Certified Athletic Trainer - Physician Extender

Department: Rehabilitation Services, Clinic

Reports To: Director of Rehabilitation Services

SUMMARY

Provides physician extender services to patients in a clinic setting under the direction of a primary physician as defined by Minnesota Statutes. Works directly with FirstLight Health System Sports and Orthopedic Medicine team who specialize in sports medicine, non-surgical orthopedics, musculoskeletal conditions, and medical issues in athletes. Works with local schools/communities and various providers on development of sports medicine program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Room patients and obtain the history and update the electronic medical record
• Assist the physician with procedures
• Injection and procedure preparation
• Triage patient clinical phone calls
• Phlebotomy for PRP and autologous blood injections
• Care coordination of the athletes with the school ATCs
• Patient education and rehab program instruction
• Cast fabrication and splint application
• Brace application
• Other clinical and administrative duties as required
• Opportunities to cover high school sporting events and the athletic training room as desired:
• Prevent, recognize, evaluate, manage and treat athletic injuries using sound and up-to-date clinical techniques; give emergency care and first aid.
• Develops and cultivates contacts with referring physicians, businesses, schools, coaches and other referral sources.
• Excellent decision-making skills to make treatment assessments based on quick injury evaluation.
• Effective communication/interpersonal skills both in person and in writing; work with treating physician and coach regarding injury status of athletes; will also interact with management, professional staff, parents, general public and local schools and sports teams.
• Demonstrate proper taping, strapping, bracing and fitting of athletic equipment.
• Facilitates pre and post-participation exams; acquires and advises on protective equipment for athletes as needed.
• May use modalities such as cold, heat, light, sound, electricity, exercise, and mechanical devices for treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
• Provide athletic training services at assigned sporting events at schools within the community; work with school staff on scheduling coverage of appropriate events.
• Helps facilitate and develop a community outreach program and helps further develop the sports medicine program.
• ImPACT Concussion program administration, coordination, and development.
• Will maintain NATA certification.
• Provides patient and community education in the areas of sports injury prevention and care.
• Provides input as to the fitness, strength and conditioning status of athletes.
• Completes all documentation according to department and practice act guidelines.
• May function as a physical therapist extender in the clinic/hospital setting.
• Demonstrates the ability to instruct, supervise and delegate appropriate patient care activities/treatment to support personnel as needed.
• Treats within scope of practice, abides by State Practice Act guidelines, and follows ethical/legal standards of practice per guidelines.
• Help facilitate the creation of athletic training policies and procedures.
• Supports the policies and procedures of the organization and the standards of Joint Commission as required for full accreditation.
• Demonstrates an outstanding work ethic, the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with patients and staff, and the ability to demonstrate compassion and respect for others are essential criteria.
• Preference will be given to those candidates who can effectively interview patients to obtain a sound history and who can work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.
• Considers age-related factors in care, treatment, education, and evaluation of patients ranging from neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Applies knowledge of age-related factors appropriately in accordance with professional standards and departmental policies and procedures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited professional Athletic Training Program. Masters degree preferred. BOC certification required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current MN license. Current BLS certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Welia Health is an equal-opportunity employer.