UC Davis Athletics

The sports medicine internship is designed for the undergraduate student looking for a hands-on experience working with medical professionals. Interns are expected to fulfill up to 15 hours per week with a 1-2 years commitment in the program. The intern will be working to learn clinical and didactic skills necessary in the field of sports medicine. Surgical observations, working with physicians, priority for in-patient and out-patient physical therapy internships and actual patient contact are but a few of the unique opportunities this internship provides. Opportunities for letters of recommendation from instructors, physicians and athletic trainers are available as the undergraduate looks toward post-graduate education.

The application is due at the end of fall quarter. The full application process begins in the fall with the application, following with observation hours and interviews occurring during the winter quarter. If accepted to the internship, the students will attend an orientation class spring quarter to serve as an orientation to the program and program duties. During the course, the students will learn a variety of therapy and first aid techniques and have opportunities to practice these skills during clinical hours. The following summer session II and academic year the student intern will work side by side in both the rehabilitation clinic and in a first responder role with a certified athletic trainer to learn and implement skills. The undergraduate interns work with intercollegiate athletic teams on campus in both practice/event medical coverage and in the rehabilitation clinic. The student interns are primarily interested in medicine, physical therapy, athletic training or other allied health careers.

INTERNSHIP APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to care for physically active individuals. The UC Davis staff ATs are responsible for prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries sustained by all of the Aggie intercollegiate student-athletes. In the clinical and on-field settings skills executed include taping, bracing, soft tissue manipulation, equipment fitting, first-aid, emergency care, and injury rehabilitation aimed at return to play. ATs work with physicians, surgeons, strength and condition coaches, nutritionists, physical therapists, and sports psychologists to provide comprehensive care for student-athletes, and act as a resource for coaches and family members.

The University of California, Davis is fortunate to have a sports medicine internship program that runs through the academic year and involves approximately 35 students each year. The objective for the sports medicine student intern is to cultivate an expanded knowledge base and learn hands-on skills that may be applied in any allied health profession, while increasing a greater understanding for the field of sports medicine. The ideal internship candidate is one who is intrinsically motivated, has a mature demeanor and professional appearance, and has a willingness to work hard. The nature of this position requires a flexible schedule and the ability to work nights and weekends.

Once a full application is completed the applicant will be required to attend an orientation meeting the first week of winter quarter. Applicants will also be required to complete 15 hours of observation during winter quarter. During observation hours you will have the opportunity to ask questions of the staff and students, and see the day-to-day operations (taping, rehab, etc.) in the athletic training room. Each applicant should attempt to observe in all facilities and observe an athletic event.

Application Process
Phase I - Application - Opens September 1st

Phase II - Observation Hours
Goal: To assist you in learning about the internship, meet current student interns, meet staff members and ask questions. This is your opportunity to learn what the internship encompasses as a whole.

Phase III - Interviews
You will be contacted individually to schedule the interview. This will take place during winter quarter.

Required once accepted into the internship: