Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainer (Grades 5-12)

Reports To: Athletic Director

Supervises: N/A

Qualifications:

To become a certified athletic trainer, a student must graduate with a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). Once certified, he or she must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified. Athletic trainers must also work in collaboration with a physician and within their state practice act.

Eligibility for the BOC exam is contingent upon completion of a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) that must instruct the Competencies within the curriculum. Passage of the certifying examination is a requirement for licensure in most states.

The ATC® Credential

The ATC® credential and the BOC requirements are currently recognized by 49 states plus the District of Columbia for eligibility and/or regulation of the practice of athletic trainers. The credibility of the BOC program and the ATC® credential it awards are supported by three pillars: (1) the BOC certification examination; (2) the BOC Standards of Professional Practice, and Disciplinary Guidelines and Procedures; and (3) continuing competence (education) requirements.

BOC certification is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and is the only accredited certification program for athletic trainers. To be certified, an individual must demonstrate that he or she is an athletic trainer capable of performing the required duties without threat of harm to the public. The BOC traditionally conducts annual examination development meetings during which athletic trainers and recognized experts in the science of athletic training develop, review and validate examination items and problems. The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent performance as an entry-level athletic trainer fall into three categories:

1. Understanding, applying, and analyzing;
2. Knowledge and decision-making;
3. Special performance abilities.

BOC-certified athletic trainers are educated, trained and evaluated in five major practice domains:

1. Injury and illness prevention and wellness promotion
2. Examination, assessment and diagnosis
3. Immediate and emergency care
4. Therapeutic intervention
5. Health care administration and professional responsibility

Additional Requirements are:

1. CHRC (fingerprinting)
2. Licensed in the State of Maine

Job Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Requirements and Functions:

1. Game Coverage: Athletic Trainer will provide coverage for all home games, if there is a conflict between multiple events the Athletic Trainer will work with the Athletic Director to establish priorities for coverage. When available, away contests will be covered, including playoff/tournament games. Game coverage may include afternoons, evenings, and/or Saturdays.
2. Clinical: Four days a week, two hours a day, the Athletic Trainer will visit schools to meet and consult with the Athletic Director and treat any athletes, if necessary.
3. Provide Professional Development for Coaches: Athletic Trainer will provide professional development prior to a season for coaches. One session on proper conditioning and nutrition and one session preparing coaches to be first responders to sports injuries, 3 hours per school prior to each season, or upon hire of new coaches.
4. Communication: Athletic Trainer will regularly communicate with coaches, Athletic Director, and school secretaries about the status and care of injured athletes.
5. Training/Strength and Conditioning: Athletic Trainer will on an as-needed basis meet with coaches to discuss off-season and in-season programs, and also to meet periodically with athletes in the fitness center during their training and conditioning sessions.

Terms of Employment: As recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board.