Job Description
Fort Hays State University has one (1) Athletic Trainer position available within the Department of Athletics. Duties for this position include providing sports medicine care for student athletes within our 19 sport NCAA Division II athletics program, including autonomous medical coverage and possible travel of two sports (sport coverage assignments will vary depending on the successful applicant, but could range from Men’s or Women’s Soccer, Men’s or Women’s Wrestling or Track & Field); mentoring pre-athletic training student managers and potentially clinically supervising athletic training students within a CAATE Accredited immersive clinical rotation; and various administrative duties assigned by the Director of Sports Medicine and the Head Athletic Trainer.
Our Sports Medicine Department at Fort Hays State University is comprised of our two Team Physicians (through our local hospital system, HaysMed), our Athletic Training Staff (8 ATC's, including this open position), our Sports Performance Staff (3 CSCS's), and our Allied Health Care Team (A volunteer Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist, local Chiropractic Care, FHSU Wellness Center, FHSU Speech & Language Pathology, FHSU Diagnostic Imaging, along with our local Eye and Dental Care). This inclusive and collaborative group of medical professionals strives to provide our student athletes with the best medical care, resources, and support available in Division II Athletics. Our vision is to provide a Sports Medicine culture that establishes a standard of excellence beyond the individual by utilizing the collective strengths of our members to collaboratively work towards a unified purpose. We fill our Sports Medicine Team with quality individuals who buy into this culture through a concerted group effort to encourage, enhance, and enable each other which fosters a system of mutual support and personal investment. The mission of our Sports Medicine department is to seamlessly integrate into all aspects of the athletics department, by complementing each department’s / team’s unique circumstances to contribute to the shared results. Our Administration will know that we will firmly follow medical best practice while being cognizant and adaptable to the ever-changing demands of the athletics landscape. Our Coaches will know that we are invested in their team and through our specialty knowledge and skills we can aid them in their pursuit of player development and team success. And our Student Athletes will know that our care and support is genuine with an emphasis on overall wellness to aid them in attaining their goals. Our emphasis on overall student athlete wellness includes their physical health, mental health, and performance health by utilizing a forward-thinking approach to always seek, embrace, and encourage growth in all areas within our department.
Minimum Qualifications: CAATE Accredited degree in Athletic Training; BOC certification; Eligible for Kansas Licensure required [Kansas License must be obtained prior to start date].
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Health & Human Performance or equivalent field and two (2) years of experience as a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer preferred.
Appointment Date: May 2026
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin April 2nd, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Salary: Starting at $44,000 for a 10-month appointment (August – May)
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Additional Benefits: ** These positions are eligible for International Visa Sponsorship **
These positions receive the following items annually:
o Paid Kansas AT Licensure Fees
o Paid BOC Maintenance Fees
o Paid Personal Professional Liability Insurance
o $500 Personal CEU Budget
o $250 Personal Nike Apparel Budget
Sports Medicine Staff has the ability to receive the following:
o Tuition Assistance at Fort Hays State University for the employee, as well as the employee's spouse and children
o Professional Development Funding through a university application process
o Additional Income from working FHSU Summer Sport Camps and potentially PRN high school football game coverage through the local hospital system.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit
FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.
Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Name: Nathanial Hepner
Phone: 785-628-5285
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
