PT/ PTA Clinical Education
Welcome to Our Clinical Education Program!
At Sports Med, we are committed to advancing the next generation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants through high-quality, hands-on clinical experiences. Our team is proud to support students in their professional journey by offering mentorship, real-world learning, and a collaborative environment that fosters growth and confidence. NMSMC currently affiliates with the following schools but welcomes contracts with students from other universities.
PT affiliates
Andrews University
Central Michigan University
Grand Valley State University
Mt. St Joseph University
Oakland University
St Ambrose University
Trine University
University of Michigan Flint
Western Michigan University
PTA affiliates
Baker College – Owosso – Muskegon – Royal Oak
Delta College
Kent State University
Mid Michigan College
Why Choose Sports Med for Your Clinical Experience?
- Diverse patient population across multiple clinics
- One-on-one mentorship with experienced PTs
- Exposure to orthopedic, post-surgical, and sports rehabilitation
- Culture of learning, support, and collaboration
- Lead patient education
- Surgical observation with local orthopedic surgeons
- Practice interview skills with company clinic manager
- Develop virtual presentation skills to clinical staff
- Attend professional development in-services
- Housing available
A Look at Our Clinics –
Our students gain a broad perspective working with a dynamic team of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, athletic trainers, and aides. Our students will be assigned to one clinic with one to two clinical instructors. (CI)
Contact Information
If you’re a DPT student, PTA student, or director of clinical education looking to learn more about our program, please contact:
Sandy Sparrow, PT
Site Coordination of Clinical Education
ssparrow@nmsportsmed.com
213-347-9300
Meet Our Current PT/PTA Students
We’re excited to welcome two new 3rd-year DPT students
My name is Jacob Milbrandt, and I’m originally from Springfield, Illinois. I graduated from Sacred Heart-Griffin High School where I played hockey and was honored to be selected as the team captain. My undergrad journey then took me to Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, where I majored in Genetics and Cellular Biology and picked up a minor in Chemistry along the way. Fun fact, I was awarded the “Senior Award in Genetics and Cellular Biology” my junior year of undergrad!
Currently, I’m in the final stretch of getting my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and I’m set to graduate in December 2025. This upcoming clinical at NMSMC, will be second time there! I did a shorter rotation with them last October, and it was a fantastic experience. I have already completed my inpatient neurology and acute care neurology rotations in St. Louis, Missouri, so I’m excited to get back in the OP world of PT> I’ll be working with Jeff Smith and Sandra Sparrow as my clinical instructors, and I’m looking forward to jumping back in.
When I’m not in the PT clinic, you can find me outdoors or watching sports. I’m a huge sports fan(playing and watching), you can pretty much always get me talking about the Detroit Lions, St. Louis Blues, or anything else sport-related. I’m excited to bring my passion for the movement and my background in both science and athletics to this final clinical experience!
Hi, my name is Tristan Tollas, and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Northern Arizona University. I’m originally from the small town of Arcosanti in the Arizona desert, but I also have roots in northern Michigan where my father grew up in Charlevoix. I will be graduating in Winter 2025 and have a strong interest in sports rehabilitation and neuro acute care. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, camping, soccer, traveling, cooking, going to the gym, and finding new ways to stay active. I’m excited to continue learning from the incredible team of physical therapists here at Northern Michigan Sports Medicine!