The primary goal of the internship or practicum experience is to provide students with the opportunity for a professional, directly supervised, hands-on and/or observational experience in a kinesiology related field. Students will be involved in professional or career related environment which enables them to display, apply, and practice previously learned classroom and laboratory knowledge and skills in Kinesiology.
The goals and objectives of the internship are decided upon by the site supervisor and student and reviewed by the Kinesiology Internship Coordinator to ensure they match the student’s academic and professional goals. The objectives may range from observation to hands-on experience as appropriate for the setting. Observational experiences are appropriate in settings, such as medical service or therapy clinics, where limits are placed on student participation.
INTERNSHIP TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
I. Physical Therapy/Clinical Observation sites:
- Observation/shadowing of therapists, doctors, physician assistants or other medical providers during treatment and evaluation
- Greeting and escorting patients in the rehab area/medical office
- Set-up and take-down of equipment
- Observation and assistance to therapists in monitoring patient exercises
- General clerical and filing
- Cleaning and maintenance of the rehab area
II. Fitness Facilities:
- Observation/shadowing of fitness professionals
- Completion of any necessary training/orientation period
- Performing fitness assessments
- Supervising the exercise floor
- Prescribing exercises to clients under the guidance of a fitness professional
- Leading group exercise classes
- General clerical and filing
- Cleaning and maintenance of the fitness facility and equipment
- Completion of any special projects, incentive programs, marketing, etc.
- Learning about business practices, marketing, inventory, membership policies
III. Sport and Coaching Settings:
- Assisting with daily operations/practices
- Sitting in on planning meetings
- Developing daily and yearly coaching/training plans
- Assisting with coaching duties
- Leading, teaching/coaching small groups during practices
- Working during competitions and games days
- Administrative tasks such as calls, filing, database management
- Communicating with stakeholders (athletes, parents, supervisors)