College Athletic Trainers' Society

HARVARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC TRAINING   

TRANSITION TO PRACTICE PROGRAM 

Program Description 

The Harvard Sports Medicine Department has developed a unique program for newly credentialed athletic training clinicians, with the objective of expanding and enhancing both clinical and professional skills as they continue to develop their autonomous practice. The program will aid the newly certified athletic trainer to meet these goals through: 

• Independent care of at least one sport program, with the opportunity to collaboratively care for additional sport programs over the course of the year 

• Working alongside orthopedic physicians, internist, sports dietitian, and mental health clinicians on a weekly basis in the athletic training room 

• Mentorship from Athletic Training Transition to Practice Program Director formally through monthly 1-on-1 meetings and end of year meeting; as well as informally with Program Director and all other staff athletic trainers 

• Directly observing and interacting with physicians and specialists in their private practice and surgical setting through 4, month long, rotations to better understand evaluation and communications styles of these practitioners 

• Specialty areas include but are not limited to hand and wrist, foot and ankle, general medical, and sports cardiology 

• Opportunity to become certified in Dry Needling Techniques and Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization techniques, and become proficient in Blood Flow Restriction treatment 

• Fulfillment of administrative responsibilities as assigned by Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Health and Wellness and Program Director 

• Continued professional development through the delivery of four evidence-based presentations to colleagues over the course of the year 

• Attendance of monthly continuing education sessions hosted by Harvard Sports Medicine, a BOC approved provider 

Job Requirements:

• Eligibility for Massachusetts Athletic Training State Licensure is required. Licensure is dependent on successful completion of an athletic training degree program and possession of a National Athletic Trainer’s Association Board of Certification credential 

• Candidates must fulfill the requirements of Harvard University Health Services Credentialing process 

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills and knowledge 

• Ability to work with electronic medical record keeping systems and other computer databases are required 

• Please note the positions will require weekend and non-traditional work hours 

• Candidates also must possess the ability to lift objects of approximately 75 pounds 

• Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license 

• Candidates who possess a Master’s degree and manual therapy based certifications may be preferred  

The Harvard Sports Medicine Department is currently offering three Athletic Training Transition to Practice positions. 

• Program salary of at least $43,888, split in bi-monthly payments throughout the year.  

• This program is a benefits-eligible position. 

• Candidates are responsible for their relocation costs, securing and covering the cost of their housing, transportation, and any parking fees associated with Harvard University or physician rotation sites. 

• The sports medicine department will reimburse the candidates for their state licensure and NATA dues. 

• The program is limited to a 12-month term running from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 

Application Process 

All interested applicants should submit a statement of purpose (note: this should not be a cover letter) and a resume with three references to Diana Priestman, via dianapriestman@fas.harvard.edu 

• The statement of purpose should specify the applicants desire to continue in the field of athletic training and outline how the program will assist in development of professional goals  

• The statement should not exceed 500 words 

• Each of the three references should have contact information listed, including a phone number and email address  

• Letters of recommendation are not required or encouraged 

• The application process is open until all three Transition to Practice appointments are filled