College of Osteopathic Medicine | College of Human Medicine

Department of Orthopedics

MSU Sports Medicine Athletic Training Residency

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The MSU Sports Medicine Athletic Training Residency is a paid, full‑time, 12‑month residency designed for athletic trainers seeking advanced clinical training in an outpatient sports medicine and orthopedic setting. Medical benefits are included.

This residency bridges the gap between traditional athletic training roles and advanced clinical practice. Residents work closely with physicians, athletic trainers, clinic staff, and community providers to deliver high‑quality patient care while gaining progressive responsibility in clinical decision‑making, workflow coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The program is administered under the direction of the Michigan State University Athletic Training Residency Director and is based at the MSU Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Clinic.

Responsibilities Include

Clinical Responsibilities
1. Participate in 2-month clinical rotations with orthopedic surgeons, primary care sports medicine physicians, physician assistants, and athletic trainers.
2. Assist with patient visits by obtaining histories and physical exams, presenting them to providers, and documenting the visit within the EMR
3. Coordinate imaging and referral orders during the office visit and assist with follow-up communication of results
4. Observe and participate in imaging review with providers to build familiarity with radiographic findings and identifying common orthopedic pathologies
5. Support physicians with procedures including injections/aspirations, casting, bracing, and splinting
6. Facilitate clinical flow and serve as a liaison between providers, radiology, front/back-office staff, and surgery schedulers
7. Gain exposure to the roles of front desk staff, medical assistants, and surgery schedulers with the goal of supporting clinic operations and interdisciplinary collaboration
Education
1. Attend weekly didactic sessions including evidence-based practice discussions
2. Present one patient case per rotation to the associated clinical team
3. Participate in research with MSU medical students
4. Complete a project focused on quality improvement, patient care, or clinic operations
5. Opportunity to obtain Orthopedic Technologist Certification (OTC)
Rotations (Out-Of-Office Experience)
1. Observation rotations with community providers (e.g., PT, radiology ortho techs, OMM, PM&R) to understand the full scope of patient care.
2. Operating Room exposure to gain understanding of surgical procedures
3. Sport or Event Coverage (e.g., high school) as needed

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Requirements to Apply:

Athletic Training Certified through the BOC
Masters level degree in a healthcare related field
State of Michigan Athletic Training Licensure or eligibility for AT Licensure in the state of Michigan
NPI number
Orthopedic Technologist Certification through NBCOT, or in the application process.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification through The American Heart Association
Ability to work in a team environment with various members of the healthcare professionals.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Incumbent will comply with all departmental, hospital, regulatory and governmental standards and policy as a condition of employment with Michigan State University Health Care.
Successful candidates will be required to pass a criminal background check.
Be able to sustain significant physical effort including the ability to frequently bend, kneel, crouch, stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights, and quickly move around the field to assess and treat injuries, often in demanding weather conditions; essentially, good mobility and agility are crucial for this role

Apply At The MSU Careers Page