Athletic Trainer
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Main Campus, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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Opening at: Aug 12 2025 - 09:00 CDT
VP Area: Athletics
Department: Athletics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Benefit Eligibility: Yes
Salary range: 50,000-55,000 annually
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 of athletic injuries.
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.
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.
- 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. - (Essential)
- 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. - (Marginal)
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.
