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’s surgeons specialize in Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery. The athletic training resident will gain unique experiences with surgeons in all aspects of surgery. The athletic training resident will become an integral part of coordinating patients pre-surgical planning and post-operative care in clinic. We strive to allow our residency the opportunity to observe and ultimately assist with surgical procedures in the operating room.
Surgical Observation Education
During surgical observation athletic training residents learn:
- Roles of the different healthcare professionals
- Surgical tools and instruments
- Patient positioning
- Sterile fields and techniques
- Surgical anatomy
- Arthroscopy vs. open procedures
- Surgical and assisting techniques
- Exams under anesthesia
- Post-operative care
Surgical Assisting
To assist in surgery, the athletic training resident must pass the Orthopaedic Technologist Certification (OTC) Exam. The examination is written and administered by the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists and is designed to determine whether or not an individual possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare of apply casts, splints, and a variety of other Orthopaedic appliances.
To qualify for the certification examination, the athletic training residency must have an Athletic Trainer certification, state license, and 6 months of full-time Orthopaedic experience.
After successful completion of the OTC examination, the athletic training resident may be given the opportunity to assist in the operating room (OR) with our surgeons.
Per our facilities regulations, all ATs that assist in the OR must have their Orthopaedic Technologist Certification and be approved by the facilities to act as a surgical assist. Athletic training residents apply for the surgical assist registration prior to November and sit during the February exam date. For more information, please visit the NBOTC website.
To learn more about the education and research opportunities our program can offer you check out these pages.