The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volunteer Info
Sports Medicine Volunteer Opportunities
Texas Athletics – Sports Medicine offers three unique volunteer opportunities: The Sports Medicine Aide for UT undergraduate and graduate students, the Clinical Immersion for MSAT students from affiliated universities, and the Graduate/Post-Graduate Internship for newly-licensed and/or certified athletic trainers. These positions are designed to provide qualified candidates of varying skill level the opportunity to expand their knowledge and clinical skills within one of the nation’s most renown college athletic departments. Each of these are unpaid volunteer opportunities.
The primary objective of the Volunteer Program is to expose developing students and young professionals to unique clinical experiences while enhancing their understanding of our multidisciplinary approach to health care. Selected volunteers will be assigned to a specific athletic team (or teams) and will have the opportunity to work closely with members of the Texas Athletics – Sports Medicine program in the day-to-day management of athletic injuries, provision of health care, and assist with athletics practice and event coverage.
Sports Medicine Aide
Sport Medicine Aide positions are open to current UT students only. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated interests in athletic training, sports medicine, or other allied health professions as well as students seeking degrees in sports management. Click here to apply.
Clinical Immersion for MSAT Student
Texas Athletics – Sports Medicine currently offers formal distance learning clinical immersion environments in conjunction with other CAATE-accredited graduate Athletic Training Education Programs. Preference will be given to candidates from currently affiliated institutions. Click here to apply.
Graduate/Post-Graduate Internship
A limited number of internships may be considered for highly qualified candidates who are seeking unpaid volunteer opportunities and experiences that are not intended for academic course credit. These internships are designed to provide young professionals hand-on experience and can be tailored to fit the goals of the selected intern. Click here to apply.
All applicants will be asked to provide specific areas of interest/desired experiences; if selected, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Selected candidates will benefit from being immersed in a true multidisciplinary experience, working alongside experts in the fields of sports medicine, athletic training, physical therapy, sports nutrition, behavioral health, applied sports science, and strength & conditioning.
Volunteer opportunities are scheduled during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Applicants will be selected by members of the Clinical Affiliations Committee. To apply for one of the three volunteer opportunities, click here. For questions that are not answered in the FAQs, or if you are interested in facilitating a clinical relationship for Clinical Immersion on behalf of your institution, please email the committee by clicking here.
FAQs
How do I apply?
To apply, complete the application survey from the link on this page. A Texas Athletics staff athletic trainer will contact you if your application materials suggest you meet the criteria to volunteer for his/her team. Please do not email or call individual staff to determine your status.
How will I know if I am being considered or have been selected?
All applications will be thoroughly reviewed. A Texas Athletics staff athletic trainer will contact you to schedule an interview if your application materials suggest you meet the criteria to volunteer for his/her team.
Are any of the volunteer positions paid?
No, volunteer positions are unpaid.
Will housing, meals, transportation, or other living expenses be provided?
No, living expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer, including parking on campus. Meals are not provided; however, many teams often include volunteers pregame and postgame meals.
Do I have to buy University of Texas apparel?
Expectations of professional dress are dependent on the team that you are assigned to. Generally, Texas branded apparel is preferred. A limited amount of “Texas Athletics” branded apparel may be provided at no cost.
What will my role be?
Volunteers will assist the assigned athletic trainer with daily athletic training tasks, practice set up and break down, and experience day-to-day sports medicine operations at a division 1 athletic program.
How many hours am I expected to work per week?
This will vary on the team that you are assigned with. Generally, assignments can range from 8 to 35+ hours per week. This will also be dependent on your volunteer position and your scope of duties. See time commitments explained below.
When is my start date and how long will my appointment for my position last?
Again, this will also be dependent on your volunteer position and your scope of duties. In most cases, volunteers are appointed on a semester basis. Generally, the expectation is that students will be available to assist the prior to Student-Athlete report date to become familiar with location, other staff, and operating procedures to maximize their experience. In addition, your appointment may be extended beyond the end of the semester to assist with off-season activities and/or if your team advances to post-season play.
Do I get to choose my sport?
During your application process, you will be asked to select sports that you are interested in working with. Your selections cannot be guaranteed and will be based on the needs of the athletic trainer and team. Selecting “No Preference” to sport preference may increase your chances of being selected for a volunteer position.
Who is eligible for to apply to be a Sports Medicine Aide?
Any University of Texas student (Undergraduate or Graduate) may apply for this volunteer position. Preference will be given to those with a background or demonstrated interest in sports and/or medicine.
What are the duties of a Sports Medicine Aide?
Sports Medicine Aides assist staff athletic trainers with daily duties, including rehabilitation and recovery of the student athletes. In addition, duties often include set up and break down Sports Medicine equipment for practices/games and assisting with detailed documentation of treatments rendered.
Is the Sports Medicine Aide position a paid position?
No, volunteer positions are unpaid. Sports Medicine Aides volunteer opportunities that afford the ability to garner experience, build your resume and make contacts within the athletic department.
What is the time commitment of a Sports Medicine Aide?
A time commitment of 5 – 20 hours a week is typical, depending upon staff athletic trainer needs and your class schedule.
What is the time commitment of a MSAT Immersion student or Graduate/Post-Graduate Intern?
Hours will vary upon your assigned team’s schedule and may be more than 30+ hours per week. To maximize the immersion or internship experience, students are encouraged to be available for set-up, pre and post practice treatments, and most of game days.
Will my MSAT Immersion schedule accommodate my NATABOC prep schedule and academic schedule?
Yes, of course. We understand that in addition to gaining clinical experience, academic coursework and preparation for the NATABOC exam is critical to your success. We will accommodate these scheduling needs as best as possible. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your schedule needs with your preceptor/supervisor and create a calendar with important dates of meetings, assignments, exams etc.
Is there anything (supplies, etc.) MSAT Immersion students or Graduate/Post-Graduate Interns should bring?
We will provide all the tools and equipment needed to assist with student-athlete care, but if you have specific items from a particular course/certification/skill, feel free to bring the item with you.
Is housing provided for MSAT Immersion students or Graduate/Post-Graduate Interns?
Housing is not provided. Students are responsible for their own housing. If you need information on local housing options, we can put you in contact with current UT students who can provide insight.
How can I initiate a contract/agreement for a MSAT Immersion experience between my school and The University of Texas Athletics?
If your school does not have an agreement in place, please include this information with your online application and include the contact information of your MSAT Program Director. Note: executing a contract can take several months to complete so please take this into consideration when applying for a MSAT Immersion experience.
Is CPR certification required?
Yes, CPR certification is required of all Sports Medicine volunteers. You can visit the Red Cross website: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/cpr-training/cpr-renewal or American Heart Association website: www.heart.org to complete CPR certification. Your application is not complete until you upload your certificate as part of your application.
Am I required to have medical insurance?
Although it is strongly encouraged, Texas Athletics does not require volunteers to maintain medical insurance. MSAT Immersion students may be required by their institution to maintain health insurance, however.
I have additional questions. What should I do?
If you have additional questions that are not answered here, please email SMVol@athletics.utexas.edu