Melrose/Wakefield Hospital, part of the Tufts Medicine system, has been offering the highest quality and accessible healthcare to the local community for over 130 years.  With two hospital campuses, Level III Trauma Center, Level III Special Care Nursery, Breast Health Center, Cardiovascular Center and over 20 locations and 50 specialties, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital offers many opportunities to grow your career.  

Job Overview 

This position provides, within the legal limitations, medical and rehabilitative care to patients. This position is educated in preventative, rehabilitative and emergency care to assist patients achieve optimal functioning using various therapeutic exercises, activities, modalities, and skills. Performs initial evaluations, coordinates treatment plans and monitors progress, refers patient as necessary to appropriate sources for care.  This position will comply with the policy and procedures of the department, organization, and JCAHO requirements.  This position may work with high school students at their training facilities or on the field and will follow all applicable school policies. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or related field. 

2. Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers OR must be eligible. 

3. Athletic Training license or must be eligible to become licensed within 6 months of hire. 

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. 

5. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certified. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Performs initial evaluation of patients, which includes obtaining medical history and performing physical examinations. 

2. Presents this information and confers with attending physicians to determine treatment plan.   

3. Coordinates elements of treatment plan and monitors patient progress and adherence to treatment plan. 

4. Ensures that equipment or therapies recommended are obtained or carried out in a reasonable time. 

5. Provides routine medical care such as minor dressing changes, suture or staple removal for a post-operative patient. 

6. Provides health education and health maintenance services. 

7. Responsible for triage and referral to appropriate source when primary care patients present with new symptoms. 

8. Maintains adequate medical records on all injuries and rehabilitation procedures. 

9. Assists with a variety of non-essential & non-clinical tasks to support the quality of care within the Department. 

10. If assigned to work with high school students the following may apply: Develop plans for providing athletic training coverage at all interscholastic athletic events identified in the athletic training contract; Establish and maintain a budget for athletic training supplies/equipment; Develop comprehensive venue and condition specific emergency action plans; Establish a working relationship with a designated team physician, community physicians, and school nursing staff; Comply with all policies regarding health care delivery as indicated by the school systems regulations and outlined in the school’s athletic training program policies and procedures manual where applicable; Complete annual concussion training per state requirements. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects.  

2. Medium strength is required to position patients for examination. May assist patients as needed, helping them on and off the exam table and/or bed or playing surface.  

3. May require working in outdoor conditions. 

4. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard, dexterity to provide quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques to a wide variety of patients. 

5. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.  Visually assess injury and functional status of patients, audibly assess patient subjective complaints 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Applied Knowledge: Athletic trainers must have knowledge about a large range of medical conditions. Assessment and evaluation skills and working with other healthcare professionals will be needed.

2. 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.

3. Attention to Detail: should be thorough and detailed with injury tracking and documentation.

4. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in high stress/pressure situation when talking to patients, medical professionals, staff, and families.

5. Must have the ability to organize, prioritize and perform multiple tasks with little or no supervision.

About Melrose/Wakefield Hospital

Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford are two campuses with one community in mind: the people of north suburban Boston.  Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital are distinguished by the range of high-quality clinical care and services. Our teams welcome everyone with hospitality and humanity. We focus on reducing health disparities through 40+ local health programs across a system of hospitals, urgent care locations, outpatient services, and community physicians.

Core to our values, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital’s commitment to community is demonstrated by our many local health programs throughout our service area and participation in partnerships with community agencies and events, and education programs in more than 10 communities to support the wellness and health of our residents.