Co-op Opportunities for UC Athletic Training Students

We’re excited to introduce new paid co-op opportunities for second-year students in the University of Cincinnati Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program! These unique, part-time positions with Beacon Orthopaedics and Mercy Health offer students an immersive way to build professional experience—outside of their required clinical rotations.

 These opportunities are not part of the standard curriculum, but rather a bonus professional experience for those eager to dive deeper into their future career. Students may apply, interview, and if selected, be employed by the respective system, and experiences are independent of the academic program.

As an MSAT co-op student, you'll gain paid, hands-on experience in real-world athletic training environments during the Spring semester (January–April)—all while earning $15–$15.50/hour for 8–20 hours per week.

These part-time positions are designed to complement your clinical rotations and give you access to a broad range of professional experiences in the Greater Cincinnati region, including:

• Event planning and coordination in sports medicine, community outreach, and school or hospital setting
• Bioskills lab support, such as anatomy dissection, suturing techniques, and exposure to arthroscopy
• Administrative and business operations, including inventory, injury data tracking, and quality checks
• Observations in clinical and surgical settings alongside orthopedic professionals
• Patient-facing roles, such as prep, equipment setup, and assisting athletic trainers and rehab specialists
• Front desk and scheduling support for a well-rounded view of clinic flow and health care delivery
• Whether you’re drawn to the clinical, educational, or administrative side of athletic training, these co-ops provide a behind-the-scenes look into the organizations—and a chance to build connections with potential future employers.

• When to Apply: Applications open mid-September via Handshake
• Eligibility: Must be a second-year MSAT student and enrolled in COOP6000
• Time Commitment: 8–20 hours per week (outside of required clinical experience)
• Interview Process: Employers will review applicants and conduct interviews before placements are finalized

For MSAT students, co-op offers:

• A behind-the-scenes view into the health care system—from marketing and staffing meetings to business operations
• Practical skills in event coordination, team collaboration, and administrative management
• A chance to build relationships with potential employers—many of whom are eager to train and retain talent locally 

These roles give you professional-level experience—and a paycheck—while still being a student.

We know our MSAT students are already engaged in 40–50 hours of clinical experience each week. These co-op opportunities are intentionally flexible, local, and aligned with your career goals.

Employers like Beacon and Mercy are choosing to invest in student development—they’re building relationships now.

Log into Handshake in mid-September and search for “Athletic Training Co-op – Beacon” or “Athletic Training Co-op – Mercy Health” to apply. Additional details on Handshake at UC can be found at UC Handshake.