The National Sports Medicine Foundation is currently seeking accreditation for their new Athletic Training program and is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The NSMF will be submitting a self-study to begin the accreditation process on July 1, 2024.

The National Sports Medicine Institute Residency accepts 1 – 2 certified athletic trainers each year into the program. The mission of the athletic training residency is to comprehensively train the post graduate certified athletic trainer to excel as an Orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine physician extender, using an evidence-based approach, for the purpose of enhancing the quality of patient care, optimizing patient outcomes, and improving athletes’ quality of life.

To learn more about the education and research opportunities our program can offer you check out these pages.

The vision of the NSMI post-professional residency training program is to cultivate a premier national training environment for athletic trainers interested in maximizing their potential as clinicians in the sports medicine physician practice.

Program Personnel and Preceptors


Education Coordinator

Elizabeth Zwicker MS, ATC, OTC – Director of Athletic Training Residency Program and Director of Clinical Athletic Training
Nicole Schapiro MS, ATC, OTC – Education Coordinator
Erica Allen MS, ATC, OTC – Research Coordinator

Clinical Preceptors

Timothy S. Johnson MD – Medical Director, Orthopaedic Surgeon
David C. Johnson MD – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shannon L. Nicholson DNP, FNP-BC, RNFA – Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner
Jeffrey Farnsworth DPT, SCS – Rehabilitation Specialist

Program Application Requirements


The program’s application and material submission are open from December of the year prior to acceptance until March of the New Year. Applications are only accepted via mail. The application must be complete and be received by the Program Director no later than the publicly published applications deadline. The application requirements are:

The application must include the following materials:

  • Completed NSMF Athletic Training Residency Program Application
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume/ CV
  • Reference list
  • Three letters of recommendation via mail

Upon acceptance into the program, the Athletic Training Resident must meet the following requirements before beginning the program and be able to show proof of each.

  • Licensed in the state of Virginia
  • In good standing and certified with Board of Certification (BOC)
  • Pre-employment screening and proof of immunizations
  • Valid driver’s license

The National Sports Medicine Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability or other basis protected by law.

The National Sports Medicine Institute does not offer any scholarships for the residency program.

Graduation Requirements


Completion of the Program is determined by the following guidelines:

  1. Completion of all rotations as assigned
  2. Evaluation scores by preceptors, Medical Director and Residency Program Director that show improvement with use of constructive criticism through the entire year’s program.
  3. Achievement of 80% of the assigned competencies
  4. No more than 3 unapproved late arrivals (15 min) or 3 approved or unapproved absences from scheduled Residency commitments (i.e. academic meetings, grand rounds, clinic, outreach, etc)
  5. Post- Examination score of 80% at the year’s conclusion of the Residency Program
  6. At a minimum, one submitted case study to a journal or conference

Retention Policy


All residents will comply with The National Sports Medicine Institute’s Employee Handbook (provided during orientation) and the Athletic Training Residency Handbook. Failure to comply with the company’s Handbook or the Resident Programs Agreement, including policies and procedures, may results in disciplinary actions within the discretion of the Medical Director and the Residency Program Director and may include termination from the program.

Program Benefits


  • Competitive stipend
  • Medical benefits including dental and vision
  • CEU budget
  • NATA/BOC Annual fees reimbursement
  • License fees reimbursement
  • OTC Examination application fee reimbursement if passed
  • Outreach and event coverage apparel

Living in Northern Virginia


National Sports Medicine in located in Washington DC suburbs of Loudoun County Virginia. Leesburg is located midway between Washington D.C. to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. Life in Loudoun is full of outdoor activities in both the summer and winter months. The clinic does not coordinate living arrangements for residence; however, the program director is a great source of information for potential living situations during the residency year. Below are some resources for finding housing in the Northern Virginia area.

Apartments.com

Zillow.com

Traffic in Northern Virginia can be tiresome. We encourage our residents consider their commute when looking for housing. Using applications like Waze and Google Maps can be helpful when determining the best living situation for you and your family in Northern Virginia. 

Weather can be a challenge and it is encouraged that reliable transportation for winter driving conditions is available.

We work hard and play hard during the residency year!

Are you interested in expanding your Orthopaedic and sports medicine skills and knowledge?

Think you might be a good fit in the competitive Northern Virginia environment?