Description
Description
Summary
The Clinical Athletic Trainer is an integral part of a fast-paced orthopedic practice that must excel in IBJI’s core values of patient-centric care, musculoskeletal care, and teamwork. This position serves as a clinical liaison between patients, physicians, advance practice providers, rehabilitation professionals, and support staff to ensure efficient, high-quality musculoskeletal care throughout the continuum of care.
The Clinical Athletic Trainer functions within the scope of practice established by the Board of Certification (BOC), state athletic training licensure regulations, organizational policies, and physician-delegated responsibilities. Responsibilities include patient assessment, clinical documentation, care coordination, patient education, procedural assistance, and diagnostic test facilitation.The Clinical Athletic Trainer promotes excellence in patient care while supporting clinical efficiency, quality initiatives, education, and research activities.
Responsibilities
Clinical Patient Care
Obtain and document comprehensive patient histories, including chief complaint, mechanism of injury, past medical history, medications, allergies, and functional limitations
Perform musculoskeletal evaluations including range of motion, strength testing, neurovascular assessment, palpation, functional testing, ligamentous evaluation, and special orthopedic testing
Assist physicians with patient examinations, treatment planning, and follow-up care
Prepare patients for office procedures and assist physicians during injections and other clinical procedures
Provide post-operative care including wound assessments, dressing changes, suture removal, and patient education as directed by the supervising physician
Apply, fit, and educate patients regarding durable medical equipment (DME), braces, orthotics, and assistive devices
Provide exercise instruction, rehabilitation guidance, and education regarding injury prevention, treatment plans, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and return-to-activity protocols
Monitor patient progress and communicate clinical concerns to the physician team
Care Coordination and Practice Support
Coordinate patient care across physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, imaging departments, and outside healthcare providers
Facilitate diagnostic testing including radiographs, MRI, CT, EMG, ultrasound, laboratory studies, and specialty referrals under physician direction
Manage physician clinic workflows and assist in optimizing patient access and scheduling efficiency
Respond to patient phone calls, portal messages, and clinical inquiries in a timely and professional manner
Serve as a clinical resource for administrative staff, call center personnel, and interdisciplinary team members
Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and payer requirements
Quality, Education, and Program Development
Support departmental initiatives related to patient safety, quality improvement, compliance, and operational excellence
Assist in the development, implementation, and revision of clinical policies, procedures, and best practices
Participate in continuing education activities and maintain current knowledge of evidence-based orthopedic and sports medicine practices
Contribute to educational programming including journal clubs, case reviews, conferences, and departmental in-services
Serve as a mentor and clinical preceptor for athletic training students, residents, and other learners as assigned
Participate in physician-led research projects, data collection efforts, and scholarly activities as requested
Professional Expectations
Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to exceptional patient service
Foster collaborative relationships with physicians, advanced practice providers, rehabilitation staff, and administrative personnel
Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, state practice acts, accreditation standards, and organizational policies
Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals
Requirements
Education
Bachelor's degree from a CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Program required
Master's degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, or related healthcare field preferred
Certifications/Licensure
Board of Certification (BOC) Certified Athletic Trainer required
Current State Athletic Training License or eligibility for licensure required
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required
Experience
Experience in orthopedic, sports medicine, physician practice, collegiate, professional, or clinical athletic training setting preferred
Experience with electronic medical records and clinical documentation preferred
Experience with durable medical equipment fitting and patient education preferred
Physical Requirements
Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach throughout the workday
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds
Ability to perform close visual work including computer use, documentation, and patient assessment
Ability to safely assist patients and handle clinical equipment as required
Physical demands may vary based on assigned clinical location and responsibilities
This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Duties and responsibilities, experience, qualifications, skills, supervisory relationship, physical/mental demands, and environmental/ working conditions may change as needs evolve.