Navigating Kinesiology Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

The College of Kinesiology and Sport Science recognizes the importance of practical, applied learning. As a result, a significant portion of students are required to complete an internship, with many others opting to participate as well. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating kinesiology internships, covering everything from initial inquiries to on-site responsibilities.

Understanding the Internship's Purpose

The internship provides students with the opportunity to apply and integrate the cognitive knowledge and skills acquired in other Kinesiology courses in real-world settings. As a department, we are here to support you in this authentic experience as you begin to transition into your career field upon completion of the internship program and graduation. This course is designed to provide a supervised internship with an agency that closely mirrors your career aspirations in exercise science, wellness, coaching, and kinesiology and health science.

Key Contacts for Internship Guidance

Navigating the internship process begins with identifying the appropriate point of contact. Who should you contact if you need help or have questions? That depends upon your academic program.

For Kinesiology (EAHP, FAST, & ATRN): Contact Mr.
For Kinesiology (EXSS & CAAR), Sport Management, BAAS, and Sports COMM: Contact Mr.

Initial Steps: Confirmation and Application

Attention Student Interns: Students must complete an agency confirmation document before submitting an internship application. Student Interns, please complete the top two lines indicating which semester you will be interning. The supervisor must complete and sign the agency confirmation document (the student will upload it to the application). Once you have a placement confirmed and have the agency confirmation page signed, you may complete the application. I will review the application and approve or request more information. If you are unsure about which academic program you are in, contact your academic adviser for assistance.

Internship Timing and Exceptions

The internship should be completed during the junior or senior semester of the degree; however, under extenuating circumstances students may be granted an exemption to complete the internship in an earlier semester.

Enrollment and Course Registration

The courses are closed for registration. No - all who are approved will be able to enroll. Since enrollment is closed to everyone, only those who are approved by the internship coordinator are admitted. Students should be aware that the mandatory meeting must be attended to receive any paperwork for site selections. Please work with your academic advisor to register for this course necessary for your degree plan. They will check if you meet the requirements before enrolling on either course.

Finding the Right Internship Site

I have no idea where to start. We have internship meetings before registration every semester. You can attend or make an appointment with Dr. Kinesiology students will be guided by the Internship Coordinator of the Kinesiology department that has established collaborations with several internship sites. Each site provides slightly different learning experiences and exposure to different fields within Kinesiology. Once received, students are encouraged to do their research on each possible site to decide what sites will serve them best. Students will be asked to submit five sites according to their interest. The internship sites that the Department of Kinesiology offers already agreed to accepting interns, so no application process is needed. However, resumes may be requested by site supervisor since most internship sites have only a limited number of internship spots while student demand may be exceeding. Therefore, most sites conduct preliminary interviews with interested students and select the students they wish to work with.

Internship Hours and Duration

In the fall and spring, you would work 10 (KIN 4963) or 20 (KIN 4966) hours per week for 15 weeks. Students enrolled in the course must complete 150 or 300 hours of work experience at the internship site. The recommended standard hours to take would be 12 credit hours, which includes the internship course for Spring and Fall. KIN 4963/4966 is intended to give real life experience and teach job skills directly related to your desired career by immersing yourself into the professional work force in the final semester prior to your graduation.

Internship Goals and Objectives

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.

Common Internship Tasks and Responsibilities

Internship tasks and responsibilities vary depending on the placement site. Here are some examples:

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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

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