STUDENT INTERNSHIPS

The University of Colorado Sports Medicine Department offers practical experience to a limited number of students interested in health care fields. Athletic Trainers are responsible for the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Student Interns work with Certified Athletic Trainers and Team Physicians to provide general health care to all varsity athletic teams at the University of Colorado. Due to changes in educational standards by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, the University of Colorado can no longer offer a direct route to athletic training certification.

Students in the Sports Medicine Program have the experience of working with a wide variety of men's and women's sports as they rotate through each of the three athletic training rooms on the Boulder campus. Student Interns have the opportunity to observe and be involved with all aspects of the sports medicine coverage provided at CU.

Student Interns work on a daily basis under the supervision of a staff athletic trainer and assist with the care of a particular team. Student interns may assist with taping, pre and post-practice treatments, therapeutic exercise programs, practice coverage, first aid and all other team needs.

STUDENT INTERN REQUIREMENTS

Job Description
Sports medicine student interns assist the athletic training staff in providing health care to varsity student athletes at the University of Colorado. This includes, but is not limited to, many of the following duties and responsibilities:

• Maintain cleanliness of the training room(s)
• Assist in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of athletic injuries
• Set up the assigned facility each day for practice; distribute water, athletic training supplies, and emergency equipment
• Other duties and responsibilities as defined by the athletic training staff related to the health care of varsity student athletes

Academics
All interns are required to be enrolled in at least 6 hours at CU to receive remuneration for their services. A minimum 2.5 GPA each semester is required for all interns. If the GPA falls below requirements in a given semester, the student intern will be placed on probation for one semester. If the student's GPA falls below a 2.5 on a consecutive semester after being placed on probation, the student intern will be suspended from the program and remuneration will also be suspended. At the time of application candidates must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA in high school and/or college.

Sport Coverage/Assignment
The level of coverage for each sport will be determined by the sports medicine staff, with respect to the concerns of the coaching staff, and the level of risk associated with each sport. The Director of Sports Medicine, team physicians, and the administration will designate coverage by athletic trainers for away contests on a sport by sport basis.

Sport assignment is based on knowledge and performance, not just seniority.  Sport placement will be determined by training staff and be based on criteria such as academic achievement, completion of practical skills, and overall work ethic demonstrated.

Fall Reporting Time

Student interns assigned to Football, Soccer, and Volleyball report the 1^st of August for Fall Camp.  According to the NCAA, fall camp is the period between the start of full team practice and the first official day of school.  During this time, the teams take advantage of unrestricted practice prior to the start of the academic year.

Football, Soccer, and Volleyball may practice twice a day, most days up until the start of school.  This is a great opportunity to get to know the Sports Medicine staff, team physicians, and fellow student interns; and to get a head start on practical skills.  Once school starts, regular practice times and training room schedules will be established.  Regular weekly training room hours vary and are determined by each individual’s class schedule and sport assignment.

If you are unable to start your internship the on August 1st you will be assigned to a non-fall sport.  Student interns assigned to Women’s and Men’s Basketball, Tennis, Cross Country, and Track & Field report the first day of the fall academic year.  In addition, student interns for both Men’s and Women’s Basketball will have winter break obligations.

New Student Intern Fall Orientation

New student orientation takes place over three days during the first week of August.  The purpose of fall orientation is to review the Sports Medicine Handbook, attend a Sexual Harassment Seminar, take CPR/AED and Oxygen Training, and learn about wound care, basic first-aid, heat illness, and OSHA guidelines.  Interns are expected to complete the Hepatitis B shot series.  In addition, fall sport student interns review individual sport tasks and assist with pre-participation physicals.  

Orientation is a time to get to know fellow student interns working with other sports, develop relationships with staff athletic trainers and team physicians, and learn basic skills that can be used immediately in the training room before work demand increases. 

Fall orientation is mandatory for student interns assigned to Football, Soccer, and Volleyball; however, student interns assigned to the remainder of sports are also strongly recommended and encouraged to attend. 

Work Obligations

Student intern work requirements vary with sport assignment, season, and seniority. All student interns, upon being hired, have committed themselves to working at least one year in the sports medicine program.  The number of hours worked each week will progress according to the number of years and experience gained in the program.  The number of hours will also depend on the sport assignment and time of competitive season.

Some interns may work other jobs or have other obligations (fraternity/sorority) that may result in schedule conflicts.  Attempts will be made to work around other obligations, but this program must take precedence over extra-curricular activities and/or work obligations.

