UCLA Sports Medicine Internship Program

UCLA Athletics • Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Internship Program (SMIP)

About Program Overview

The UCLA Sports Medicine Internship Program (SMIP) is designed to provide undergraduate students 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 UCLA student-athletes.

Learning happens through: observation, in-services, competency coursework, classwork, and practical experience—plus an emphasis on leadership, initiative, accountability, professionalism, communication, and awareness.

Timeline Internship Timeline

Fall/Winter Quarters — Observation Period

8 hrs/week minimum

The Observation Period is a learning experience for the intern and is part of the acceptance process. Hours include experiences such as 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.

Acceptance into the program is determined by:
  • Grade Point Average
  • Skills Acquisition
  • Professional Interview
  • Staff Evaluation

This phase allows potential interns to experience the program and determine fit, while UCLA Sports Medicine staff evaluate candidates.

Winter/Spring Quarter — Probationary Quarter

10–15 hrs/week

Once admitted, the probationary period begins. The student intern will be evaluated each quarter and performance and goals will be discussed. Students rotate through a variety of experiences and acquire new skills through demonstration and practice.

Competency workshops continue to review previously acquired knowledge and to learn basic taping skills.

Note: In the Spring Quarter there will be one required academic courts offered through UCLA Extension.

Professional Phase — Quarters 4–9

Team assignments

The six remaining quarters expose interns to clinical and educational experiences to meet career goals. Interns are assigned to work directly with UCLA athletic teams under the supervision of certified athletic training staff.

  • Educational sessions and in-services taught by professional healthcare providers
  • One required academic courses offered through UCLA Extension

Time commitment: Year 2 is 15–20 hours/week; Year 3 is 20–25 hours/week.

Summary Summary of Internship Timeline

Application to Program

Deadline is Saturday, June 6th, 2026 (Spring Quarter of freshman year)

1st Year in Program

  • Fall: 1st observational quarter; competency workshops, interview during 8th week, formal accepatance during 10th week
  • Winter: 2nd observational quarter; competency workshops; interview during 10th week for formal acceptance
  • Spring: UCLA Extension course – Introduction to Sports Medicine; competency workshops

2nd Year in Program

  • Fall: UCLA athletic team assignment; formal peer presentation
  • Winter: Team assignment; UCLA Extension – Evaluation and Rehabilitation
  • Spring: Team assignment

3rd Year in Program

  • Fall: Team assignment; 3rd year surgical case observation (if applicable)
  • Winter: Team assignment
  • Spring: Team assignment; 3rd year surgical case study presentation

Activities 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 (sport dependent).

Apply Application & Contact

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on June 6th to: uclasmiprecruitment@gmail.com

Download Application (PDF) Email Recruitment

For questions, contact:

Rebecca Adami, MS, ATC
radami@athletics.ucla.edu

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take an online CPR/AED/1st Aid Class?
No. The class must be administered by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and have an in-person skills session.
Can I turn in an unofficial transcript for my Degree Audit Report?
No, the document must be the DAR, which can be accessed on myUCLA.
Can I complete my CPR/AED/1st Aid training after I submit my application?
Yes, the certifications need to be submitted by Zero Week of Sophomore Year. The certifications are not required to be included with the application.
Can I have a family member write my letter of recommendation?
No. The letter should be authored by a professional reference (teacher, professor, coach, employer, counselor/advisor, etc.).
Can I have a job while participating in the internship?
Yes, but SMIP is a large time requirement and is expected to be prioritized after academics.
I found out about the program after my freshman year. Can I still apply?
No, applications are only accepted at the end of the freshman year due to the required 3-year commitment starting sophomore year.
Can I complete 1 or 2 years of the internship?
No, only students who can fulfill the full 3-year commitment are accepted.
How do I submit the letters of recommendation?
Two options: the author can email a signed PDF to radami@athletics.ucla.edu, or provide a sealed envelope signed over the seal to be submitted with the application.
Do you accept late applications?
No, late applications (including late letters of recommendation) will not be considered.
Do I need to have the anatomy requirement fulfilled before I apply for the program?
No. Student interns must complete the anatomy requirement by Winter Quarter of junior year. UCLA Physiological Science courses (107 & 13) fulfill the requirement; community college courses may be accepted.
Can I email my application?
No. A hard copy of the application must be submitted for consideration.
Do I have to be a science major to apply to the program?
No, all majors are welcome.