High School Athletic Trainer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the competitive world of high school sports, the role of an athletic trainer has never been more critical.

As sports become increasingly challenging, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, nurture, and protect our young athletes grows ever stronger.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager constructing the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of athletic training at the high school level,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

High School Athletic Trainer Duties and Responsibilities

High School Athletic Trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

They work with high school athletes and are responsible for ensuring their safety and well-being during physical activities.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a High School Athletic Trainer:

• Evaluate athletes’ readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
• Apply protective or injury preventive devices such as tapes, bandages, and braces.
• Recognize and evaluate injuries and provide immediate care.
• Develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
• Counsel athletes on topics such as dietary and hydration needs, training methods, and injury prevention.
• Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches and physicians.
• Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
• Guide athletes on proper use of equipment.
• Prepare athletes for games and practices by conducting warm-up and cool-down exercises.
• Document and maintain records of athlete injuries, treatment plans, and progress.
• Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete’s injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care, and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

 

High School Athletic Trainer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and skilled High School Athletic Trainer to join our sports department.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing conditioning programs, providing preventative care, and treating sports-related injuries for student-athletes.

Your primary goal will be to ensure the health, safety, and overall wellbeing of our student-athletes by delivering comprehensive sports care and support, while collaborating with coaches, athletes, and their parents.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate injuries and provide first aid or emergency care to student-athletes
• Develop and implement sport-specific conditioning and rehabilitation programs
• Coordinate with physicians and other healthcare providers to implement and manage injury recovery plans
• Maintain accurate records of injuries, treatments, and progress
• Advise and educate athletes on injury prevention, conditioning, and sports nutrition
• Ensure all sports equipment is safe and in good working condition
• Assist coaches in enforcing safety rules and regulations
• Communicate with athletes, parents, and coaches regarding injury status and recovery plans
• Stay updated with latest trends and advancements in athletic training

 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine or a related field
• State licensure and certification from the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers
• Proven experience as an Athletic Trainer, preferably in a school setting
• Knowledge of physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Strong understanding of sports and athletic practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle emergency situations effectively

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: High School Athletic Trainer
• Work Environment: High school environment, both indoor and outdoor. Requires physical activity, including standing, walking, and occasionally lifting heavy materials.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Athletic Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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 High School Athletic Trainer Do?

High School Athletic Trainers typically work for educational institutions, specifically in the secondary education sector.

They are responsible for providing healthcare services to student athletes.

These professionals play a critical role in helping to prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of sports-related injuries.

This includes developing and implementing injury prevention strategies, providing immediate care to injured athletes, and working with healthcare professionals to rehabilitate and recondition injured athletes.

They also maintain comprehensive records of athletes’ injuries and treatment plans.

They work closely with the coaching staff to ensure injured athletes are cleared before returning to play.

High School Athletic Trainers are often responsible for educating athletes, coaches, and parents about the risks and signs of sports-related injuries.

They promote safe and appropriate practice, competition and treatment protocols.

Additionally, they may be involved in the school’s athletic training program, providing guidance and supervision to students interested in pursuing a career in athletic training.

 

High School Athletic Trainer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient High School Athletic Trainer should possess skills and qualifications that suit your job description, such as:

• A strong understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as an understanding of the nature of sports injuries and their prevention.
• Ability to work independently and make quick, effective decisions concerning the health and safety of student-athletes.
• Strong interpersonal skills to connect and communicate effectively with student-athletes, coaches, parents, and other school staff.
• Exceptional first-aid and emergency care skills to provide immediate assistance to injured athletes.
• Excellent physical fitness and the ability to demonstrate exercises and drills.
• A keen eye for detail and the ability to spot potential health and injury risks before they occur.
• Ability to develop and implement rehabilitation programs for injured athletes.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey information regarding athlete’s health and recovery progress to coaches and parents.
• Customer service skills to manage appointments and consultations with athletes and their parents.
• Ability to keep detailed records of athlete injuries, treatments, and progress.

 

High School Athletic Trainer Experience Requirements

Becoming a High School Athletic Trainer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, physical therapy, or a related field.

