First year students are to complete an on campus winter term and then two winter terms need to be completed in the next three years. The athletic training students are strongly advised to complete an emergency medical technician Winter term course their sophomore year. Their third Winter term is a required sports medicine internship and can be completed in a setting of the student's choice. The site must employ a certified athletic trainer who will supervise and structure the experience. The sports medicine Winter term internship provides each student with a unique off-campus clinical experience.
Students can choose settings of their particular interests and needs.
There is exposure to different policies, procedures and methods. The student has to quickly adapt to a new setting. In some cases, the student interacts with a more diverse patient population. Consequently, the treatment plans, patient goals, and treatment outcomes may contrast with what they have seen in the DPU training rooms. These internships help students develop their skills, increase knowledge, build their confidence and network with other medical professionals.