Athletic Trainer

Primary Purpose:

Plan, coordinate and supervise all components of athletic training programs for student athletes.  Also work under the direction of team physicians 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 license from Texas Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers.

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.

Minimum Experience:

Three years successful experience as an athletic trainer

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Illness/Injury Prevention and Treatment

1. Plan and implement a comprehensive athletic injury and illness prevention program for student athletics.
2. Attend practice sessions and athletic contests as assigned by the athletic director to include Special Olympics athletic events.
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.

Instruction

1. Prepare athletes for games and practices by conducting evaluations and using tape, wraps, splints, braces and other protective devices as needed.
2. Respond to emergencies and make quick, independent judgements about how to deal with injuries.
3. 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.
4. Establish specific procedures to be carried out by a coach or student trainer in the event of a medical emergency.
5. Detecting and resolving environmental risks to athletes.

Rehabilitation/Reconditioning

1. Plan and put in place a comprehensive rehabilitation and reconditioning program for injuries and illness sustained by student athletes.
2. Determine therapeutic goals and objectives for individual athletes.
3. Apply therapeutic modalities and instruct athletes 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 examination 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.  Handle student insurance and accident claims.
4. Maintain an inventory of training supplies and equipment.  Requisition additional supplies as needed.
5. Adhere to all other duties as assigned by the Athletic Director or campus principal.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

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, and communicable diseases.  Frequent district wide and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours.