Athletic Trainer (Northwood University)

About the Role

The collegiate athletic trainer provides treatment, first aid, and sports medicine coverage for athletic events according to the contract with the designated college or university. This role is patient-focused and adheres to athletic training standards, physician orders, and affiliate policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assess, treat, prevent, and rehabilitate athletic injuries for the designated school, including practice and game coverage per contract (50%).
• Provide treatment techniques to facilitate and restore optimal functioning performance specific to the certified athletic trainer's patient care area (30%).
• Provide feedback to the Team Physician regarding patient progress and report any unusual reactions or responses to the therapeutic program (10%).
• Complete daily documentation per affiliate policy and in compliance with regulatory agencies, including tracking daily activities at the designated school.
• Document patient/family/caregiver responses to treatment and changes in patient condition.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on home education programs using effective teaching methods.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with all internal and external customers to maximize quality of patient care, including coordination with interdisciplinary team members.
• Promote education and development among staff, students, and other healthcare providers.
• Contribute to process improvement and assist with program development.
• Provide feedback in team conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as appropriate.
• Demonstrate commitment to MyMichigan Health and its mission through customer service, quality of service, and teamwork.
• Facilitate communication between the patient, coaching staff, and physician regarding changes in the treatment regime, under the guidance of the team physician.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and affiliate information in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows and participate in further learning opportunities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Michigan Athletic Trainer License (or equivalent).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 1 month of hire or transfer (AHA).
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an athletic training curriculum approved by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association.
• Successful completion of MyMichigan Health and affiliate-specific orientation and new hire competency.
• Interpersonal skills for effective verbal and written communication in English.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Mandatory annual tuberculosis (TB) testing and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.
• Ability to work in environments with exposure to communicable diseases.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach selected treatment routines.
• Preferred: 1–3 years of experience in a sports medicine clinic or university setting.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Exposure to stressful situations, including public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including latex materials or substitutes.
• Ability to move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device.
• Overall vision and hearing, with or without assisted devices.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking for long periods; may require postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials; must follow MyMichigan Health protocols for testing and safety.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, and stay alert.
• Dexterity for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling, with frequent repetition of these movements.
• Physical demand level: Medium. Must occasionally (0–33% of the workday) lift or carry 21–50 lbs., frequently (34–66% of the workday) 20 lbs., and constantly (67–100% of the workday) 10 lbs.