Athletic Trainers

College Decoded; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for continuous learning and specialization

High job satisfaction from helping athletes recover

Varied work environments across sports, clinics, and educational settings

Job summary

College Decoded is looking for an Athletic Trainer in Lynchburg, Virginia, to conduct assessments of athletes’ injuries and provide necessary care. Candidates must have a CAATE-accredited Master's degree in Athletic Training and pass the national exam to earn ATC credentials.

This position involves working irregular hours and includes responsibilities such as evaluating athletes’ readiness to play and caring for athletic injuries. The role offers opportunities for continuous learning across various sports and educational settings.

Qualifications

• Must pass the national exam administered by the Board of Certification (BOC) to earn the ATC credential.
• Most states require individual licensure to practice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete’s injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care.
• Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
• Care for athletic injuries using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
• Evaluate athletes’ readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary.

Education

CAATE-accredited Master's degree in Athletic Training

Bachelor's degree in kinesiology or exercise science

Job description

What They Do

Athletic Trainers conduct initial assessments of athletes’ injuries or illnesses, provide emergency or continued care, determine whether a referral to a physician is needed, report athletes’ progress to coaches or physicians, and use physical therapy equipment or medication to treat injuries. They evaluate athletes’ readiness to play and give participation clearances, thereby supporting the organization’s success.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete’s injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and determine whether a referral to a physician is required.
• Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
• Care for athletic injuries using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
• Evaluate athletes’ readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary.

Qualifications and Credentials

Requires a CAATE‑accredited Master’s degree in Athletic Training. Candidates typically first earn a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field, then complete a graduate program that includes classroom learning and clinical rotations. After graduation, candidates must pass the national exam administered by the Board of Certification (BOC) to earn the ATC credential. Most states also require individual licensure to practice.

Education Path

High‑school foundation in biology and anatomy; bachelor’s degree in a related area; CAATE‑accredited Master’s program in Athletic Training.

Typical Schedule

40+ hours per week. Irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel for game schedules.

Work Settings

Sports fields, gyms, clinics, hospitals, schools.

Benefits

• Opportunity for continuous learning and specialization.
• High job satisfaction from helping athletes recover.
• Varied work environments across sports, clinics, and educational settings.

Considerations

• Irregular hours and weekend/holiday work.
• Physically demanding and exposure to injuries.
• Emotional toll of dealing with athlete setbacks.