Assistant Athletic Trainer

Northern Illinois University; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL is seeking an Assistant Athletic Trainer to support student-athletes across designated sports. The role is full-time and on-site, with responsibilities including injury evaluation, rehabilitation, and prevention within a collaborative sports medicine team.

You will attend practices and competitions, maintain medical records, coordinate referrals, and educate athletes on conditioning, recovery, and wellness while ensuring policy compliance with NCAA and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in athletic training including injury evaluation.
• Proficiency in injury prevention and safety program design.
• Experience in rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols.
• Knowledge of strength and conditioning principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct athletic training services, injury evaluation, and treatment.
• Develop rehabilitation plans and return-to-play progress.
• Attend practices and competitions with monitoring and prevention programs.
• Maintain accurate medical records and coordinate referrals.
• Educate student-athletes on conditioning, recovery, and wellness.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies.

Skills

Athletic Training

Injury Evaluation

Treatment Planning

On-field Care

Injury Prevention

Rehabilitation

Strength & Conditioning

Documentation

Interpersonal Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Company Description Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a nationally recognized public institution known for the quality and value of its educational programs. NIU is committed to supporting personal, career, and life success through hands-on learning and student-centered support. Learners benefit from internships, research opportunities, study abroad programs, and over 300 student organizations that foster growth in and out of the classroom. Faculty and staff collaborate to create transformative experiences that prepare students for diverse careers and leadership roles. The university values inclusivity, engagement, and innovation across its campus community.

Role Description The Assistant Athletic Trainer is a full-time, on-site role located in DeKalb, IL, supporting NIU student-athletes across designated sports programs. This position provides direct athletic training services, including evaluation and treatment of injuries, development of rehabilitation plans, and implementation of prevention strategies in collaboration with coaching and sports medicine staff. Day-to-day responsibilities include attending practices and competitions, maintaining accurate medical records, coordinating referrals to healthcare providers, and monitoring return-to-play progress. The role also involves educating student-athletes on proper conditioning, recovery, and wellness, while ensuring adherence to relevant NCAA, conference, and institutional policies. The Assistant Athletic Trainer contributes to a safe and high-performance environment by promoting evidence-based practice and effective communication with athletes, coaches, and medical professionals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in Athletic Training, including injury evaluation, treatment planning, and on-field care.
• Proficiency in Injury Prevention and Prevention strategies, with the ability to design and implement proactive programs for student-athlete safety.
• Experience in Rehabilitation, including developing and supervising progressive rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols.
• Knowledge of Strength & Conditioning principles to support performance, safe training techniques, and overall athlete wellness.
• Current certification as an Athletic Trainer (BOC) and eligibility for Illinois state licensure or registration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required by team schedules.
• Experience in a collegiate or competitive sports setting is preferred.