Aiken County Schools Plan To Hire Full-Time Athletic Trainers for Student Safety

Aiken County Public Schools will bring on three full-time athletic trainers this year. These professionals will provide medical care to student athletes during practices and games. The district has increased the top salary for these positions as it works to fill open roles.

Most high schools in the district lack a dedicated athletic trainer. The school system contracts EMS services for football games on Friday nights. It has contracted athletic trainers before, but never in full-time roles.

"We're looking for people who can be there at practices, games, that can work part of the school day, even on rehabilitation of athletes that have injuries," said Dr. Tim Yarborough, chief officer for operations and student services, per WRDW.

Four more positions will be added next year to cover all high schools in the county. Parents and coaches have asked for this kind of on-site care.

Dr. Josh Pniewski owns Palmetto Motion. He has consulted student athletes for free. His clinic saw hundreds of student visits during the 2024-25 school year. Pniewski is also a parent of an Aiken High School football player. Having a trainer on the sideline would let him focus on being a parent rather than thinking about medical care, he said.