Northwestern University Sports Division I Fellowship

The Northwestern University Sports Division I Fellowship is a training ground and model for the specialized practice of sports physical therapy at the Division I (DI) collegiate athletics level in the 21st century. Our goal is to foster an ability-driven, outcomes-based professional culture committed to the integration of science-based clinical reasoning and clinical care, and to lifelong learning and research. The fellowship consists of didactic and clinical educational curriculum that will prepare the fellow to practice with a sub-specialty in sports physical therapy at the DI level of collegiate athletics. The program is 12 months in duration.

Northwestern University Athletics has 19 varsity sports as a part of the Big Ten and Football Bowl Subdivision. The fellow will work directly with DI athletes at Northwestern Athletics as part of the Northwestern Sports Medicine team.

In a typical week, the fellow will spend time in the following:

• Patient care
• 1:1 clinical mentoring with board-certified clinical specialists
• Venue/practice coverage and rehabilitation with DI athletes at Northwestern
• Research experience in the NUPTHMS Athletic Movement Performance Lab
• Planned educational curriculum based upon the Practice Analysis for DI sports
• Observation with sports medicine physicians
• Practicum in PT Education within the NUPTHMS musculoskeletal curriculum

Admissions Criteria

• Physical therapy degree from a CAPTE accredited physical therapy educational program
• Unofficial DPT transcript
• Licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Illinois
• Active member of the APTA
• Possess either an ABPTS specialist certification in Sports or related area of specialty and/or completion of an ABPTRFE accredited residency in sports prior to the start of the fellowship
• Display professional behaviors and a strong interest in sports physical therapy at the DI level
• Possess one of the following:
  • Current certified athletic trainer (ATC) designation.
  • Current license as an EMT.
  • Certification as an Emergency Medical Responder via an American Red Cross course prior to the start of the fellowship.

Application Process

Application due by Dec. 31 with an anticipated start date of July 2026. Applicants may apply through RF-PTCAS. The current cycle opens on Oct. 1. Please include:

• Letter of intent
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of recommendation

Access the financial fact sheet.