OPT Athletic Trainer Jobs
Athletic Trainer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in athletic training, kinesiology, or exercise science. Most positions require BOC certification, which demonstrates the clinical competency U.S. employers expect. STEM OPT extension is not available for this role, so your 12-month OPT window is your primary work authorization period.
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Reporting directly to the Director of Sports Medicine, The Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the strength and conditioning staff and athletic coaching staff to ensure proper athletic development and performance is occurring while mitigating the risk of injury. The Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the Director of Sports Medicine and the Athletic Training Fellow in enforcing departmental policies, procedures and guidelines to promote excellence within the Sports Medicine department.
This is an on-site position in Jackson, MS with regular daily office hours and requires regular evening and weekend work and travel.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assisting the Director of Sports Medicine with planning, organizing, directing, and executing programs associated with injury prevention
- Assisting with fitting of protective athletic gear
- Providing respectful communication, within limits of confidentiality, on students’ health matters to coaches, health care providers, and school administrators, as needed
- Maintaining complete and accurate records of athletic training services provided and pertinent medical data
- Provide day-to-day management of the athletic training room consisting of prevention, evaluation, treatment, case management, and rehabilitation of student-athlete injuries and illnesses
- Maintain complete and accurate medical records including pre-participation paperwork, physicals, insurance information, medical evaluations, referrals, and rehabilitation reports
- Enforce department policy and procedure with guidance from team physicians regarding concussion and return-to-sport protocols
- Effectively communicate with coaches, sports medicine staff, team physicians, and other professionals regarding injured student-athletes and medical policies and procedures, following NATA code of ethics
- Exercise independent judgement and discretion when acting in emergency situations
- Attend practices, games and special events as assigned to provide on-site medical coverage and ensure continuity of care
- Responsible for student aide/worker schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and setting up of daily events and the Athletic Training room
- Assisting with purchasing and managing budget for the Sports Medicine Department
- Helping students safely return to physical activity after a concussion
- Helping to maintain the athletic training room and smooth operation thereof
- Responsible for assisting with scheduling orthopedic appointments
- Participate in various other areas of interest for the College, Student Life, and Athletics
- Accept additional duties assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine or the Athletics Director
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from a CAATE accredited institution of higher education, Master’s degree preferred
- NATA BOC certified; Mississippi Athletic Trainer License (or eligible to obtain license)
- Minimum of 3 years of experience, minimum 1 year experience at the NCAA Collegiate Level
- Active CPR/First Aid Certification
- Experience in collegiate setting preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to promote a positive team environment and cultivate good morale
- Highly organized, creative problem-solver who takes initiative
- Must communicate effectively with all types of people and establish and maintain a strong working relationship with students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and other college personnel. Must have the ability to work responsibly with minimal supervision
- Must have knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
Physical Requirements:
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance
- Must have a valid state-issued driver’s license
- Regular and repetitive stooping, bending, lifting and reaching are required
- Manual dexterity needed for demonstrating proper form and technique, participating in team practices and other repetitive tasks
- Evening and weekend hours in all types of weather, with travel is necessary
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should email a copy of their resume and a letter of interest to athletics@millsaps.edu. No phone calls please.
About Millsaps
Millsaps College is a selective institution of higher education located on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi — a progressive southern metropolitan city of nearly half a million. Millsaps is dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of the region. The college was founded in 1890 by members of the Methodist Church and is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education.
Millsaps has an enrollment of approximately 750 students and employs 80 full-time faculty members. The faculty/student ratio at Millsaps is 1:9, and the average class size is 14. Millsaps has graduated 25 Fulbright Award recipients, seven Rhodes Scholars, six Goldwater Scholars and two Truman Scholars. Millsaps is a member of the NCAA Division III and Southern Athletic Association and competes in 18 intercollegiate sports.
EEO Statement
Millsaps College values diversity within our students, faculty and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. Millsaps College does not discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws.
All offers of employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check and verification of employment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Millsaps College provides a competitive benefits package.
It is the policy of Millsaps College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities for employment. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact humanresources@millsaps.edu.
Additional Information
In compliance with the amendments to the federal Clery Act concerning annual security reports, all potential job applicants are free to view Millsaps College’s annual Campus Crime Statistics here.
