D1 Sports Fellowship

The Northwestern University DI Sports PT Fellowship is a training ground and model for the specialized practice of sports physical therapy at the division I 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 will consist of didactic and clinical educational curriculum that will prepare the fellow to practice with a sub-specialty in Sports Physical Therapy at the Division I 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 Division I 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 January 3, 2022 with an anticipated start date of July 2022. Please include:

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

For more information, or to submit application materials, please contact Craig Garrison at craig.garrison@northwestern.edu.