Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainer Position

The Athletic Department is seeking two Athletic Trainers to join our team. This position provides comprehensive health care services to student-athletes, including injury prevention, clinical evaluation, emergency care, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The Athletic Trainer will collaborate with coaches and healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of student-athletes across all university-sponsored sports. This role reports to the Athletic Director and works closely with other members of the Athletics administrative team.

Minimum Qualifications:

Three plus years of experience in collegiate athletics training support and services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education is preferred, however, previous student employment and/or internship experience may be considered if target candidates are recent graduates. Areas of previous work or study may include communications, marketing, business, English, journalism, broadcasting, a liberal arts focus, or other fields.
• OCU experience (as an alumni, former student, or other relationship) preferred.

Job Duties:

• Demonstrate an attitude and behaviors that reflects the mission and values of the Athletics Department as well as the university.
• Provide daily athletic training services to student-athletes including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Travel with assigned athletic teams for competitions, providing onsite medical care and injury management.
• Collaborate with physicians, coaches, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Coordinate and administer pre-participation physical exams and health screenings for student-athletes.
• Maintain detailed and confidential medical records, including injury reports, treatment documentation, and referrals, in compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, NCAA, NAIA (if applicable), and university policies.
• Educate student-athletes on injury prevention, wellness, hydration, nutrition, mental health resources, and self-care.
• Develop and implement emergency action plans and ensure readiness of supplies and equipment for practices and competitions.
• Assist with the daily operation, cleanliness, and inventory of the athletic training room and medical equipment.
• Support the supervision and mentorship of athletic training students or interns (if applicable).
• Serve as a liaison between student-athletes, coaches, academic staff, and medical providers to promote holistic care and academic success.
• Participate in university and department-wide initiatives supporting student well-being.
• Assist with departmental planning, policy development, and risk management protocols related to athletic health care.
• Contribute to ongoing program evaluation and the enhancement of sports medicine services.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development to maintain certifications and licensures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of athletic training principles, practices, and procedures for the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and conditions.
• Understanding of human anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, and biomechanics as they relate to athletic performance and injury.
• Knowledge of emergency care, CPR/AED, and concussion management protocols, including NAIA and state-specific return-to-play laws and guidelines.
• Familiarity with federal and state healthcare laws, including HIPAA, FERPA, and Title IX as they relate to student-athlete health records and privacy.
• Working knowledge of pharmacology related to athletic care, including over-the-counter and prescription medications commonly used in sports medicine.

Skills:

• Proficiency in evaluating injuries and making timely clinical decisions under pressure during practices and competitions.
• Skill in designing and administering evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to individual recovery goals and sport demands.
• Strong documentation and electronic medical recordkeeping skills, including familiarity with systems such as SportsWare, ATS, or Healthy Roster.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively explain care plans to student-athletes, coaches, and healthcare providers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic equipment maintenance and taping/bracing techniques for injury prevention and support.

Abilities:

• Ability to develop rapport with student-athletes and build trust in a clinical and educational environment.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including student-athletes of different backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all aspects of the role.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel with athletic teams.
• Ability to remain calm and take decisive action in emergency or high-stress situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary environment that includes coaches, athletic administrators, physicians, counselors, and academic staff.

Preferred:

• Experience using injury surveillance systems and contributing to data-informed decision-making for team health management.
• Knowledge of sport-specific injury patterns, return-to-play considerations, and performance enhancement strategies.
• Ability to lead or contribute to department-wide initiatives focused on student-athlete mental health, wellness, and life skills development.
• Competency in developing policies and procedures for athletic training programs or facilities.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards for athletic training education programs (especially if supervising students).

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in both indoor (training room, clinics, gyms) and outdoor environments (fields, tracks) in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and high-pressure situations.
• Irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with frequent travel for athletic competitions.