The only national liberal arts college in Mississippi, Millsaps College has consistently been ranked a “Best Buy” among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report‘s America’s Best Colleges and is cited as one of Loren Pope’s 40 Colleges That Change Lives. It was the first institution in Mississippi with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and is the only institution in Mississippi ever to be listed in The Fiske Guide to Colleges.
Millsaps is a member of the ACS and NITLE, and has an AACSB accredited business school. In accordance with Federal law, we are making available our Campus Security Report to all prospective employees. Millsaps is located in Jackson, the capital of the state. The Jackson area has a population of around 400,000 and offers low cost-of-living, excellent schools, pleasant climate, and many recreational opportunities.
Job Summary
Reporting directly to the Director of Sports Medicine, The Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the strength and conditioning staff and athletic coaching staff to ensure proper athletic development and performance is occurring while mitigating the risk of injury. The Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the Director of Sports Medicine and the Athletic Training Fellow in enforcing departmental policies, procedures and guidelines to promote excellence within the Sports Medicine department.
This is an on-site position in Jackson, MS with regular daily office hours and requires regular evening and weekend work and travel.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assisting the Director of Sports Medicine with planning, organizing, directing, and executing programs associated with injury prevention
- Assisting with fitting of protective athletic gear
- Providing respectful communication, within limits of confidentiality, on students’ health matters to coaches, health care providers, and school administrators, as needed
- Maintaining complete and accurate records of athletic training services provided and pertinent medical data
- Provide day-to-day management of the athletic training room consisting of prevention, evaluation, treatment, case management, and rehabilitation of student-athlete injuries and illnesses
- Maintain complete and accurate medical records including pre-participation paperwork, physicals, insurance information, medical evaluations, referrals, and rehabilitation reports
- Enforce department policy and procedure with guidance from team physicians regarding concussion and return-to-sport protocols
- Effectively communicate with coaches, sports medicine staff, team physicians, and other professionals regarding injured student-athletes and medical policies and procedures, following NATA code of ethics
- Exercise independent judgement and discretion when acting in emergency situations
- Attend practices, games and special events as assigned to provide on-site medical coverage and ensure continuity of care
- Responsible for student aide/worker schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and setting up of daily events and the Athletic Training room
- Assisting with purchasing and managing budget for the Sports Medicine Department
- Helping students safely return to physical activity after a concussion
- Helping to maintain the athletic training room and smooth operation thereof
- Responsible for assisting with scheduling orthopedic appointments
- Participate in various other areas of interest for the College, Student Life, and Athletics
- Accept additional duties assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine or the Athletics Director
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from a CAATE accredited institution of higher education, Master’s degree preferred
- NATA BOC certified; Mississippi Athletic Trainer License (or eligible to obtain license)
- Minimum of 3 years of experience, minimum 1 year experience at the NCAA Collegiate Level
- Active CPR/First Aid Certification
- Experience in collegiate setting preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to promote a positive team environment and cultivate good morale
- Highly organized, creative problem-solver who takes initiative
- Must communicate effectively with all types of people and establish and maintain a strong working relationship with students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and other college personnel. Must have the ability to work responsibly with minimal supervision
- Must have knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
Physical Requirements:
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance
- Must have a valid state-issued driver’s license
- Regular and repetitive stooping, bending, lifting and reaching are required
- Manual dexterity needed for demonstrating proper form and technique, participating in team practices and other repetitive tasks
- Evening and weekend hours in all types of weather, with travel is necessary
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should email a copy of their resume and a letter of interest to athletics@millsaps.edu. No phone calls please.
About Millsaps
Millsaps College is a selective institution of higher education located on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi — a progressive southern metropolitan city of nearly half a million. Millsaps is dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of the region. The college was founded in 1890 by members of the Methodist Church and is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education.
Millsaps has an enrollment of approximately 750 students and employs 80 full-time faculty members. The faculty/student ratio at Millsaps is 1:9, and the average class size is 14. Millsaps has graduated 25 Fulbright Award recipients, seven Rhodes Scholars, six Goldwater Scholars and two Truman Scholars. Millsaps is a member of the NCAA Division III and Southern Athletic Association and competes in 18 intercollegiate sports.
EEO Statement
Millsaps College values diversity within our students, faculty and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. Millsaps College does not discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws.
