of sports injuries, recovery methods, and has excellent interpersonal skills to work with students, coaches, and medical personnel.

Ultimately, you will help our student athletes stay safe and healthy, supporting them in reaching their full potential.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide athletic training services to student athletes under the direction of the team physician
• Implement preventative and rehabilitation programs to treat athletic injuries
• Develop and provide education and instruction to student athletes on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and wellness topics
• Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to the sports physician and coaching staff
• Maintain athletic training room and supplies
• Assist coaching staff in the design and implementation of sport-specific conditioning programs
• Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals on treatment plans
• Coordinate scheduling of medical appointments for injured athletes

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Athletic Trainer in a college or similar setting
• Current certification by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC)
• Excellent knowledge of therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: College Athletic Trainer
• Work Environment: College campus setting. The role may require outdoor work during training sessions and games, and may involve travel with sports teams.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Athletic Director or Sports Medicine Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a College Athletic Trainer Do?

College Athletic Trainers typically work for universities or colleges, in close cooperation with the sports department.

They are responsible for the health and wellness of the student athletes at their institution.

Their primary job is to prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

They work directly with doctors and other medical professionals to provide care and rehabilitation for athletes who have been injured during training or competition.

They also develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for injured athletes to ensure a safe and effective return to play.

In addition, College Athletic Trainers educate athletes on how to reduce their risk of injuries by using proper techniques during physical activities, including warm ups, cool downs, and specific exercises.

They are also responsible for maintaining records of injuries, treatment plans, and progress reports, as well as staying updated on the latest practices and innovations in athletic training and sports medicine.

In some cases, they may also be responsible for administering first aid or emergency care.

They often work irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, to be available during team practices and games.

Their job can be physically demanding as they are often on their feet and may need to lift or turn athletes who are injured.

 

College Athletic Trainer Qualifications and Skills

A college athletic trainer should have the skills and qualifications that align with the needs of the institution and student-athletes.

These include:

• Advanced knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to accurately assess and treat sports-related injuries.
• Strong communication skills to effectively explain injury status, treatment plans, and preventive measures to athletes, coaches, and medical personnel.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities to quickly evaluate and respond to injuries during high-stress situations, such as games and practice sessions.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to assist athletes with exercises, apply therapeutic modalities, and manage emergency care procedures.
• Interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with athletes, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported during recovery periods.
• Nutritional knowledge to advise athletes on dietary habits that can enhance performance and recovery.
• Experience with rehabilitation and therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy techniques.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, coaches, and other healthcare providers.
• Must be certified by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) and comply with continuing education requirements.

 

College Athletic Trainer Experience Requirements

The journey to becoming a College Athletic Trainer typically begins with a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or a related field such as Exercise Science or Kinesiology.

During their degree, students are required to complete several hours of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer.

Post-graduation, athletic trainers are usually required to be certified and licensed in the state in which they intend to practice.

This involves passing a comprehensive exam administered by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer.

For entry-level roles, a minimum of 1 to 2 years of clinical experience is often required.

This experience can be obtained through internships or part-time roles in high school or community athletic programs.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often considered for more advanced or specialized athletic training roles within a college setting.

These professionals have typically honed their skills through working in a variety of athletic training roles, such as injury prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be eligible for leadership roles such as Head Athletic Trainer or Director of Sports Medicine.

These roles not only require extensive athletic training experience but often also demand a certain level of administrative and managerial skills.

Furthermore, to stay competitive in this field, many athletic trainers pursue advanced degrees or certifications in areas like strength and conditioning or sports nutrition, which can enhance their skill set and increase their career opportunities within college athletics.

 

College Athletic Trainer Education and Training Requirements

To become a College Athletic Trainer, one must have at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, exercise science, or a related field.

They must be knowledgeable in human anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, and biomechanics.

It is also beneficial to have background knowledge in sports and physical fitness.

Most states require athletic trainers to be licensed or registered.

To earn licensure, athletic trainers need to graduate from an accredited athletic training program and pass an exam.

In addition, many positions prefer or require a master’s degree in athletic training, physical therapy, kinesiology, or a related field.

Some athletic trainers may choose to pursue additional certifications in areas such as strength and conditioning or sports nutrition to enhance their skills and employability.

Just like in other health-related fields, athletic trainers are also expected to engage in continuous learning to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and treatments in sports medicine and athletic training.

 

College Athletic Trainer Salary Expectations

A College Athletic Trainer earns an average salary of $46,870 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors like experience, level of education, location of the institution, and the specific athletic programs offered by the college.

 

College Athletic Trainer Job Description FAQs

What are the educational requirements for a College Athletic Trainer?

To become a College Athletic Trainer, a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field is typically required.

Moreover, all states require Athletic Trainers to be licensed or certified; requirements vary by state.

To be certified, Athletic Trainers must graduate from an accredited professional program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC).

 

What are the key skills that a College Athletic Trainer should possess?

A College Athletic Trainer must have excellent observational skills to identify injuries and conditions.

They should have good communication skills to discuss treatment plans with athletes and other team personnel.

Athletic Trainers should also have good decision-making skills to make quick decisions in emergency situations.

Other vital skills include physical stamina to stand, run, or walk for long periods, and detail orientation to maintain accurate records of athletes’ injuries and treatment plans.

 

What are the typical duties of a College Athletic Trainer?

A College Athletic Trainer typically works with college athletes to prevent and treat sports-related injuries.

Their duties include developing and implementing rehabilitation programs for injured athletes, providing first aid or emergency care, applying protective or injury-preventive devices such as tapes, bandages, and braces, and collaborating with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

 

What qualities make a good College Athletic Trainer?

A good College Athletic Trainer demonstrates compassion and empathy when dealing with injured athletes.

They possess excellent leadership skills and the ability to work well within a team.

They are also highly organized, reliable, and capable of making quick, well-informed decisions in stressful situations.

 

What should be included in a College Athletic Trainer resume?

A College Athletic Trainer’s resume should include their education, licensure, and certifications.

It should also list any relevant work experience, emphasizing roles that involved direct work with athletes.

Key skills related to athletic training, such as injury assessment, rehabilitation program development, and emergency management, should be highlighted.

Additionally, it is beneficial to include any specialized experience, such as experience with a specific sport or demographic.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we have unmasked what it really takes to be a college athletic trainer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about fitness and workouts.

It’s about molding the athletic future, one training session at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive college athletic trainer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why not go the extra mile?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every training session is a step towards athletic greatness.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a College Athletic Trainer (Complete Guide)

Workplace Weirdness: Unbelievable Jobs That Are Totally Real

Career Chameleons: The Most Flexible Jobs for Changing Times

Breathe Easy: Jobs Where Stress Is Just a Myth

Survival of the Fittest: Thriving in America’s Most Stressful Jobs!