Michigan Tech Athletic Training Student Aide (ATSA) Program
What is Athletic Training?
Athletic Trainers (AT’s) are highly educated and skilled healthcare professionals who work under the direction of a physician. AT’s are considered a mid-level healthcare provider and are recognized by the American Medical Association.
Athletic trainers provide services that are consistent with the five domains of Athletic Training:
- Injury and illness prevention and wellness promotion
- Examination, assessment, and diagnosis
- Immediate and emergency care
- Therapeutic Intervention (rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries and illnesses)
- Healthcare administration and professional responsibility.
What an ATSA does…
Assists in practice and game coverage
Assists in the rehabilitation and treatment of injured student-athletes
Observe orthopedic injury assessments
Assists with preventative taping of student-athletes before practice and games
Participates in practice and game day setup
Provides first aid
Potential travel opportunities to MTU away games
Get to be a part of the action on the sideline
Potential travels to away games (opportunities given to more experienced ATSAs first)
What can the program do for you?
Students who work under ATs acquire knowledge and skills related to the domains of athletic training, which can be valuable to all healthcare professions.
Establish connections with many professionals (Physicians, Physician Assistants, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, etc.) as well as other ATSAs.
Aid you in gaining knowledge of orthopedic injury assessment, therapeutic treatment, and rehabilitation techniques.
Provide you with hands-on experience (introduced to taping techniques, therapeutic modalities, and other therapies).
Help you obtain a leadership role (become a mentor to younger students).
Help prepare you for graduate school (MD, PA, DPT, OT, AT, etc.) by getting patient contact hours.
Build your resume or CV.
Provide an opportunity to get letters of recommendation for the future.
Allow you to work with a variety of student-athletes and varsity coaches.
Provide an opportunity to observe athletic department staff in practice and game settings.
Commitment and Scholarships
We request a minimum of one (1) semester to be in the program; if you would like to be eligible for a scholarship it is a minimum requirement of one (1) academic year.
It will typically be 10-15 hours a week depending on the season; the fall semester is usually busier than spring semester.
Hours are flexible; ATs are willing to work around your schedule and availability.
There is no limit to how long you can be in the program; at a maximum you could participate every year you are in school.
This program is unpaid unless you earn a scholarship.
Application Process
Athletic Training Student Aide (ATSA) applications are accepted year-round; any student - regardless of year in school - will be considered and is encouraged to apply.
Observation hours (prior to applying) are available for students who are interested in the program. The student will be able to observe the athletic training facility, practices and/or games, be given the opportunity to ask questions, review the application, and meet current ATs and ATSAs.
Submitting an application:
Email the completed application to Korinne Umlauft.
Contact Information:
Korinne Umlauft MSAT, LAT, ATC
kaumlauf@mtu.edu