All offers of employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check and verification of employment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Millsaps College provides a competitive benefits package.
It is the policy of Millsaps College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities for employment. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact humanresources@millsaps.edu.
Additional Information
In compliance with the amendments to the federal Clery Act concerning annual security reports, all potential job applicants are free to view Millsaps College’s annual Campus Crime Statistics here.
The only national liberal arts college in Mississippi, Millsaps College has consistently been ranked a “Best Buy” among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report‘s America’s Best Colleges and is cited as one of Loren Pope’s 40 Colleges That Change Lives. It was the first institution in Mississippi with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and is the only institution in Mississippi ever to be listed in The Fiske Guide to Colleges.
Millsaps is a member of the ACS and NITLE, and has an AACSB accredited business school. In accordance with Federal law, we are making available our Campus Security Report to all prospective employees. Millsaps is located in Jackson, the capital of the state. The Jackson area has a population of around 400,000 and offers low cost-of-living, excellent schools, pleasant climate, and many recreational opportunities.
See all 413+ OPT Athletic Trainer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Athletic Trainer
Obtain BOC certification before you apply
The Board of Certification exam is a practical prerequisite for most Athletic Trainer roles in the U.S. Employers rarely consider uncertified candidates, so sitting for the BOC before your OPT start date removes a significant barrier to sponsorship conversations.
Target employers who have hired international staff before
Hospitals, university athletic departments, and professional sports organizations are more familiar with OPT work authorization than smaller clinics. Prioritizing these employers reduces the educational burden on you during the hiring process and improves your sponsorship odds.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront, not at the offer stage
Athletic Trainer roles often involve credentialing timelines and onboarding periods that take weeks. Disclosing your OPT end date early lets employers plan around it and signals professionalism, avoiding surprises that can derail an otherwise strong offer.
Pursue state licensure in your target state immediately
Most states require a separate Athletic Trainer license beyond BOC certification. Starting this process as soon as your OPT is authorized prevents avoidable delays, since some state boards take four to eight weeks to process applications from international graduates.
Position clinical hours and specializations prominently on your resume
U.S. employers evaluate Athletic Trainers heavily on hands-on clinical experience. Document your supervised hours, patient populations, and any sport-specific or orthopedic specializations clearly, since this evidence of competency often matters more than your country of origin.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the second interview, not the first
Raising visa sponsorship too early can make employers cautious before they have assessed your qualifications. Wait until there is genuine mutual interest, then ask directly whether the organization has sponsored H-1B visa employees previously and what their process looks like.
Athletic Trainer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Athletic Trainer on OPT?
Yes, Athletic Trainer is an eligible occupation for F-1 OPT work authorization, provided the role is directly related to your degree field. Degrees in athletic training, kinesiology, or exercise science typically satisfy the relatedness requirement. You must have an active OPT EAD card before starting work, and your employer does not need to file any petition on your behalf during OPT.
Does Athletic Trainer qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Athletic Training programs are classified under CIP code 51.0913, which is not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. This means you are limited to 12 months of post-completion OPT. Planning your H-1B or other long-term sponsorship strategy well before your OPT expires is essential, since the gap between OPT ending and H-1B starting can affect your status.
What certifications do U.S. employers expect from OPT Athletic Trainers?
BOC certification is the national standard and is required or strongly preferred by nearly all employers, including hospitals, universities, and professional sports teams. State licensure is also mandatory in most states and must be obtained separately from the BOC. Some employers additionally value certifications in emergency cardiac care or sport-specific credentials. Completing these before your OPT start date puts you in the strongest possible position.
Where can I find Athletic Trainer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings to show employers open to international candidates. General job boards rarely surface OPT-friendly roles clearly, which wastes time during a period when your work authorization window is already limited. Browsing Athletic Trainer listings on Migrate Mate connects you directly with employers who understand OPT work authorization.
Which employer types are most likely to sponsor an H-1B for Athletic Trainers after OPT?
University athletic departments, hospital systems, and professional sports organizations are the most likely H-1B sponsors for Athletic Trainers, since they have HR infrastructure and legal resources to manage the process. Smaller private practices and high school settings rarely sponsor. Targeting larger institutions from the start of your OPT job search gives you the best chance of transitioning from OPT to H-1B status without a gap in employment.