Primary Purpose
The Cleveland Guardians Player Development Medical Services Department is seeking highly motivated graduate athletic training students to participate in the 2027 Athletic Training Internship Program. This educational internship is designed to provide aspiring athletic trainers with immersive clinical experience in professional baseball while working alongside certified athletic trainers, physicians, physical therapists, strength and conditioning professionals, and coaching staff throughout the Guardians organization.
Program Overview
The Cleveland Guardians Athletic Training Internship Program is intended to provide graduate athletic training students with an educational and clinical experience through observation, participation, and supervised hands-on learning in professional baseball.
Interns will gain exposure to:
- Professional baseball athletic training operations
- Injury prevention strategies
- Orthopedic evaluation techniques
- Rehabilitation and return-to-play progressions
- Daily player maintenance programs
- Emergency action planning and health & safety procedures
- Electronic medical record documentation
- Communication within a multidisciplinary performance team
All clinical experience and hands-on responsibilities will be performed only under the direct supervision and approval of the Guardians’ medical staff. Interns are not permitted to provide treatment, evaluation, or medical recommendations independently.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Interns may assist the medical staff with:
- Prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation programs for baseball-related injuries
- Daily athletic training room operations
- Practice, game, and workout coverage
- Player hydration, recovery, and maintenance programs
- Documentation and record keeping utilizing the organization’s electronic medical record system
- Communication among medical, performance, coaching, and player development personnel.
- Monitoring and adherence to MLB and organizational health and safety protocols.
- Field setup and breakdown.
- Hydrotherapy room setup, maintenance, and breakdown.
- Athletic training facility organization and sanitation.
- Administrative duties as assigned.
Learning Opportunities
Interns will have opportunities to observe and learn:
- Professional baseball injury evaluation and management.
- Manual therapy and rehabilitation techniques.
- Throwing and return-to-play progressions.
- Strength and conditioning integration.
- Performance monitoring systems.
- Sports medicine communication within a professional organization.
- International player development and cultural competency (DSL positions).
Education & Background Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a CAATE-accredited graduate athletic training program.
- Recent graduates pursuing advanced athletic training experience may be considered.
- Strong interest in professional baseball and sports medicine.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer applications.
- Spanish language proficiency is preferred for Dominican Republic assignments but is not required.
Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Work outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat.
- Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift.
- Lift and transport equipment up to 55 pounds.
- Work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as required by the baseball schedule.
- Safely perform duties in a fast-paced professional sports environment.
Organizational Requirements
- Demonstrates the ability to read, speak, comprehend, and communicate effectively in order to perform job duties and interact with coworkers.
- Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive fashion to all business partners, teammates, and the general public.
- Ability to build robust, professional relationships with teammates by demonstrating interpersonal skills, approachability, and a collaborative spirit contributing to a positive, respectful work environment.
- Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the role as outlined in the job description, which may include extended periods of sitting, standing, lifting, or navigating a multilevel ballpark.
- Adapts quickly and effectively to a fast-paced, dynamic, and diverse work environment.
- Ability to act according to the organizational values and service excellence at all times.
- Willingness to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
- Willingness to adhere to all Major League Baseball and Club policies.