OPT Certified Athletic Trainer Jobs
Certified Athletic Trainer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students who hold a CAATE-accredited degree. Most roles require BOC certification, which directly satisfies OPT's requirement that work be related to your major field of study. STEM OPT extension is not available for Athletic Training programs.
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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 333+ OPT Certified Athletic Trainer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Certified Athletic Trainer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Certified Athletic Trainer
Target employers with established BOC hiring pipelines
Professional sports organizations, Division I universities, and large hospital systems hire BOC-certified athletic trainers regularly and are more familiar with OPT work authorization than smaller clinics or high school programs. Start your search there.
Confirm your role satisfies OPT's field-of-study requirement
Your position must be directly related to your Athletic Training degree. Roles blending personal training, general fitness coaching, or administrative duties may not qualify. Review your job description carefully before accepting an offer and consult your DSO.
Get your BOC certification before your OPT start date
Most employers won't extend an offer without active BOC credentials. Sitting for the exam while your OPT application is pending is common, but confirm your exam date gives enough time to receive results before your employment start date.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship early in the interview process
Athletic Training roles can qualify under H-1B visa specialty occupation rules, but not every employer is prepared to sponsor. Raising the question during your second interview, not your first, lets you assess fit before making sponsorship the centerpiece of negotiations.
Track your OPT end date against state licensure timelines
Several states require separate licensure beyond BOC certification, with processing windows of four to twelve weeks. If your state license arrives after your OPT expires, you cannot legally practice. Apply for licensure as early as your state allows.
Browse Migrate Mate for OPT-friendly Athletic Trainer openings
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, saving you time you'd otherwise spend vetting employers for sponsorship awareness. Use it to identify openings at organizations that have hired international candidates before.
Certified Athletic Trainer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Certified Athletic Trainer on OPT?
Yes, as long as your position is directly related to your Athletic Training degree and you hold active BOC certification. OPT requires that employment be in your field of study, so roles that are primarily administrative or outside clinical athletic training would not qualify. Confirm the job description with your DSO before starting.
Is Athletic Training eligible for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
No. Athletic Training programs are classified under CIP code 51.0913, which is not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. That means your OPT period is limited to 12 months. If you want to continue working in the U.S. after OPT expires, your employer will need to sponsor an H-1B or another visa category.
Do Athletic Trainer roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
They can, but it requires the employer to demonstrate that the position is a specialty occupation requiring at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Because BOC certification and an accredited degree are required by most states to practice, the specialty occupation argument is generally supportable. Not all employers, particularly smaller clinics, are experienced with the H-1B process.
How do I find employers open to hiring OPT students as Athletic Trainers?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Athletic Trainer openings from employers who are familiar with work authorization requirements. Larger employers in professional sports, collegiate athletics, and hospital networks tend to have HR teams experienced with international hiring. Targeting those sectors improves your odds of a straightforward sponsorship conversation.
What happens if my state athletic training license is delayed past my OPT end date?
You cannot practice without both active OPT authorization and a valid state license. If your license processing runs past your OPT expiration, you must stop working until your next work authorization is in place. Apply for state licensure as soon as you're eligible, track the processing window for your specific state, and flag any delays to your DSO immediately.