• Morning Hours – Each student intern will be scheduled to work 1-2 hours in the morning at the Dal Ward training room a week between the hours of 7 am and 12 pm.
• New Student Orientation – Three-day training and introduction to the Sports Medicine program schedule occurs during the first week of August as described previously.


• General Sport Obligation:
  • Basketball - The daily medical coverage for the men’s and women’s basketball teams are each managed by one certified staff athletic trainer, one primary student intern, and one secondary student intern.   Student intern duties consist of court set-up, pre-practice taping and treatments, practice coverage, post-practice treatments, home game coverage, visiting practice and shoot around coverage, and limited team travel. 
    • Student interns report the first day of school.  The practice schedule is 1:00-3:30pm or 3:30-6:30pm depending on the semester.  This does not include the pre- and post-practice treatments.  The official season is from October to March; including Thanksgiving break and winter break.
    • Athletic Training Room – Coors Event Center (please see facilities section for hours of operation).
  • Football– The daily medical coverage for football is managed by two certified staff athletic trainers, one intern athletic trainer, and approximately 10-12 student interns.  Student intern duties consist of field set-up, pre-practice taping and treatments, practice coverage, post-practice treatments, home game coverage, and limited team travel. 
    • Student Interns report the first week of August.  Fall camp takes place until school starts. Regular season practices generally take place between 8:30-10:30 a.m..  This does not include the pre- and post-practice treatments.  The official season is August to the post season bowl game which can extend the season into winter break. 
    • Athletic Training Room – Dal Ward (please see facilities section for hours of operation)
  • Soccer – The daily medical coverage for the soccer team is provided by one certified staff athletic trainer, one primary student intern, and one secondary student intern.   Student intern duties consist of field set-up, pre-practice taping and treatments, practice coverage, post-practice treatments, and home game coverage.
    • Student interns report the first week of August and attending fall camp until school starts.  The official season is August to November. In general, practice is scheduled from 6:45 am-10:00 am.  Spring season practice is scheduled from 6:15 am -10:00 am.  This does not include the pre- and post-practice treatments.
    • Athletic Training Room – Dal Ward (please see facilities section for hours of operation).
  • Tennis - The daily medical coverage for the tennis team is one certified staff athletic trainer or certified intern, one primary student intern, and one secondary student intern.   Student intern duties include court set-up, pre-practice taping and treatments, practice coverage, post-practice treatments, and home game coverage.
    • Student interns report the first day of school.  Fall season is September to October with practice times varying depending on the weather.  Spring season is January to May with practice times again varying depending on the weather but in general 1:00 pm-6:00 pm. This does not include the pre- and post-practice treatments.
    • Athletic Training Room – Coors and Dal Ward (please see facilities section for hours of operation).
  • Cross Country and Track & Field - The daily medical coverage for the track and field team is by one certified staff athletic trainer, one intern athletic trainer, and approximately 5-6 student interns.   Student interns are responsible for pre-practice, practice, post-practice and limited travel responsibilities. 
    • Student Interns report the first day of school.  Practices begin everyday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm and usually end around 6:00 pm.  A member of the Sports Medicine Department will always cover the following groups at practice:  all runners, pole-vaulters, and hurdlers. The staff member must have a cell phone at the track for any emergent situations.  Depending on weather, drinking water needs to be taken to Potts field.  This is determined on a day-to-day basis. Indoor track meets take place in Balch Field house and outdoor meets are held at Potts Field.
    • Athletic Training Room – Carlson (please see facilities section for hours of operation).
  • Volleyball – The daily medical coverage for the volleyball team is by one certified staff athletic trainer, one primary student intern, and one secondary student intern.   Student intern duties consist of court set-up, pre-practice taping and treatments, practice coverage, post-practice treatments, and home game coverage.
    • Student interns report the first week of August. Fall camp continues until school starts. The official season is August to the end of November; in general, practice is scheduled from 4:00-7:00pm. Spring season is 7:30 am to 10:00 am, and 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm. This does not include the pre- and post-practice treatments.
    • Athletic Training Room -- Coors (please see facilities section for hours of operation)

Professional Development

Practical Skills

Student interns will have a practical skills handbook to utilize during their time in our program.  There are three levels of practical skills; beginning, intermediate, and advanced.  The practical skills are designed to be self-paced using the provided workbook.  Once the student intern feels that they have mastered the information they should go to a staff member to complete the necessary examination.  Student Interns may not be checked off on more than two practical skills per week.  The practical skills handbook will be distributed at the beginning of the school year.

