ATTR 492

ATTR 492 CLINICAL INTERNSHIP IN ATHLETIC TRAINING COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Description:

Supervised off campus on the job learning experience designed to give students an opportunity to gain practical experience in a private clinic, educational setting, or sports organization which is involved in athletic health care. (12 credits) Prerequisites - completed all required courses.

Text: Longwood Athletic Training Internship Manual.

Course Objectives: During the internship the student will:

1. Examine and assist in the deliverance of athletic health care in order to further practice and refine the application of theory and practical techniques.

2. Describe a broader concept of the deliverance of athletic health care.

3. Develop a further understanding and appreciation of professionalism and the athletic training profession.

4. Develop a better understanding of their personal and professional strengths.

5. Gain experience in application of the competencies for certification within an athletic health care agency or organization under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer.

Each student intern has unique strengths and weaknesses, but each student should be qualified to assume the following responsibilities: 1. Assist with injury evaluations and re-evaluations.

2. Assist with interpretation of injury evaluations and re-evaluations.

3. Suggest a recommended individualized treatment and/or rehabilitation program based on past history and evaluation results.

4. Conduct and supervise patient treatment and rehabilitation.

5. Develop and utilize individual rehabilitation programs.

6. Assist in the promotion and public relations of existing programs.

7. Serve as a resource for clients.

In prior course work each of the competencies and proficiencies equired by the National Athletic Trainers' Association has been addressed. The student-intern may be asked, depending on the site selection, to demonstrate competencies from any or all of the domains of responsibility.

Internship Requirements

When the student becomes a member of the facility staff during the internship experience, they are expected to conduct themselves in the same professional manner as the full time staff. Both the on-site supervisor and the student should agree to, prior to beginning the internship, duties which will be assigned to the student intern, and the evaluation procedure. The student is expected to remain at the internship site for at least 12 weeks, and is expected to complete a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Student Requirements

1. Meet with the on-site supervisor and design a work schedule and get acquainted with facilities, policies and procedures, and regulations of the internship.

2. Abide by the policies and procedures of the internship facility.

3. Dress appropriately. It is the responsibility of the student intern to discuss the appropriate attire with the on-site supervisor prior to beginning the internship.

4. Complete journal entries and self-evaluation forms. All forms must be submitted to the internship coordinator in a timely manner.

5. Meet with the on-site supervisor at regular intervals to discuss the performance evaluation.

6. In conjunction with the on-site supervisor, determine an appropriate internship project (in-service presentation, development of policy manual, etc). Complete the project at the appropriate time and submit a brief project report to the internship supervisor.

7. Meet with the program director/internship coordinator at the conclusion of the internship.

8. Prepare and present a program to other athletic training students about the internship and the host facility.

9. Prepare and submit a written report of the internship experience.

10. Observe the behavior of the supervisor who is experienced in the subject matter of athletic health care.

11. Assist the supervisor with his/her daily duties. Be an active participant!

12. Translate the theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained into sharpened skills applicable to the internship setting.

Evaluation Procedures of the Student Intern

If at any time during the internship experience the supervisor believes that the intern is not capable of handling assignments, they should contact the internship coordinator immediately. The on-site supervisor should also discuss the evaluations with the student prior to submitting them to the internship coordinator.

Should the internship be terminated at any time, prior to the agreed upon date, the student and on-site supervisor should contact the coordinator prior to the termination. The rationale and recommendation for this action should be in writing and should contain the specific reason(s) for requesting termination. Any supporting documentation deemed necessary should accompany this request.

The final grade for the internship (12 semester hours) is determined, using the following:

1. The student's journal and self-evaluations. These are to be returned to the internship coordinator at regular intervals during the internship.

2. The on-site supervisor's periodic and final evaluations of the student. These are to be returned to the internship coordinator at the conclusion of the internship.

3. The recommendation of the on-site supervisor.

4. The written report and evaluation of the internship project submitted by the student.

5. The presentation made by the student at the conclusion of the internship.

6. The student's final written report on the internship experience.

Final grades will be determined based on the following components:

Student journal/self-evaluations	10%
On-site supervisor evaluations	75%
Project written report/evaluation	5%
Oral presentation	5%
Final written report/internship	5%

Attendance Policy:

While the schedule of hours will vary, the student is expected to complete the required total number of clinical hours distributed as 12 weeks of full time work. If for some reason, the student must be absent from the internship site, the time away will be made up at the conclusion of the internship. Students should consult the Longwood catalog for further information regarding attendance.

Honor Code:

All students are expected to uphold the standards and abide by the regulations of the Longwood Honor Code. All students are also expected to uphold the standards and abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Bibliography: Reading materials will be determined by the on-site supervisor.