OPT Personal Trainer Jobs
Personal Trainer jobs on OPT are available at commercial gyms, university recreation centers, and corporate wellness programs. Most roles qualify as standard employment, so your F-1 OPT authorization covers them directly. STEM OPT extensions don't apply here, making the standard 12-month window your primary timeline to secure sponsorship.
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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 Personal Trainer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Personal Trainer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Personal Trainer
Target employers with dedicated HR infrastructure
Large gym chains and university recreation departments are more likely to have experience hiring international staff. Smaller independent studios may be unfamiliar with OPT authorization, so prioritize organizations with formal HR teams who understand work authorization documentation.
Get your certifications before you start applying
NASM, ACE, or NSCA credentials are often prerequisites, not nice-to-haves. Having certification in hand before applying removes one objection employers raise when considering candidates who also require OPT paperwork. It shows you're ready to work immediately.
Clarify your authorization timeline upfront
Be ready to explain your OPT end date and what sponsorship would look like after it expires. Most personal training employers don't know immigration basics, so a calm, clear one-paragraph explanation shared early in conversations prevents confusion and builds confidence in hiring you.
Frame visa sponsorship around your long-term value
Employers sponsoring you for an H-1B visa or O-1 visa are investing in a long-term hire. Emphasize client retention skills, specialized training certifications, and revenue you can generate. Make it clear sponsorship is a business decision that pays off, not just a favor.
Start the sponsorship conversation before month nine of OPT
OPT cap-gap protection requires H-1B filing before your status expires. If you wait too long, neither you nor your employer has enough runway to complete the process. Starting conversations around month six gives your employer time to engage an immigration attorney.
Consider roles that blend training with program management
Titles like Fitness Program Coordinator or Wellness Specialist often carry more sponsorship potential because employers view them as harder to fill. If your background allows it, pursuing hybrid roles increases the likelihood an employer sees immigration costs as justified.
Personal Trainer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Personal Trainer role qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, personal training qualifies for OPT as long as the role is directly related to your field of study, such as kinesiology, exercise science, sports medicine, or a related health and fitness degree. You'll need to confirm the connection between your job duties and your major when reporting employment to your DSO.
Can I work as a personal trainer as an independent contractor on OPT?
It's possible but complicated. USCIS allows self-employment on OPT under specific conditions, including having a legitimate business and performing work related to your degree. Many OPT students working as independent trainers at studios or gyms operate in a gray area. Consult your DSO before accepting contractor arrangements, since misclassification can jeopardize your status.
Is the Personal Trainer role eligible for a STEM OPT extension?
No. Personal training and fitness instruction roles are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension is not available. Your authorization window is the standard 12 months. That makes finding an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B or O-1 visa within that window especially important.
What visa options exist for sponsorship after OPT expires as a personal trainer?
The H-1B is the most common path, but personal training typically doesn't qualify as a specialty occupation unless your role has significant program design, clinical, or management responsibilities tied to a specific degree. The O-1A is worth exploring if you have competitive athletic credentials or recognized expertise. Discuss your background with an immigration attorney to assess your strongest option.
Where can I find Personal Trainer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship openness, so you're not wasting time applying to roles that won't work with your status. Browsing Personal Trainer listings on Migrate Mate helps you identify employers who have hired international candidates before and are more likely to engage on sponsorship.