Performance Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer

Charlotte Hornets; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charlotte Hornets seek a Performance Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer to deliver high-quality medical care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation for athletes. You will work with players, coaches, physicians, and staff in a fast-paced, high-performance setting.

Responsibilities include on-court acute care, return-to-play planning, documentation, inventory management, and collaboration across the medical/performance team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training; Master’s degree preferred.
• BOC Certification required for athletic training.
• North Carolina license or eligibility to practice as a PT.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current NC PT licensure or eligibility to obtain.
• Board certifications (OCS/SCS) or residency/fellowship a plus.
• 5+ years of clinical experience; elite athlete experience preferred.
• Proficiency with performance tech platforms (Force Plates, NordBord, VALD, Smartabase, Kinexon).
• Strong knowledge of sports science, biomechanics, load management, and functional testing.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
• Flexibility for non-traditional hours and extensive team travel.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and demonstrate basketball-related movements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in athletic training services including injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Provide acute care, emergency response, and on-court injury management.
• Contribute to return-to-play planning with Head of Rehabilitation.
• Collaborate with Hornets medical and performance team to optimize care.
• Document in EMR and ensure NBA compliance.
• Ensure inventory of medical devices and supplies; coordinate NBA equipment requests.
• Pack and organize medical travel equipment.
• Provide taping, bracing, manual therapy and recovery strategies.
• Assist with NBA health and safety guidelines including drug testing.
• Stay informed on research and technologies in athletic training.
• Travel with team for practices, games, training camp, summer league, events.
• Support Greensboro Swarm staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

BOC Certification

NC Licensure Eligible

DPT degree

NC PT licensure

Board Certifications (OCS/SCS)

Clinical experience (5+ years)

Performance technology platforms

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Athletic Training

Master’s degree preferred

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

BOC Certification

Tools

Fusionetics

Smartabase

Kitman Labs

Force Plates

EMR systems

Job description

Position Overview

The Performance Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer supports the delivery of high-quality medical care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation services for Charlotte Hornets athletes. Reporting to the Head Athletic Trainer and Head of Rehabilitation, this role plays a central part in day-to-day operations, providing acute care, managing treatment protocols, and contributing to return-to-play planning. The Performance Physical Therapist and Assistant Athletic Trainer works closely with players, coaches, team physicians, and other Sports Medicine and Performance staff to ensure effective, integrated care within a high-performance environment.

Hornets Values

• We operate with the highest level of integrity, driven by moral standards that guide us in everything we do.
• We communicate with full candor; openly, honestly, and respectfully with clarity.
• We work in the spirit of one team, committed to one vision, shared values, and an inclusive culture that ensures every person feels valued and respected.
• We hold ourselves accountable, and responsible to raise high levels of expectations of ourselves and our team.
• We compete at the highest levels and strive to be the best at everything we do
• We act with resilience and thrive in the face of challenges bringing others along with us.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Collaborate and assist in the implementation of athletic training services including injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of players.
  • Provide acute care, emergency response, and on-court injury management during practices, games, and training sessions.
  • Contribute to the planning and execution of return-to-play frameworks in collaboration with the Head of Rehabilitation and performance staff.
  • Collaborate with other members of Hornets’ medical and performance team to optimize player care & outcomes.
• Complete detailed and timely documentation in the team's electronic medical record (EMR) system and ensure compliance with NBA and organizational standards.
• Ensure timely ordering, packing and sufficient inventory of medical devices and supplies.
  • Coordinate durable medical equipment requests through the NBA’s Worker’s Compensation program
• Manage packing and organization of medical travel equipment and supplies.
• Provide taping, bracing, manual therapy and comprehensive recovery strategies.
• Assist the Head Athletic Trainer with all NBA health and safety guidelines, including emergency protocols and drug testing requirements.
• Stay informed on current research, clinical advancements, and emerging technologies in athletic training and sports physical therapy.
• Travel with the team for practices, games, training camp, summer league, and other team events as required.
• Provide support and mentorship to Greensboro Swarm high performance staff.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head Athletic Trainer, Head of Rehabilitation, VP of Player Medical & Performance, or coaching staff.

Required Skills, Experience And Abilities

To perform the job successfully, you should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Athletic Trainer in the state of North Carolina.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited institution.
• Current licensure (or eligibility for licensure) as a Physical Therapist in the state of North Carolina.
• Board Certification (e.g., OCS, SCS) or completion of residency/fellowship in sports or orthopedic physical therapy is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience; experience with elite/professional athletes (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, Olympic, or NCAA) strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with performance technology and platforms such as Force Plates, NordBord, VALD, Smartabase, Kinexon.
• Strong knowledge of sports science, biomechanics, load management, and functional testing.
• Demonstrated experience with injury evaluation, return-to-play progressions, movement assessment, manual therapy techniques and performance-based rehabilitation.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with the ability to function in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
• Familiarity with EMR and athlete management systems (e.g., Fusionetics, Smartabase, Kitman Labs).
• Advanced certifications such as CPSS, CSCS, dry needling, or manual therapy are a plus.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and extensive team travel.
• Ability to lift and carry or move 50 pounds regularly.
• Physical capability to run, jump, and demonstrate basketball-related movements when needed.

Additional Information

This is a full time benefit eligible position. HSE is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. HSE provides valuable benefits and competitive time off policies to help you and your family lead healthy, balanced lives. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All requests for medical or religious accommodations to perform the stated job duties will be considered.