Colleges and universities face a critical decision when staffing athletic trainers: should they opt for temporary staffing or commit to permanent hires? Each approach has distinct advantages, and the best choice often depends on the unique needs of your athletic department. Let’s explore the benefits of both options to help you make an informed decision.

Temporary Staffing: Flexibility and Speed

Temporary staffing can be ideal for institutions facing immediate or short-term needs. Whether it’s to cover workload peaks, staff shortages, or a specific sports season, temporary athletic trainers offer flexibility without long-term commitments.

Benefits of Temporary Staffing

  • Quick Turnaround: Temporary staffing allows athletic departments to fill gaps quickly, ensuring no disruption in care for student-athletes during critical periods like competition seasons or training camps.
  • Cost-Effective for Short-Term Needs: Since temporary employees are typically not eligible for benefits, this option can save costs for institutions with limited budgets.
  • Trial Periods: Temporary roles provide an opportunity to evaluate an athletic trainer’s skills and fit within the team before committing to a permanent hire. This aligns with models like GSI-Collegiate’s 90-day evaluation period, which allows institutions to transition temporary hires into permanent roles without additional fees.
  • Adaptability: Temporary trainers are beneficial when service demand fluctuates, such as during seasonal sports or when multiple events overlap.

Challenges of Temporary Staffing

  • Limited Integration: Temporary staff may not have the time to fully integrate into the team dynamic or build long-term relationships with athletes and coaches.
  • Continuity of Care: Since temporary trainers are often hired for short durations, there may be gaps in continuity when managing long-term injuries or rehabilitation plans.

Permanent Staffing: Stability and Long-Term Value

For athletic departments looking to establish consistent care and build a cohesive team, permanent staffing offers significant advantages. A full-time athletic trainer becomes a cornerstone of the department, providing ongoing support and expertise.

Benefits of Permanent Staffing

  • Continuity of Care: Permanent athletic trainers can oversee long-term injury prevention and rehabilitation programs, ensuring consistent care for student-athletes throughout their collegiate careers.
  • Stronger Relationships: Full-time trainers often develop close bonds with athletes, coaches, and medical staff, fostering trust and effective communication.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Permanent hires are more likely to be involved in all aspects of the athletic program, from practices and competitions to emergency care and injury prevention education.
  • Reduced Referrals: Studies show that directly employed athletic trainers can reduce external medical referrals by providing timely on-site care, which improves athlete outcomes and reduces costs.

Challenges of Permanent Staffing

  • Higher Initial Costs: Permanent positions often come with salaries, benefits, and additional expenses like professional development and equipment.
  • Time-Intensive Hiring Process: Recruiting permanent staff requires more time and resources than hiring temporary employees.
  • Commitment Risks: If a hire does not meet expectations, replacing a permanent employee can be more complex than ending a temporary contract.

Which Option is Best for Your Athletic Department?

The decision between temporary and permanent staffing depends on your department’s specific needs:

1. Choose Temporary Staffing If…

  • You need immediate coverage for seasonal sports or staff absences.
  • Your budget is limited, and you want to avoid long-term financial commitments.
  • You’re looking to evaluate candidates before making a permanent hire.

2. Choose Permanent Staffing If…

  • You want to establish consistent care and build strong relationships within your program.
  • Your department requires year-round support for multiple sports teams.
  • You’re focused on long-term athlete health outcomes and reducing external medical costs.

A Balanced Approach

For many institutions, a hybrid approach works best. For example:

  • Use temporary staffing during peak seasons or while searching for the perfect full-time hire.
  • Transition high-performing temporary staff into permanent roles after an evaluation period.

Services like GSI-Collegiate make this transition seamless by offering flexible staffing solutions with no additional fees after 90 days. This model allows colleges to benefit from both the adaptability of temporary hires and the stability of permanent staff.

By carefully evaluating your department’s priorities—whether it’s cost savings, continuity of care, or flexibility—you can choose the staffing model that best supports your student-athletes success.