Sports Medicine Internship Program
• 1st and 2nd Quarter Observation Period • 3rd Quarter Probationary Period • Professional Phase-Quarters 4-9	• NATA Certification • Applicants • Contact

Participation in the UCLA Undergraduate Sports Medicine Internship is a rewarding and educational experience. As a participant of the program, the intern receives the opportunity to work and travel with national caliber athletic teams and coaches. Under supervision, the intern will learn to design and apply rehabilitation concepts, to recognize, evaluate and treat a variety of athletic injuries. The intern will acquire skills and knowledge valuable to all health care fields. As with any internship, self motivation, dedication, and initiative play a key role in the intern's success.

After completing the internship program our students pursue post graduate education in medicine, physical therapy and other allied health fields. Typically, our students major in physiological science, biology, or psychology. Once accepted into UCLA, a student can apply to the Sports Medicine Internship Program. Applications for the fall quarter must be received by June of the previous school year. The prerequisites for the program include being a full-time UCLA undergraduate student, CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications, two letters of recommendation, a 2.5 current cumulative GPA and completion of anatomy course by the first quarter of second year in the program. The Sports Medicine Internship Program requires a three year commitment and only accepts students in the fall.

Observation Period- First and Second Quarter

The Observation Period is a learning experience for the intern and is part of the acceptance process. The student is required to work a minimum of 6-10 hours per week. These hours will consist of various experiences including learning basic athletic training skills, knowledge of the use of therapeutic modalities, first aid and emergency procedures, and daily Athletic Training Room operations. In order to be accepted into the program, the student will be evaluated on 1) grade point average, 2) competency and skill acquisition, 3) interview, and 4) staff evaluation. This phase of the program has a two-fold purpose. It allows the potential intern to participate and observe if the program suits their career objectives, and gives the Sports Medicine Staff the opportunity to evaluate the students.

Third Quarter-Probationary Period

Once admitted to the program, the "probationary period" begins. The intern will be evaluated each quarter and performance and goals will be discussed. A 2.5 GPA must be maintained at all times during the course of the internship. If unable to meet criteria, the intern will be placed on one quarter of probation. Failure to progress in the problem area may be means for dismissal from the program.

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. At the end of the quarter, the Director will evaluate the probationary interns for advancement into the next phase of the program.

Professional Phase-Quarters 4-9

The seven 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. The time commitment during this portion is 15-25 hours per week. Interns in the second and third year of the program will receive a monetary stipend. To assist the student, three tools have been developed: 1) professional development 2) educational in-services 3) and two required academic courses offered through UCLA Extension.

NATA Certification Requirements

Due to the change in the NATA requirements, one must graduate from an accredited CAAHEP curriculum program in order to be eligible to take the certification exam. The UCLA internship is NOT an accredited program, so career planning is essential. For more information on colleges and universities with accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, please go to www.nata.org.

Applicants

Applications can be obtained at the Acosta Athletic Training Room. It is located across from Pauley Pavilion. Applications for the Fall are due by June 15. As a reminder, unofficial transcripts will be accepted with your application.

SMIP Application

An orientation will be held during zero week in the fall. All qualified applicants should plan on attending. Notice of time and date will be sent in early September.

Any questions should be directed to:
Pam Guglietti
JD Morgan Center
PO Box 24044, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 206-6107
pguglietti@athletics.ucla.edu