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About Athletic Training

Citrus College Athletic Training Department Mission Statement 

The Citrus College Athletic Training Department is committed to delivering high-quality, culturally responsive, and evidence-based healthcare services that prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of every student-athlete. Through excellence in sports medicine, we strive to promote optimal performance while supporting the long-term physical, mental, and emotional wellness of our student athletes. 
Our mission is to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where student-athletes can achieve their highest potential both on and off the field. We believe the benefits of athletic participation are maximized when student-athletes are supported by a collaborative, compassionate, and highly skilled athletic healthcare team. 
The Athletic Training Department is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care through injury prevention, emergency preparedness, clinical evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play decision-making. By utilizing current evidence-based practices, maintaining the highest standards of clinical competency, and embracing continuous professional development, we ensure that every student-athlete receives exceptional care throughout the continuum of injury management. 
We are committed to addressing the needs of our student-athletes, coaches, and campus community with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Every member of the Athletic Training Department strives to uphold the highest ethical and legal standards of the athletic training profession while fostering meaningful relationships built on trust, communication, and compassion. 
The Citrus College Athletic Training Department proudly adheres to the principles and standards established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Code of Professional Practice and remains dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, advocacy, and service. 

Student Athletic Trainer Internship

The Student Athletic Trainer Internship provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience while exploring the profession of athletic training. Volunteers work alongside Certified Athletic Trainers, Team Physicians, and Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) students in a dynamic collegiate athletic environment. Through observation, mentorship, and supervised participation, volunteers develop essential interpersonal and professional communication skills while gaining practical insight into the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. This experience fosters a deeper understanding of sports medicine and helps prepare students for future educational and career opportunities in athletic training and other healthcare professions.

Be a Student Athletic Trainer - Click Here

Citrus College Athletic Training Staff

Valencia Hamilton

Scott Norman

Jose Sanchez

Sports Medicine Team

Rishi Garg, MD - Orthopedic Team Physician

Jay Shah D.O. -  Family Medicine 

The Citrus College Athletic Training Department is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based sports medicine services that support the overall health, recovery, and performance of our student-athletes. Our approach to recovery extends far beyond simply stretching or foam rolling. We believe that true recovery is a holistic process that encompasses an athlete's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 
Recovery is influenced by many factors, including proper sleep, nutrition, hydration, stress management, movement quality, and individualized rehabilitation. Our goal is to educate student-athletes on these principles while providing the tools and resources necessary to help them perform at their highest level and recover safely from injury. 
Our Athletic Training Clinic offers a variety of recovery modalities, including:
 
Hot and Cold Whirlpool
TherapyTherm-X Therapy Unit
NormaTec Compression Systems
Cupping Therapy
Hypervolt Percussion Therapy
 
In addition to these recovery services, our Athletic Training Department provides individualized, in-house rehabilitation programs designed to safely return injured student-athletes to participation. Each rehabilitation program is developed and supervised by our certified athletic training staff using evidence-based practices and is tailored to the specific needs of the student-athlete. 
To ensure comprehensive medical care, our Team Physician conducts a weekly Injury (FALL SEMESTER ONLY) Clinic on campus, allowing student-athletes timely access to physician evaluations, injury management, referrals, and return-to-play recommendations while maintaining close collaboration with the athletic training staff. 

Eligibility for Athletic Training Services 

To receive evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, or recovery services through the Athletic Training Department, all student-athletes must: Have a valid Pre-Participation Physical  on file with the Athletic Training Department. 

AND

Have a completed SportsWare profile, including all required medical history, emergency contact information, and supporting documentation.

Pre-Participation Physicals

All student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics at Citrus College are required to complete a Pre-Participation  Examination (PPE) before participating in any practice, workout, or competition.

Free On-Campus Physicals 

Each summer, the Citrus College Sports Medicine Department provides FREE on-campus pre-participation physicals for all incoming student-athletes. Physicals are conducted by our Team Physician and medical staff to ensure every student-athlete is medically cleared for athletic participation. Physical dates are scheduled on designated dates throughout the summer. Each athletic team is assigned a specific date and time, which is communicated directly to the coaching staff. 

If You Miss Your Scheduled Physical

If you are unable to attend your team's scheduled on-campus physical, you are responsible for obtaining a physical examination before participating in athletics.For your convenience, Integrative Urgent Care, located near Citrus College, offers discounted $35 sports physicals when you bring the official Citrus College Pre-Participation Physical form to your appointment. 

Outside Physicals

Student-athletes may choose to obtain their physical examination from their own healthcare provider. However, the physical must: 

Be performed by one of the following licensed medical professionals:

Medical Doctor (MD)

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Nurse Practitioner (NP) 

Please Note: Physical examinations completed by a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) are not accepted and will not satisfy Citrus College's participation requirements. 

 

Important Reminder

A completed Pre-Participation Physical is only one part of the medical clearance process. Student-athletes must also complete all required SportsWare documentation and any additional medical requirements before they will be cleared to participate. 

Important Forms and Information

As a student-athlete at Citrus College, all are required to complete a pre-participation physical. Below are the forms for the physical, including information on our concussion management program. Citrus College and most California Community College Athletic Association colleges adhere to the NCAA concussion procedures. For more information on the NCAA Concussion Policy, click here. 

2026-27 Pre-Participation Physical Form

Citrus College Concussion Management Plan

Insurance

It is highly recommended that every student-athlete provides his or her own insurance coverage as the primary source of payment for athletically-related injuries. Citrus College provides medical injury insurance of a secondary nature for medical expenses of athletically-related injuries from practice, competition, or travel-related practice or competition. This applies to all injuries, including but not limited to, orthopedic, dental, optical, and others.

Nutritional Supplements and Banned Substances

Citrus College Athletics does not advocate the use of nutritional supplements. Companies producing supplements are not strictly regulated, nor are their products strictly monitored by the FDA. Before using any supplement, review the product with Sports Medicine personnel or the team physician. Additionally, for those considering a transfer to an NCAA institution please refer to Bylaw 31.2.3 of the NCAA Manual lists of banned substances that may compromise your future eligibility. 

Additional Resources

Physical Form

Concussion Fact Sheet

Injury Clinic Monday Afternoons with Dr. Shah

Follow us on Instagram @CitrusCollegeSportsMedicine