Assistant Athletic Trainer - #000379

Western Carolina University Inc; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks a dedicated athletic trainer to provide comprehensive medical support for soccer and other teams. The role focuses on prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries following established sports medicine protocols.

Responsibilities include coordinating pre-participation physicals, documenting injuries, mentoring training students, and managing supplies while collaborating with team physicians and coaching staff to support student-athlete health.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; NATABOC certification; eligible for North Carolina State License.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate pre-participation physical examinations for student-athletes.
• Maintain accurate records of athletic injuries, treatments, and outcomes in ATS.

Skills

Athletic training

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

NATABOC

NC State License

Tools

ATS injury tracking software

Job description

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The selected candidate will provide comprehensive athletic medical assistance to sports teams (Soccer) and other teams assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine. This includes the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and illnesses in accordance with established sports medicine protocols and best practices.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Examination Coordination – Organize and facilitate pre-participation physical examinations for all student-athletes, ensuring compliance with institutional and governing body requirements.
• Injury Documentation – Maintain accurate and timely records of athletic injuries, treatments, and outcomes utilizing ATS
• injury tracking software.
• Student Supervision – Provide mentorship and oversight of athletic training students, supporting their clinical development in alignment with program and accreditation standards.
• Supply & Inventory Management – Oversee the purchasing, inventory, and maintenance of athletic training supplies and equipment to ensure adequate operational readiness.
• Collaboration & Communication – Work cooperatively with team physicians, coaching staff, strength and conditioning personnel, and other campus stakeholders to support the overall health and well-being of student-athletes.
• Additional Duties – Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine in support of departmental goals and the student-athlete experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelor’s degree required. NATABOC required. Eligible for North Carolina State License.

Preferred Qualifications

Position Type Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

Number of Months Per Year 12

Open Date 08/17/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references

Supplemental Questions

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
  • Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
  • Indeed.com
  • Personal Referral
  • Agency Referral
  • Other