Assistant Athletic Trainer

Assistant Athletic Trainer - 261104

Western Carolina University

Department: Office of Athletic Programs

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The selected candidate will provide comprehensive athletic medical assistance to sports teams (Volleyball/Softball) as assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine. This includes the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and illnesses in accordance with established sports medicine protocols and best practices.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Examination Coordination - Organize and facilitate pre-participation physical examinations for all student-athletes, ensuring compliance with institutional and governing body requirements.
• Injury Documentation - Maintain accurate and timely records of athletic injuries, treatments, and outcomes utilizing ATS injury tracking software.
• Student Supervision - Provide mentorship and oversight of athletic training students, supporting their clinical development in alignment with program and accreditation standards.
• Supply & Inventory Management - Oversee the purchasing, inventory, and maintenance of athletic training supplies and equipment to ensure adequate operational readiness.
• Collaboration & Communication - Work cooperatively with team physicians, coaching staff, strength and conditioning personnel, and other campus stakeholders to support the overall health and well-being of student-athletes.
• Additional Duties - Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine in support of departmental goals and the student-athlete experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelors degree required. NATABOC required. Eligible for North Carolina State License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree preferred.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Attach a cover letter, current resume, transcripts, and a list of references (including complete contact information).

For questions or additional information, please contact Steven Honbarger, Director of Sports Medicine at shonbarger@email.wcu.edu or 828-227-2043.