This degree program should involve practical, hands-on training, and often requires internship or practicum experience.

This means that most entry-level Athletic Trainers have at least some clinical experience working under the supervision of a professional.

Beyond academic training, aspiring High School Athletic Trainers may gain experience by volunteering or working part-time in sports medicine clinics, school athletic departments, or fitness centers.

These experiences can provide them with a strong foundation in sports medicine and athletic training.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience might have worked in an entry-level Athletic Training role or in a related field like physical therapy.

They are expected to have a solid understanding of sports injuries and treatments, and they are equipped to handle most routine athletic training tasks.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often possess advanced skills in diagnosing and treating sports injuries, and they may have experience with more specialized areas of athletic training.

These individuals could be ready for leadership roles in their athletic department or may be qualified to train and mentor less experienced Athletic Trainers.

Note that all Athletic Trainers, regardless of their experience level, must have a valid certification from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC).

Many states also require Athletic Trainers to be licensed.

 

High School Athletic Trainer Education and Training Requirements

High School Athletic Trainers typically have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a closely related field such as exercise science or kinesiology.

This program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Throughout this program, students learn about the human body, injury prevention, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries.

Many positions may require a master’s degree in Athletic Training or a related field, especially those intending to work in more specialized or advanced roles.

A major requirement for becoming a High School Athletic Trainer is the certification from the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers.

This requires passing a comprehensive exam after graduating from a CAATE-accredited program.

In addition, most states require Athletic Trainers to be licensed or registered to practice.

These requirements can vary by state, and may require ongoing education for license renewal.

Additional certifications in areas such as CPR, First Aid, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) are typically required for Athletic Trainers as they are often first responders during sports-related emergencies.

Many trainers also pursue advanced training in sports medicine or other specializations to improve their skills and knowledge.

Continued education is often encouraged in this field to keep up with new treatment techniques, rehabilitation methods, and medical research.

 

High School Athletic Trainer Salary Expectations

A High School Athletic Trainer can expect an average salary of $48,440 (USD) per year.

However, this figure may fluctuate depending on the trainer’s years of experience, the location of the school, and the specific funding available for athletics in the institution.

 

High School Athletic Trainer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a High School Athletic Trainer need?

High School Athletic Trainers should possess strong communication skills to liaise effectively with students, coaches, and medical professionals.

They must also have good observational skills to recognize any potential health risks or injuries during training or game sessions.

Athletic trainers should be proficient in administering first aid and physical therapy, and also skilled in designing and implementing rehabilitation programs for athletes.

 

Do High School Athletic Trainers need a degree?

Yes, High School Athletic Trainers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Physical Education, or a related field.

Some states or schools might require trainers to hold a master’s degree.

In addition to this, they must pass a certification examination to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).

 

What should you look for in a High School Athletic Trainer resume?

When reviewing a High School Athletic Trainer’s resume, look for their education and certification as a Certified Athletic Trainer.

Experience working with high school athletes or in youth sports can also be beneficial.

Any additional skills or qualifications, such as CPR and first aid certification, should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good High School Athletic Trainer?

A good High School Athletic Trainer should have excellent interpersonal skills as they will be regularly interacting with students, parents, and school staff.

They should be empathetic and patient, as they will be dealing with injured athletes who may be frustrated or upset.

Good Athletic Trainers are also detail-oriented, organized, and able to make quick decisions during emergency situations.

 

Is it difficult to hire High School Athletic Trainers?

Hiring High School Athletic Trainers can be challenging due to the specialized skills and qualifications required for the role.

Schools often look for experienced trainers with a proven track record of effectively managing student-athletes’ health and safety.

Therefore, attracting and retaining qualified Athletic Trainers might require competitive salaries and benefits, as well as a supportive working environment.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the dynamic role of a high school athletic trainer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about taping ankles.

It’s about fostering the physical development and resilience of student athletes, one training session at a time.

With our comprehensive high school athletic trainer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But don’t stop there.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating detailed job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every training session contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of school athletics. Together.

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