Athletic Trainer: Patient Care Leader & Educator

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a licensed Athletic Trainer in Illinois to provide direct patient care, supervise clinical interns, and lead department improvement efforts. The role emphasizes adherence to ethics, ongoing education, and collaboration with referring physicians to ensure safe, effective treatment outcomes.

The incumbent will manage evaluation and treatment plans, document thoroughly, and contribute to cost reductions and process improvements while mentoring students and interns

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in athletic training (if graduated after July 1st, 2020) or Bachelor’s degree (if before)

Responsibilities

• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
• Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidenced by team feedback and documentation.
• Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate evaluation, in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols.
• Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines, adjusting the treatment plan accordingly.
• Assumes complete responsibility over the course of Athletic Training under the supervision of the referring physician.
• Adheres to department policy regarding evaluations, all notes are legible.
• Completes daily notes that reflect patient\'s response to treatment, actual performance, and assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan as evidenced by chart review, meeting all regulatory documentation requirements.
• Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient\'s level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by feedback.
• Participates in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan.
• Works to develop and maintain physician relations through phone communication, shadowing, marketing visits, rounds/surgery observation.
• Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for team member input, open and honest conversation, approachability, and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions.
• Accepts constructive feedback and is able to make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms/chart audits and team feedback.
• Completes new evaluations and discharge follow up phone calls to support patient satisfaction goals.
• Proactively completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay forms and follow up phone calls).
• Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g. in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, PI). Minimal Expectation: in-service from continuing education course and/or leading one article review.
• Proactively acts as a clinical instructor to students, observers, interns.
• Maintains set by department and makes efficient use of non-billable time.
• Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule to meet patient care needs, quarterly staff meetings department specific meetings outside of normal work hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education

Master’s degree in athletic training

Bachelor’s degree (if graduated before July 1st, 2020)

BLS Certification (AHA)

Job description

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a licensed Athletic Trainer in Illinois to provide direct patient care, supervise clinical interns, and lead department improvement efforts. The role emphasizes adherence to ethics, ongoing education, and collaboration with referring physicians to ensure safe, effective treatment outcomes.

The incumbent will manage evaluation and treatment plans, document thoroughly, and contribute to cost reductions and process improvements while mentoring students and interns