The assistant athletic trainer provides comprehensive medical care, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for student-athletes. They also maintain detailed medical documentation and collaborate with coaches and medical staff to ensure compliance with NCAA and conference regulations.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and be a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) with or willing to obtain a Massachusetts state license. Experience in a collegiate athletic setting and knowledge of NCAA rules are preferred.
The assistant athletic trainer is responsible for assisting the head athletic trainer in the day-to-day operations of the athletic training room and sports medicine area, including but not limited to the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and/or illnesses for the student-athletes participating as a member of an intercollegiate program. This full-time position reports directly to the head athletic trainer and will work in accordance with NCAA Division I, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Hockey East Association, and any additional athletic conference affiliation as well as Merrimack College rules, regulations and policies.
Primary Responsibilities
Work with designated teams and student-athletes to provide onsite care and management of injuries and illnesses including: clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment, rehabilitation, and health and well-being support to student-athletes.
Assess risk of injury, perform ergonomic evaluation and coaching, self-care implementation, and overall wellness promotion.
Think critically and make independent decisions regarding the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and return to play decisions per state licensure guidelines.
Maintain written/electronic documentation of all athletic injuries/conditions, treatment, rehabilitation and progress notes, including physician referrals and completion of insurance claims.
Communicate with physicians and coaches regarding student-athlete injuries and healthcare.
Carry out medical care for assigned student-athletes per the sports medicine standard operating procedures.
Work cooperatively and communicate with the strength and conditioning staff regarding injuries and rehabilitation, treatment plans and programming for specific individuals.
Minimize risk of injury through awareness, education and prevention strategies.
Represent Merrimack Athletics with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
Provide leadership and mentorship to the graduate fellows and student interns.
Teach skills and competencies to students in the graduate Athletic Training Education Program; serve as a preceptor
Foster and maintain a culture that demonstrates a commitment to NCAA rules compliance, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Northeast Conference (NEC) and Hockey East rules and protocols, and institutional policies
Participate in departmental activities including staff meetings, compliance education, guest speaker presentations and other events/meetings.
Adhere to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Code of Ethics.
Fulfill other specific areas of responsibility related to the athletic training program as assigned.
Massachusetts State License – Athletic Training (Active or willingness to obtain)
Knowledge of NCAA rules and intercollegiate athletics
Commitment to supporting the academic success and overall well-being of student-athletes
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Applied Knowledge: Athletic trainers must have knowledge of a large range of medical problems. Assessment, evaluation skills and working with other healthcare professionals will be required.
Decision-Making Skills: Ability to think critically and make independent decisions regarding the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and return to play decisions per state licensure guidelines.
Attention to Detail: Athletic trainers should be thorough and detailed with injury tracking and documentation.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in high stress/pressure situations when talking to patients, medical professionals, staff, and families.
Organizational Skills: Must have the ability to organize, prioritize and perform multiple tasks with little or no supervision.
Ability to travel with athletic teams to away contests as necessary.
Ability to work during the day as well as non-traditional hours in the evening, on weekends and on holidays, as necessary.
Experience
Athletic training experience in a collegiate setting is preferred
Experience working with high impact and non-impact sports is preferred
License Requirements
BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
Massachusetts State License – Athletic Training
Application Materials Should Include
Resume
Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.
Application Deadline: 05/30/2026
Work Location
This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.
This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Statement on Our Mission
Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.
Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.
About Merrimack College
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries.
The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success.
The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work.
The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts.
Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S.
News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026.
Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Market context
Athletic training roles stay competitive
In Massachusetts, assistant athletic trainer roles are typically tied to schools, colleges, and sports medicine settings where coverage needs can include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates are often compared on certification, licensure, and readiness for irregular schedules, so a strong clinical background and flexibility can make this role more competitive. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your NATA, CPR/AED, and licensure details before applying.
