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UCLA Sports Medicine Internship Program
The UCLA Sports Medicine Internship Program (SMIP) is a professional development program designed to provide undergraduate students interested in sports medicine a unique opportunity to work first hand with UCLA Sports Medicine staff, physicians, and student-athletes. The SMIP provides an interactive work experience that includes a comprehensive education program and exposure to athletic injuries, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic rehabilitation, injury prevention, and observation of team physicians. The student intern will learn how to recognize, evaluate, and effectively treat a wide variety of athletic injuries including non-orthopedic issues. With supervision from certified athletic trainers, physicians, and physical therapists, the student intern will gain knowledge of treatment concepts and rehabilitation philosophies designed to fit the needs of the UCLA student-athletes.
Student interns will gain knowledge through observation, in-services, competency coursework, classwork, and practical experience. In addition to the experience and knowledge gained, it is a goal of the program to provide an atmosphere of social growth as well as developing qualities such as leadership, initiative, accountability, professionalism, communication, and awareness. This internship is suited for those interested in athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, or other health related careers.
Who is eligible?
Internship Timeline
(the below timeline is reflective of the ability to resume normal, in person activities. A separate online/virtual version of the program has been created for the Fall/Winter Quarters if needed)
Fall/Winter Quarters - Observation Period
The Observation Period is a learning experience for the intern and is part of the acceptance process. The interns are required to work a minimum of 8 hours per week. These hours will consist of various experiences including learning administrative tasks performed for physician clinics, knowledge in the use of therapeutic modalities, first aid and emergency procedures, practice and game observation, and daily athletic training room operations.
Following the observation period, acceptance into the program will be determined by:
The observation phase of the program allows the potential student intern to experience and observe the program to determine if it suits his or her career objectives. Additionally, the UCLA Sports Medicine staff has the opportunity to evaluate the intern candidates during this quarter.
Spring Quarter — Probationary Quarter
Once admitted to the program, the “probationary period” begins. The student intern will be evaluated each quarter and performance and goals will be discussed. The time commitment during this quarter will consist of approximately 10 to 15 hours per week. Students will rotate through a variety of experiences and acquire new skills through demonstration and practice.
The intern will be expected to function and meet certain responsibilities. Competency workshops will continue to review previously acquired knowledge and to learn basic taping skills.
Professional Phase — Quarters 4-9
The six remaining quarters of the program function to expose the intern to as many clinical and educational experiences as possible in order to meet the challenges of their career goals. Student interns will be assigned to work directly with UCLA athletic teams, under the supervision of the certified athletic training staff. Student interns will participate in the following to further expand their sports medicine knowledge:
Summary of Internship Timeline:
Application to Program:
Deadline is Friday, June 9th, 2023 (Spring Quarter of Freshman Year)
1st Year in Program:
Fall
1st Observational Quarter
Competency Workshops
Winter
2nd Observational Quarter
Competency Workshops
Interview During 10th Week to
Formal Acceptance into SMIP
Spring
Complete UCLA Extension Course – Introduction to Sports Medicine
Competency Workshops
2nd Year in Program:
Fall
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
Formal Peer Presentation
Winter
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
Complete UCLA Extension Course – Evaluation and Rehabilitation
Spring
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
3rd Year in Program:
Fall
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
3rd Year Surgical Case Observation
Winter
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
Spring
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
3rd Year Surgical Case Study Presentation
Student Intern Activities
A copy of the application can be downloaded HERE
For questions, contact:
Nicole Nootbaar, MS, ATC nnootbaar@athletics.ucla.edu
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I take an online CPR/AED/1st Aid Class?
A: No. The class must be administered by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and have an in-person skills session.
Q: Can I turn in an unofficial transcript for my Degree Audit Report?
A: No, the document must be the DAR, which can be accessed on myUCLA.
Q: Can I complete my CPR/AED/1st Aid training after I submit my application?
A: Yes, the certifications need to be submitted by Zero Week of Sophomore Year. The certifications are not required to be included with the application.
Q: Can I have a family member write my letter of recommendation?
A: No. The letter should be authored by a professional reference, which can include a high school teacher, professor, coach, employer, counselor or advisor, or someone who has overseen your performance as an employee or student.
Q: Can I have a job while participating in the internship?
A: Yes, we have student interns who maintain a part-time job or participate in research. However, the SMIP is a large time requirement and the expectation is that the SMIP comes first after academics. SMIP must be prioritized over all other activities besides school.
Q: I found out about the program after my freshman year. Can I still apply?
A: No, we only accept applications at the end of the freshman year. We require a 3 year commitment, starting with the sophomore year, so starting later is not an option.
Q: Can I complete 1 or 2 years of the internship?
A: No, we only accept students who can fulfill the 3 year commitment. The program has a rigid education process that does not lend to partial participation in the program.
Q: How do I submit the letters of recommendation?
A: There are 2 options: you can have the author email a signed PDF copy to Nicole Nootbaar at nnootbaar@athletics.ucla.edu or you can have the author give you the letter in a sealed envelope with the author’s signature over the envelope label and submit directly with your application.
Q: Do you accept late applications?
A: No, the application must be submitted by 5pm on June 9th. Late applications, including applications with late letters of recommendation, will not be considered.
Q: Do I need to have the anatomy requirement fulfilled before I apply for the program?
A: No, student interns must complete the anatomy requirement by Winter Quarter of his/her Junior Year at UCLA. There are 2 Physiological Science anatomy courses (107 & 13) that fulfill the requirement or community college courses are accepted.
Q: Can I email my application?
A: No. A hard copy of the application must be submitted for consideration to the SMIP.
Q: Do I have to be a science major to apply to the program?
A: No, we accept all majors.
