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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Complete the online application and be prepared to attach required documents, which include: resume, cover letter, and references. For references, please include names and current contact information of three professional references.
Review of application materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by August 30, 2026.
Posting Details
Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.
Position Information
Business Title Head Football Athletic Trainer
Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the Public
Special Instructions to Applicants
Complete the online application and be prepared to attach required documents, which include: resume, cover letter, and references. For references, please include names and current contact information of three professional references.
Review of application materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by August 30, 2026.
This position is eligible for the following benefits: medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.
Posting Number 2016468T
Department Summary
The Head Football Athletic Trainer is responsible for providing comprehensive medical care and general well-being of assigned student-athletes. Primary responsibilities include providing immediate health care through an assessment of injuries and illnesses and often complicated short and long term orthopedic rehabilitative care, in addition to identifying mental health and nutritional issues and coordinating appropriate provider referrals. This position is also responsible for conducting full pre-screening on all football recruits.
This position is responsible for the oversight and supervision of all full-time football athletic trainers.
This position performs duties in accordance with professional standards or defined principles and operates under general direction with participation in determining objectives. Significant experience and expertise is required to anticipate needs and handle unique situations. National Athletic Trainers Association Board (NATABOC) and Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board Certifications required. Continuing education required.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
-
The prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, physician referral, and required legal medical documentation of all injuries and illnesses associated with assigned student-athletes; communicate complex medical diagnoses and treatment strategies to student-athletes, parents, coaches, staff and physicians within NATA and HIPAA guidelines; observe all athletic policy and procedures in accordance with NATA regulations as well as NCAA, Mid-American Conference and Ohio University rules and remain certified to perform these duties on a daily basis. Create, maintain and present comprehensive injury reports to coaches weekly. Provide athletic training services to football, primary sport coverage, to include practice, home and away game coverage.
-
Provide emergency or acute care and determine referral to appropriate allied medical professionals including, but not limited to orthopedic physicians, team physician, physical therapy, mental health and nutrition services. Responsible for precertification of medical services and coordination of ongoing care to include return-to-play protocol, testing, physical therapy, lab work, and physician follow up. Responsible for prescreening of all football recruits (comprehensive health history and physical exam).
-
Responsible for the oversight and supervision of full-time football athletic trainers, including training, work allocation, monitoring treatment, evaluating performance, providing feedback, setting goals, and recommending areas of improvement. Supervises assigned AT graduate students.
-
Provide athletic training services to all teams/student-athletes within the athletic training room: Properly applies and operates all medical modalities and therapeutic devices; oversees often complex and integrated orthopedic rehabilitation and pre-habilitation techniques; fits individual orthotic braces and other injury prevention devices; conducts and monitors concussion testing and baseline testing; prepares student-athletes for practice/competition through injury prevention techniques; treats student-athletes post practice; oversight of physician referral system and integration of concussion “return to play” protocols and monitoring.
-
Assist the Director of Sports Medicine with healthcare administration with the student-athlete health insurance claims; secure information related to the insurance program for assigned athletes; assist with coordination of the drug testing/educational program in accordance HIPAA guidelines; prescription drug and supplement check for NCAA compliance, research and educate student-athletes and coaches on the NCAA list of banned drugs; coordinate required physical exams; provide diagnostic reports for team physicians and the coaches injury report. Perform other related tasks or special projects as assigned.
Position Profile
Provides athletic training support to student athletes. Provides athletes with injury prevention training, and evaluation, management and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
Level Summary
Manages a work unit or a team and has full authority over personnel actions within the work unit. Contributes to the development of the area’s operational plan, ensuring alignment with broader departmental or institutional goals. Accountable for the achievement of the unit’s operational objectives, improving performance and addressing resource needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Manages a medium-sized team. Directly oversees at least 2.0 FTE employees or one or more supervisors. Has authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, manage performance, discharge, assign duties, reward, and discipline employees.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Responsible for managing team or department budgets and resources.
Problem Solving
Addresses departmental or cross-team issues, devises long-term solutions.
Independence of Action
Acts independently, with consultation with senior management.
Communication and Collaboration
Facilitates communication among team and higher-level leadership, builds relationships across University.
Physical Requirements
The position requires prolonged standing, frequent bending, stooping, and travel. Candidates must possess strong communication, auditory, and visual skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to write legibly. Physical requirements include the ability to lift, push, or pull between 20 and 50 pounds. The role may involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases.
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess and maintain all licensure and certification credentials required by the State of Ohio for practice as an Athletic Trainer.
Applicants certified with a Master’s degree in Athletic Training must have 3 or more years of related professional experience, and 3 or more years of supervisory experience.
Applicants who obtained Athletic Trainer certification with a Bachelor’s degree must have 5 or more years of related professional experience, and 3 or more years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Department Health Sciences Professions, Dean's Office
Pay Rate
Pay is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/.
Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
Pay Grade 17
Pay Range $51,281.00-$85,325.00
FLSA Status Exempt
Job Category Administrative at-will appointment
Employment Type full-time regular
Job Family Athletics
Job Sub Family Training
Job Level M2
Job Open Date 08/07/2026
Posting End Date 08/30/2026
Planning Unit College of Health Sciences & Professions
Work Schedule
Months 12 month
Campus Athens
Expected hours worked per week 40+
Expected duration of assignment ongoing
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position. David Polanski, polanski@ohio.edu
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
Clery Act Crime Statistics
INTRODUCTION
Complete the online application and be prepared to attach required documents, which include: resume, cover letter, and references. For references, please include names and current contact information of three professional references.
