Certified Athletic Trainer - Drake University - $5K Sign-on Bonus
Company : Select Medical
Location : Des Moines, IA, 50309-3812
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Overview
Select Physical Therapy are looking for a passionate Certified Athletic Trainers(ATC) to provide care for our student-athletes! In this role, you will service contracted schools and coordinate access to additional healthcare for their student-athletes. This positions will be supporting Drake University's Soccer and Crew programs.
Position: Certified Athletic Trainer
Location: 319 7th St, Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309 - Drake University
Type of Employment: Full-time Schedule: Weekdays/Weekends, Typical Collegiate ATC hours
Compensation: Starting at $47,000/Yr, commensurate with experience
Incentives: $5,000 Sign-on Bonus, Student Debt Benefit (up to $200 monthly tuition assistance)
Our comprehensive benefits package supports your career growth and personal well-being:
- Start Strong: Our mentorship and orientation programs ensure a successful transition
- Education for Growth: Unmatched CEU program with paid national certifications (Free for ATCs!)
- Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO to maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Your Health Matters: Comprehensive medical/RX, health, vision, and dental plan offerings
- Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plans as well as life and disability protection
- Ease the Burden: Our student loan repayment program helps alleviate the financial pressure of student debt (available in select markets)
- Specialized Care: We offer growth and specialties nationwide (sports medicine - in high school and collegiate settings, and industrial health)
- Advance your Career: Our Outpatient Clinical Advancement Program supports professional growth and clinical expertise with bonus incentives
Responsibilities
- Design and implement specific therapeutic programs for injured athletes’ rehabilitation
- Determine the need for and administer proper athletic training techniques before and during games/practices to decrease risk of injury (techniques can include taping, wrapping, bracing, proper hydration and minor wound care)
- Determine the effectiveness of athletic training/rehabilitative techniques and record change as indicated by athlete response within limits of specified plan of care
- Manage emergency incidents, coordinate EMS and acute care procedures including basic life support to reduce the impact on function of an injured athlete.
- Seek outreach opportunities and participate in events to promote the company (races, club teams, etc.)
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree
- National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA-BOC) Board of Certification
- CPR certification
- Applicable state license where required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree
Additional Data
Go Anywhere with Us! 1900 centers in 39 states offering internal movement
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
Des Moines has a growing demand for certified athletic trainers, especially in collegiate and high school sports. With several universities and sports programs nearby, competition is moderate, favoring candidates with NATA-BOC certification and local licensure, making it vital to highlight relevant credentials in this region.
Iowa emphasizes state licensure alongside the national NATA-BOC certification for athletic trainers. CPR certification is essential, and those with advanced degrees or additional sports medicine credentials often have an edge due to the region’s emphasis on comprehensive athlete care.
At Drake University, certified athletic trainers focus heavily on rehabilitating student-athletes in soccer and crew, managing emergency care, and coordinating healthcare access. The collegiate environment demands a blend of preventive care, event coverage, and educational outreach not always present in other athletic training roles.
Career advancement often includes specialization in sports medicine, leadership roles within athletic departments, or transitioning to clinical settings. Pursuing a master’s degree and continuous education can open doors to higher responsibility roles and increased earning potential in collegiate environments.
Select Medical’s Certified Athletic Trainer role uniquely integrates extensive mentorship, paid certifications, and a strong student debt assistance program, making it ideal for early-career professionals seeking robust support while working in a collegiate sports context like Drake University.
Beyond competitive pay, Select Medical provides generous PTO, paid national certifications, and a comprehensive health plan. Their focus on mentorship and educational growth, combined with tuition assistance, supports both personal wellness and ongoing professional development.
The $5,000 sign-on bonus significantly boosts initial earnings, complementing the starting salary of approximately $47,000 annually. For athletic trainers in Des Moines, this incentive reflects the competitive effort to attract qualified professionals to support Drake University’s athletic programs.
Drake University’s athletic trainer positions emphasize hands-on care for soccer and crew teams, with a schedule reflecting collegiate athletics’ unique demands. The role’s linkage to Select Medical’s extensive network provides access to broad professional growth and specialty training nationwide.
Managing diverse injury profiles from high-intensity sports like soccer and crew requires tailored rehabilitation programs and injury prevention. Trainers must also navigate weekend schedules and emergency interventions, balancing rigorous athlete demands typical of collegiate sports in Des Moines.
Yes, Select Medical provides a student loan repayment program offering up to $200 monthly tuition assistance, easing financial burdens. This benefit is particularly valuable for athletic trainers starting in Des Moines, blending financial relief with professional growth opportunities.