Student interns will gain knowledge through observation, in-services, competency coursework, classwork, and practical experience. In addition to the experience and knowledge gained, it is a goal of the program to provide an atmosphere of social growth as well as developing qualities such as leadership, initiative, accountability, professionalism, communication, and awareness. This internship is suited for those interested in athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, or other health related careers.
Who is eligible?
- Current Full-Time Enrolled UCLA Undergraduate Student
- Applications Accepted at the End of the Student’s Freshman Year
- 1st Aid and CPR/AED Certified
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- 3 Year Commitment Required, Beginning in the Fall Quarter of Sophomore Year
Internship Timeline
(the below timeline is reflective of the ability to resume normal, in person activities. A separate online/virtual version of the program has been created for the Fall/Winter Quarters if needed)
Fall/Winter Quarters - Observation Period
The Observation Period is a learning experience for the intern and is part of the acceptance process. The interns are required to work a minimum of 8 hours per week. These hours will consist of various experiences including learning administrative tasks performed for physician clinics, knowledge in the use of therapeutic modalities, first aid and emergency procedures, practice and game observation, and daily athletic training room operations.
Following the observation period, acceptance into the program will be determined by:
- Grade Point Average
- Skills Acquisition
- Professional Interview
- Staff Evaluation
The observation phase of the program allows the potential student intern to experience and observe the program to determine if it suits his or her career objectives. Additionally, the UCLA Sports Medicine staff has the opportunity to evaluate the intern candidates during this quarter.
Spring Quarter — Probationary Quarter
Once admitted to the program, the “probationary period” begins. The student intern will be evaluated each quarter and performance and goals will be discussed. The time commitment during this quarter will consist of approximately 10 to 15 hours per week. Students will rotate through a variety of experiences and acquire new skills through demonstration and practice.
The intern will be expected to function and meet certain responsibilities. Competency workshops will continue to review previously acquired knowledge and to learn basic taping skills.
Professional Phase — Quarters 4-9
The six remaining quarters of the program function to expose the intern to as many clinical and educational experiences as possible in order to meet the challenges of their career goals. Student interns will be assigned to work directly with UCLA athletic teams, under the supervision of the certified athletic training staff. Student interns will participate in the following to further expand their sports medicine knowledge:
- Educational sessions and in-services taught by professional healthcare providers
- Two required academic courses offered through UCLA Extension
Summary of Internship Timeline:
Application to Program:
Deadline is Friday, June 9th, 2023 (Spring Quarter of Freshman Year)
1st Year in Program:
Fall
1st Observational Quarter
Competency Workshops
Winter
2nd Observational Quarter
Competency Workshops
Interview During 10th Week to
Formal Acceptance into SMIP
Spring
Complete UCLA Extension Course – Introduction to Sports Medicine
Competency Workshops
2nd Year in Program:
Fall
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
Formal Peer Presentation
Winter
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
Complete UCLA Extension Course – Evaluation and Rehabilitation
Spring
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
3rd Year in Program:
Fall
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
3rd Year Surgical Case Observation
Winter
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
Spring
UCLA Athletic Team Assignment
3rd Year Surgical Case Study Presentation
Student Intern Activities
- Professional Networking. Work side by side with certified athletic trainers, primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, dietitians and other allied health professionals.
- Sports Medicine Classes. Expand sports medicine knowledge through two required UCLA Extension classes.
- Educational In-services. Monthly sessions offer more educational experiences. Topics vary to cover professional development and skill enhancement.
- Travel. Advanced students can travel with UCLA’s intercollegiate athletic teams.
A copy of the application can be downloaded HERE
For questions, contact:
Nicole Nootbaar, MS, ATC nnootbaar@athletics.ucla.edu
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I take an online CPR/AED/1st Aid Class?
A: No. The class must be administered by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and have an in-person skills session.
Q: Can I turn in an unofficial transcript for my Degree Audit Report?
A: No, the document must be the DAR, which can be accessed on myUCLA.
Q: Can I complete my CPR/AED/1st Aid training after I submit my application?
A: Yes, the certifications need to be submitted by Zero Week of Sophomore Year. The certifications are not required to be included with the application.
Q: Can I have a family member write my letter of recommendation?
A: No. The letter should be authored by a professional reference, which can include a high school teacher, professor, coach, employer, counselor or advisor, or someone who has overseen your performance as an employee or student.
Q: Can I have a job while participating in the internship?
A: Yes, we have student interns who maintain a part-time job or participate in research. However, the SMIP is a large time requirement and the expectation is that the SMIP comes first after academics. SMIP must be prioritized over all other activities besides school.
Q: I found out about the program after my freshman year. Can I still apply?
A: No, we only accept applications at the end of the freshman year. We require a 3 year commitment, starting with the sophomore year, so starting later is not an option.
Q: Can I complete 1 or 2 years of the internship?
A: No, we only accept students who can fulfill the 3 year commitment. The program has a rigid education process that does not lend to partial participation in the program.
Q: How do I submit the letters of recommendation?
A: There are 2 options: you can have the author email a signed PDF copy to Nicole Nootbaar at nnootbaar@athletics.ucla.edu or you can have the author give you the letter in a sealed envelope with the author’s signature over the envelope label and submit directly with your application.
Q: Do you accept late applications?
A: No, the application must be submitted by 5pm on June 9th. Late applications, including applications with late letters of recommendation, will not be considered.
Q: Do I need to have the anatomy requirement fulfilled before I apply for the program?
A: No, student interns must complete the anatomy requirement by Winter Quarter of his/her Junior Year at UCLA. There are 2 Physiological Science anatomy courses (107 & 13) that fulfill the requirement or community college courses are accepted.
Q: Can I email my application?
A: No. A hard copy of the application must be submitted for consideration to the SMIP.
Q: Do I have to be a science major to apply to the program?
A: No, we accept all majors.