The University of Cincinnati is expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in athletic training with the introduction of new co-operative education (co-op) positions, in collaboration with local healthcare organizations, Beacon Orthopaedics and Mercy Health. These opportunities, unveiled for second-year students in the Master of Science in Athletic Training program, offer practical experience outside of their rigorous academic curriculum.
These co-op roles, as reported by UC News, are designed to give students a chance to hone their skills in real-world health environments with the promise of compensation—students can earn up to $15.50 an hour. "These positions are designed to complement students’ clinical rotations and give them access to a broad range of professional experiences," Jeromy Alt, PhD, associate professor-educator and director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program, explained. These innovative roles, however, are not a mandatory part of the standard curricula, but rather an extra avenue for those looking to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
Students opting for the co-op program will take a deep dive into the operations of a healthcare setting, which extends beyond just clinical care. The co-op scheme is set to impart a multitude of practical skills, such as engagement in business and administrative operations, a basket of functions including marketing, event planning, and coordination tasks. Part of their role also includes front desk and scheduling support, as well as a window into sports medicine through observational opportunities in clinical and surgical settings.
This collaboration between the university and local employers exemplifies an educational approach that understands the value of hands-on experience in tandem with academic pursuits, for those studying at the UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences. Students choosing this path will accumulate both practical knowledge and a paycheck, a coupling of opportunity that underlines the real-world application of their studies. "These roles give them a paycheck while still being a student," Dr. Alt told UC News.
