Clinical Athletic Trainer

Clinical Athletic Trainer

The Clinical Athletic Trainer is an integral part of a fast-paced orthopedic practice that must excel in IBJI's core values of patient-centric care, musculoskeletal care, and teamwork. This position serves as a clinical liaison between patients, physicians, advance practice providers, rehabilitation professionals, and support staff to ensure efficient, high-quality musculoskeletal care throughout the continuum of care.

The Clinical Athletic Trainer functions within the scope of practice established by the Board of Certification (BOC), state athletic training licensure regulations, organizational policies, and physician-delegated responsibilities. Responsibilities include patient assessment, clinical documentation, care coordination, patient education, procedural assistance, and diagnostic test facilitation. The Clinical Athletic Trainer promotes excellence in patient care while supporting clinical efficiency, quality initiatives, education, and research activities.

Clinical Patient Care

• Obtain and document comprehensive patient histories, including chief complaint, mechanism of injury, past medical history, medications, allergies, and functional limitations
• Perform musculoskeletal evaluations including range of motion, strength testing, neurovascular assessment, palpation, functional testing, ligamentous evaluation, and special orthopedic testing
• Assist physicians with patient examinations, treatment planning, and follow-up care
• Prepare patients for office procedures and assist physicians during injections and other clinical procedures
• Provide post-operative care including wound assessments, dressing changes, suture removal, and patient education as directed by the supervising physician
• Apply, fit, and educate patients regarding durable medical equipment (DME), braces, orthotics, and assistive devices
• Provide exercise instruction, rehabilitation guidance, and education regarding injury prevention, treatment plans, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and return-to-activity protocols
• Monitor patient progress and communicate clinical concerns to the physician team

Care Coordination and Practice Support

• Coordinate patient care across physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, imaging departments, and outside healthcare providers
• Facilitate diagnostic testing including radiographs, MRI, CT, EMG, ultrasound, laboratory studies, and specialty referrals under physician direction
• Manage physician clinic workflows and assist in optimizing patient access and scheduling efficiency
• Respond to patient phone calls, portal messages, and clinical inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Serve as a clinical resource for administrative staff, call center personnel, and interdisciplinary team members
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and payer requirements

Quality, Education, and Program Development

• Support departmental initiatives related to patient safety, quality improvement, compliance, and operational excellence
• Assist in the development, implementation, and revision of clinical policies, procedures, and best practices
• Participate in continuing education activities and maintain current knowledge of evidence-based orthopedic and sports medicine practices
• Contribute to educational programming including journal clubs, case reviews, conferences, and departmental in-services
• Serve as a mentor and clinical preceptor for athletic training students, residents, and other learners as assigned
• Participate in physician-led research projects, data collection efforts, and scholarly activities as requested

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to exceptional patient service
• Foster collaborative relationships with physicians, advanced practice providers, rehabilitation staff, and administrative personnel
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, state practice acts, accreditation standards, and organizational policies
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree from a CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Program required
• Master's degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, or related healthcare field preferred

Certifications/Licensure

• Board of Certification (BOC) Certified Athletic Trainer required
• Current State Athletic Training License or eligibility for licensure required
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required

Experience

• Experience in orthopedic, sports medicine, physician practice, collegiate, professional, or clinical athletic training setting preferred
• Experience with electronic medical records and clinical documentation preferred
• Experience with durable medical equipment fitting and patient education preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach throughout the workday
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds
• Ability to perform close visual work including computer use, documentation, and patient assessment
• Ability to safely assist patients and handle clinical equipment as required
• Physical demands may vary based on assigned clinical location and responsibilities

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Duties and responsibilities, experience, qualifications, skills, supervisory relationship, physical/mental demands, and environmental/working conditions may change as needs evolve.

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute - OAK Orthopedics