Dress Code
The purpose of a dress code for student interns is to project a professional image for the intern and the University of Colorado Sports Medicine Program. Proper dress allows the interns and staff to be easily identifiable.  All Student interns are issued a locker when entering the sports medicine program.  It is recommended that all student interns keep work attire and personal belongings in their issued locker. 

Professionalism Policy
A student involved in the Sports Medicine Student Internship experience must understand that their role in providing health care will be highly visible to the athletes, coaches, university administrators, as well as to the parents and spectators. It is very important that all student interns maintain a professional demeanor as they work with the University of Colorado intercollegiate athletics program. Please be aware of your responsibilities as future health care providers and protect your future by being conscientious of your actions at all times. The most precious thing that you presently own is your reputation so; safeguard it by acting responsible both as a student intern and as a person.  

Internship Credit Hours
Student Interns participating in the Sports Medicine Student Internship program can earn up to 6 credit hours as juniors and seniors and 3 credit hours as freshmen and sophomores.  NOTE:  This is highly recommended.  Contact your Academic Advisor for more information.

Monetary Aid/Advancement

Monetary aid and advancement in the Student Internship program is based on knowledge and performance, not just seniority.  Advancement will be determined by academic achievement, completion of practical skills, and overall work ethic demonstrated throughout the year. 

Student interns who learn quickly and work hard will advance and be rewarded with increased responsibility and remuneration.  The standard monetary aid, which can be increased or decreased depending on the criteria listed above, is as follows:

                                                Year 1                           Volunteer (unless work study eligible)

                                                Year 2   - 3                    Hourly

Sports Medicine Facilities

Dal Ward Athletic Center /Knowlton Sports Medicine Center

The Knowlton Sports Medicine Center is a 4,000 sq. ft. facility located in the Dal Ward Athletic Center which serves as the main athletic training room for all student-athletes. Housed inside the facility is a fully functional x-ray machine, sports medicine library, two physician’s exam rooms, a large taping and treatment area, a hydrotherapy area complete with a SwimEx exercise pool, and a “chiller” pool. It also has locker rooms for all staff and sports medicine interns. Three staff athletic trainers, one intern athletic trainers, and 10-15 sports medicine student interns cover this facility.

The Knowlton Sports Medicine Center is open to all student-athletes during the academic year in the morning (until 1:00 pm) and during the summer.  In the afternoon, this facility’s primary users are football, soccer, cheer, and women’s golf.  Hours are also available for any student-athlete involved in weight lifting or conditioning activities.  Additionally, it is available at all times for those student-athletes who need to be seen by a physician.  The hours of operation for the Knowlton Sports Medicine Center are:

M-F      6:30 am- 7:00 pm (football season)

M-F      7:30 am- 6:00 pm (remainder of school year)

            S-S       As required

Coors Athletic Training Room

The athletic training room at the Coors Events & Conference Center is a 1200 sq. ft. facility that primarily serves men's & women's basketball, women's volleyball, skiing, cheer, and men's golf. Three staff athletic trainers and 3-6 student sports medicine interns oversee this facility. The hours of operation for the Coors Events & Conference Center athletic training room are:

            M-F      12:00 pm-6:00 pm (academic year)

            S-S       As required

Student Internship applications are accepted once a year in the spring for the following academic year. Important dates are listed to the right:    

There will be an Open House to present the internship program, review application process, and give applicants the opportunity to ask specific questions.  This program introduces you the Sports Medicine staff, team physicians, and current student interns. Additionally, a tour of the Dal Ward Athletic facility will be provided. 

Procedures and requirements for applicants consist of:

1)     Application form (Click here to download).  Download Free Acrobat Reader

2)     Resume

3)     Two letters of recommendation 

Please send or drop off your complete applications, resume, and two letters of recommendation to:

 Athletic Training Application Committee

Attn: Nicole Makris

University of Colorado Sports Medicine

 Dal Ward Athletic Center

 Campus Box 368

Boulder, CO 80309

After applications have been screened, all qualified applicants will be interviewed. Selection of student interns will be based on their application, GPA, and the professional interview. Final selection will take place after all interviews have been completed.

If you have specific questions please feel free to contact Nicole Makris at nicole.makris@colorado.edu