Certified Athletic Trainer

Certified Athletic Trainer

Reports to: Athletic Director

Dept./School: Athletics

Primary Purpose:

Plan, coordinate, and supervise all components of athletic training program for student athletes. Also work under the direction of team physician to carry out activities in the following areas: prevention, evaluation, emergency treatment, physical reconditioning, and rehabilitation of injuries.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree

Valid Texas Athletic Training Certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to provide injury prevention and rehabilitation services

Ability to provide emergency care

Knowledge of therapeutic modalities and ability to apply appropriate treatment to treat student athletic injuries

Ability to instruct and supervise student athletes and assistants

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

CPR/AED Instructor Certification

Experience:

At least one year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Plan and implement a comprehensive athletic injury and illness prevention program for student athletes.
2. Attend practice sessions and athletic contests as assigned by athletic director.
3. Establish and maintain effective communication with students, parents, medical and paramedical personnel, coaches, and other staff.
4. Provide physical conditioning training to student athletes.
5. Fit injured athletes with specialized equipment and oversee its use.
6. Prepare athletes for games and practices by conducting evaluations and using tape, wraps, splints, braces, and other protective devices as needed.
7. Respond to emergencies and make quick, independent judgments about how to deal with injuries.
8. Identify acute injuries and provide first-aid triage, including assessing injuries and deciding whether an athlete should seek further medical attention and should discontinue participation in the athletic event.
9. Establish specific procedures to be carried out by a coach or student trainer in the event of a medical emergency.
10. Detect and resolve environmental risks to athletes.

Rehabilitation/Reconditioning

1. Plan and put in place a comprehensive rehabilitation and reconditioning program for injuries and illnesses sustained by student athletes.
2. Determine therapeutic goals and objectives for individual athletes.
3. Apply therapeutic modalities and instruct athletes on proper use of exercise equipment.
4. Evaluate and record rehabilitation progress of athletes. Develop criteria for progression and return to practice and competition.
5. Follow professional, ethical, and legal parameters regarding use of drugs and therapeutic agents for treatment and rehabilitation of injured athletes.

Administration:

1. Coordinate scheduling of athletic physical examinations and screening.
2. Select, train, and supervise student assistants.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents including medical, accident, and treatment records as required.
4. Maintain an inventory of training supplies and equipment. Requisition additional supplies as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise the work of student assistants.

Equipment Used:

Exercise equipment and devices including stationary bike, pulleys, weights, whirlpool, paraffin bath, ultrasound equipment, and cold packs.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Continual walking and standing; moderate lifting and carrying; stooping, bending, kneeling, and reaching. Work outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather) and inside. Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases. Frequent districtwide and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours