Athletic Trainer onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), State athletic trainer license (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: taping and bracing supplies; AEDs and emergency equipment; rehab equipment; concussion assessment tools
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Athletic Trainer training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Maintain emergency action plans for every venue
Monitor heat and lightning
Follow concussion protocols
Use universal precautions with blood
Shadow an experienced athletic trainer through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: tape an ankle
Supervised practice: respond to a possible concussion
Supervised practice: manage heat illness
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Prevent injuries with taping, bracing and conditioning: independently
Evaluate injuries on the field and in the clinic: independently
Provide emergency care: independently
Design and supervise rehabilitation: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC))
Discuss the career path: Graduate Athletic Trainer → Athletic Trainer → Head Athletic Trainer
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Tape an Ankle
Respond to a Possible Concussion
Manage Heat Illness
Injury evaluation
Emergency care
Taping and bracing
Rehabilitation

How to measure onboarding success

Rebooking and retention rates
Revenue or sessions per week
Client reviews and complaints
90-day retention

How Athletic Trainer training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Athletic Trainer Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Athletic Trainer Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Athletic Trainer Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Athletic Trainer Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)