Review of application materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by August 30, 2026.
Posting Details
Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.
Position Information
Business Title Head Football Athletic Trainer
Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the Public
Special Instructions to Applicants
Complete the online application and be prepared to attach required documents, which include: resume, cover letter, and references. For references, please include names and current contact information of three professional references.
Review of application materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by August 30, 2026.
This position is eligible for the following benefits: medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.
Posting Number 2016468T
Department Summary
The Head Football Athletic Trainer is responsible for providing comprehensive medical care and general well-being of assigned student-athletes. Primary responsibilities include providing immediate health care through an assessment of injuries and illnesses and often complicated short and long term orthopedic rehabilitative care, in addition to identifying mental health and nutritional issues and coordinating appropriate provider referrals. This position is also responsible for conducting full pre-screening on all football recruits.
This position is responsible for the oversight and supervision of all full-time football athletic trainers.
This position performs duties in accordance with professional standards or defined principles and operates under general direction with participation in determining objectives. Significant experience and expertise is required to anticipate needs and handle unique situations. National Athletic Trainers Association Board (NATABOC) and Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board Certifications required. Continuing education required.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
-
The prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, physician referral, and required legal medical documentation of all injuries and illnesses associated with assigned student-athletes; communicate complex medical diagnoses and treatment strategies to student-athletes, parents, coaches, staff and physicians within NATA and HIPAA guidelines; observe all athletic policy and procedures in accordance with NATA regulations as well as NCAA, Mid-American Conference and Ohio University rules and remain certified to perform these duties on a daily basis. Create, maintain and present comprehensive injury reports to coaches weekly. Provide athletic training services to football, primary sport coverage, to include practice, home and away game coverage.
-
Provide emergency or acute care and determine referral to appropriate allied medical professionals including, but not limited to orthopedic physicians, team physician, physical therapy, mental health and nutrition services. Responsible for precertification of medical services and coordination of ongoing care to include return-to-play protocol, testing, physical therapy, lab work, and physician follow up. Responsible for prescreening of all football recruits (comprehensive health history and physical exam).
-
Responsible for the oversight and supervision of full-time football athletic trainers, including training, work allocation, monitoring treatment, evaluating performance, providing feedback, setting goals, and recommending areas of improvement. Supervises assigned AT graduate students.
-
Provide athletic training services to all teams/student-athletes within the athletic training room: Properly applies and operates all medical modalities and therapeutic devices; oversees often complex and integrated orthopedic rehabilitation and pre-habilitation techniques; fits individual orthotic braces and other injury prevention devices; conducts and monitors concussion testing and baseline testing; prepares student-athletes for practice/competition through injury prevention techniques; treats student-athletes post practice; oversight of physician referral system and integration of concussion “return to play” protocols and monitoring.
-
Assist the Director of Sports Medicine with healthcare administration with the student-athlete health insurance claims; secure information related to the insurance program for assigned athletes; assist with coordination of the drug testing/educational program in accordance HIPAA guidelines; prescription drug and supplement check for NCAA compliance, research and educate student-athletes and coaches on the NCAA list of banned drugs; coordinate required physical exams; provide diagnostic reports for team physicians and the coaches injury report. Perform other related tasks or special projects as assigned.
Position Profile
Provides athletic training support to student athletes. Provides athletes with injury prevention training, and evaluation, management and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
Level Summary
Manages a work unit or a team and has full authority over personnel actions within the work unit. Contributes to the development of the area’s operational plan, ensuring alignment with broader departmental or institutional goals. Accountable for the achievement of the unit’s operational objectives, improving performance and addressing resource needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Manages a medium-sized team. Directly oversees at least 2.0 FTE employees or one or more supervisors. Has authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, manage performance, discharge, assign duties, reward, and discipline employees.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Responsible for managing team or department budgets and resources.
Problem Solving
Addresses departmental or cross-team issues, devises long-term solutions.
Independence of Action
Acts independently, with consultation with senior management.
Communication and Collaboration
Facilitates communication among team and higher-level leadership, builds relationships across University.
Physical Requirements
The position requires prolonged standing, frequent bending, stooping, and travel. Candidates must possess strong communication, auditory, and visual skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to write legibly. Physical requirements include the ability to lift, push, or pull between 20 and 50 pounds. The role may involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases.
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess and maintain all licensure and certification credentials required by the State of Ohio for practice as an Athletic Trainer.
Applicants certified with a Master’s degree in Athletic Training must have 3 or more years of related professional experience, and 3 or more years of supervisory experience.
Applicants who obtained Athletic Trainer certification with a Bachelor’s degree must have 5 or more years of related professional experience, and 3 or more years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Department Health Sciences Professions, Dean's Office
Pay Rate
Pay is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/.
Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
Pay Grade 17
Pay Range $51,281.00-$85,325.00
FLSA Status Exempt
Job Category Administrative at-will appointment
Employment Type full-time regular
Job Family Athletics
Job Sub Family Training
Job Level M2
Job Open Date 08/07/2026
Posting End Date 08/30/2026
Planning Unit College of Health Sciences & Professions
Work Schedule
Months 12 month
Campus Athens
Expected hours worked per week 40+
Expected duration of assignment ongoing
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position. David Polanski, polanski@ohio.edu
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
Clery Act Crime Statistics
See all 378+ 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.