DEPARTMENT: Medical / High Performance
REPORTS TO: Medical Director/Head Athletic Trainer/ Assistant Athletic Trainer
INTERNSHIP TYPE: Unpaid - Educational Internship for Academic/Clinical Credit
REQUIREMENTS: Enrolled in a CAATE accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training program; eligible to receive academic/clinical education credit
LOCATION: Houston, Texas
POSITION SUMMARY
The Houston Dash Athletic Training Student Internship provides an immersive clinical education experience within a professional women's soccer environment. The student will work directly with professional athletes and collaborate with members of the medical, performance, nutrition, and technical staffs under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
The experience is designed to develop clinical reasoning, rehabilitation, emergency response, communication, documentation, and professional decision-making skills while exposing the student to the day-to-day operations of a professional sports medicine department.
Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn throughout the rotation.
RESPONSIBILITIES & LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Under the supervision of an approved preceptor, the student may participate in:
- Injury evaluation, assessment, and clinical documentation
- Pre- and post-training treatments
- Training and home match medical coverage
- Match-day treatments and stretcher crew responsibilities
- Emergency Action Plan preparation and emergency response
- Hydration, medical equipment, and treatment-area setup and breakdown
- Athlete monitoring, recovery, and wellness support
- Use of athlete health management and documentation systems
- Clinical case discussions and evidence-based practice reviews
- Collaboration with athletic trainers, physicians, physical therapists, strength & conditioning, sport science, nutrition, and other healthcare professionals
- Exposure to health and performance considerations relevant to professional female athletes
- All clinical activities will remain within the student's level of education, demonstrated competency, and university requirements.
SCHEDULE & DATES
- The internship schedule will follow the Houston Dash training and competition schedule and is subject to change throughout the season.
- When the team is traveling, the student may assist with rehabilitation sessions, individual training sessions, or other Medical Department responsibilities involving non-traveling athletes.
- The internship will ideally span a significant portion of the 2027 NWSL season; however, start and end dates may be flexible based on university clinical education requirements.
- Team travel is not expected unless specifically approved in advance.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training from a CAATE-accredited college or university
- Eligible to receive academic/clinical education credit through their university
- Must remain enrolled and in good academic and clinical standing throughout the internship
- University must be able to establish an affiliation agreement with the Houston Dash prior to the start of the rotation
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- Completion of required SafeSport training
- Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills
- Dependable, punctual, organized, and detail-oriented
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced professional sports environment
- Ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations
- Willingness to learn, accept feedback, ask questions, and contribute to team responsibilities
- Demonstrated interest in sports medicine, athlete health and performance, and evidence-based practice
PROFESSIONALISM & CONFIDENTIALITY
Students will have access to professional athletes, confidential medical information, and internal club information and are expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism.
Students must:
- Protect athlete privacy and medical confidentiality
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Follow Houston Dash Medical Department policies and procedures
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation when assigned
- Comply with club policies regarding medical privacy, information security, social media, photography, and public disclosure
- Represent the Houston Dash and their academic institution professionally at all times
- Required confidentiality, nondisclosure, and onboarding documentation must be completed before the internship begins.
INTERNSHIP LOGISTICS
- This is an unpaid educational clinical internship for academic credit
- This is an in-person position based in Houston, Texas
- Housing and local transportation are the responsibility of the student
- Internship activities will take place primarily at Houston Dash training facilities and home match venues
- Required onboarding may include SafeSport training, background screening, confidentiality documentation, and other club or university requirements
- The work environment may include outdoor heat and humidity, loud environments, and extended periods of standing or walking
- Students must be able to assist with medical equipment setup and breakdown and occasionally lift or transport equipment weighing 20+ pounds
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants should submit:
- Current résumé
- Cover letter describing their interest in professional soccer sports medicine and the Houston Dash
- Confirmation of enrollment in a CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training program
- Anticipated clinical rotation dates
- Clinical Education Coordinator contact information
- Confirmation that the university can enter into an affiliation agreement with the Houston Dash
- Current CPR/BLS certification
- Professional references may be requested during the selection process.
- Selected candidates may be invited to participate in a virtual or in-person interview with members of the Houston Dash Medical Department.