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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Location Detail: 300 Boston Post Rd West Haven (10600)
Shift Detail: Mon-Sun
Work where every moment matters. Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare employees come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network.
Overview
Some holiday, evenings, weekends and travel included.
We are seeking an Athletic Trainer (ATC) to provide services with University of New Haven. ATC provides injury assessment, treatment, management and rehabilitation services for student-athletes. Assists coaches, team physicians and Head Athletic Trainer with the design and implementation of injury prevention programs, including injury recognition, evaluation and management. Assumes responsibility for adherence to rules and regulations governing University, Conference and the NCAA, including assisting in the education process extended to alumni and the community. Performs all duties in full support of the University’s mission, understanding that the positive and effective execution of these duties are instrumental to the education of the University’s students.
Benefits
As one of the largest rehabilitation providers in the state, HHCRN offers a team-oriented structure, a comprehensive continuing education program, an excellent benefits package along with Special Interest Groups that assist with evidence based clinical knowledge, growth opportunities and support within the organization.
- Extensive paid time off (PTO)
- Flexible scheduling & competitive pay
- Medical and dental benefits
- 401K with company match
- Company paid short term and long term disability
- Continuing education and tuition reimbursement
- Clinical specialty and senior clinician opportunities
We believe in high standards. These standards allow us to bring out the very best in our clients and our staff.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Athletic Training required
- Connecticut Athletic Trainer license required
- Qualified candidate will have experience with Football and 3+ years of experience
We take great care of careers.
With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees - we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.
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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.