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Mississippi University for Women

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Kinesiology Internship Policies

Revised: January 2019

Purpose of the Internship

The internship is designed to provide the student with a capstone experience and observation in

fitness and/or rehabilitation setting. The internship should meet the following objectives:

1. To require an active learning experience to supplement the traditional lectures of an

educational curriculum.

2. To provide an assessment of the student’s development in the use of general and

professional knowledge and skills.

3. To use external professionals in assessing the effectiveness of the student’s

performance and preparation.

Role of the Student

1. Complete all forms for placement.

2. Obtain and show proof of liability insurance (if required by the internship site).

3. Follow the administrative policies of the internship site.

4. Obtain professional liability insurance if required by the site.

5. Be responsible for arriving and reporting to the designated individual at the specified

time. If the student will not be at the designated location at the specified time, he/she

must notify the on-site supervisor (or designated individual) and the internship

supervisor.

6. Dress appropriately for the work experience. The student will be expected to maintain a

conservative and professional personal appearance at all times. Flip-flops, cut offs, t-

shirts and sweatshirts with holes in them are not considered acceptable.

7. Complete all of the assignments specified as the requirements of this course and any

other activities deemed appropriate by the on-site supervisor.

NOTE: If a Student must be removed from a site for any reason, the highest grade a student

will be able to receive will be a B. If a student must be removed twice within one semester,

he/she will automatically receive a grade of F (or WF if he/she chooses to withdraw from the

class).

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Role of the Internship Coordinator/University

1. Assist the student in locating an appropriate internship site and approve internship site

placement.

2. Communicate with the internship site to monitor the student intern’s progress.

3. Communicate any relevant information regarding the internship to the student intern.

4. Make any adjustments necessary, which could include removal of the intern from the site.

5. Award academic credit and a final grade upon completion of the program.

Role of the Onsite Supervisor

1. Orientation of the student intern: The first days on the job should be spent in orientation.

The exchange of information should be beneficial to both parties in that the student will

be given a complete introduction to the overall expectations of the on-site supervisor.

2. Communicate with the university internship coordinator regarding the program and/or the

intern’s progress.

3. Provide facilities and resources for students’ participation and/or observation as permitted

by the facility.

4. Afford the student the course-related training opportunities that resemble on–the-job

duties of a regular employee whenever possible.

5. Complete and submit to the university internship coordinator, the intern evaluation form,

including an overall grade recommendation, at the completion of the internship.

General Internship Information

In an attempt to ensure that the internship experience is a successfully experience for everyone

involved certain prerequisites and procedures have been designed. The student must meet the

prerequisites and follow the correct procedure before he/she will be allowed to enroll in the

internship course.

Prerequisites

KIN 416 Internship – Apparently Healthy Setting

It is preferred that all Kinesiology program coursework is completed prior to the

internship, students must meet the following requirements:

Overall GPA of 2.0 or above (some sites require a higher GPA for

placement) and successful completion of the following courses:

KIN 316 Practicum in Kinesiology

KIN 361 with lab – Physiology of Exercise w/lab

KIN 390 Anatomical Kinesiology

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Placement Procedures

1. Meet all prerequisite requirements.

2. Obtain permission from academic advisor to enroll in one or more of the internship

courses.

3. Contact the preferred internship site to ensure that there is internship position available

during the desired term.

4. Complete and return the placement form and other appropriate documentation to the

Department of H&K administrative assistant by the end of the advising period during the

term prior to the internship

Evaluation and Grading

The student’s grade will be determined by the completion of the minimal required number of

hours (240), and the following:

1. On-site Supervisor Evaluation– At the completion of the internship, the on-site supervisor

will complete the Kinesiology Internship Evaluation Survey and suggest an overall grade

for the intern.

2. MUW Internship Coordinator – The MUW Internship Coordinator will award the final

grade based on the following:

a. Site Supervisor evaluation including the overall grad recommendation.

b. Successful completion of 240 contact-hour at the internship site.

c. Completion of the Weekly Activities Discussion Board in Canvas.

d. Evaluation of two case studies regarding two different clients/patients encounters

at the site.

e. Evaluation of the internship presentation at the end of the term.

f. Completion of the Program Assessment Exam.

g. Completion of the Program Satisfaction Survey.

NOTE: If a Student must be removed from a site for any reason, the highest grade a student

will be able to receive will be a B. If a student must be removed twice within one semester,

he/she will automatically receive a grade of F (or WF if he/she chooses to withdraw from the

class).

Explanation of Requirements

Completion of 240 Contact Hours at the Internship Site – This is the most important component

of the internship. The intern should use the timesheet provided to document the weekly contact

hours. The site supervisor should verify the contact hours each week by initialing the timesheet.

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1. Completion of 240 Contact Hours at the Internship Site – This is the most important

component of the internship. The intern should use the timesheet provided to document

the weekly contact hours. The site supervisor should verify the contact hours each week

by initialing the timesheet.

2. Orientation Assignment - After the orientation with the on-site supervisor, the student

will provide a detailed written summary of the orientation session. The summary should

include duties, site procedures, expectations, limitations, etc. The student will have the

summary signed and dated by the on-site supervisor and will be turned in to the faculty

supervisor by the end of the first week of the internship experience. The Orientation

Assignment should be the first post in the Weekly Activities Discussion Board.

3. Weekly Activities Discussion Board - Each intern will be assigned a discussion board

thread where he/she should provide a weekly summary of activities. This could include

observations, problems, techniques or your own personal growth as a professional.

4. Completion of Two Written Case Studies – The intern will select two clients/patients

from the internship site as his/her “cases.” These clients/patient exercise/rehabilitation

program and objectives will be documented according the case study guidelines provided.

5. Presentation – Each intern will make a 10 to 12 minute professional oral presentation of

internship experience that will occur during the final exam week. The presentation

should be well organized and should include audio-visual materials (transparencies,

PowerPoint, video, hand-outs, etc.). A suggested outline for the presentation is included

in the appendices of this document.

6. Program Assessment Exam – Each intern will complete the Program Assessment Exam.

This is a 100 multiple choice question exam that assesses knowledge of the content

presented during the entire Kinesiology program. It is delivered in Canvas. Interns will

have three attempts to pass (70% or better) the exam for full credit.

7. Program Satisfaction Survey – Each intern should complete the Program Satisfaction

Survey, which provides feedback information to the Kinesiology faculty in order to make

improvements in the Kinesiology programs. It is delivered in Canvas.

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Appendix

Placement Form

Insurance Verification Form

Evaluation Form

Timesheet

Presentation Rubric

Suggested Outline for the Presentation

Example Case Study

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Placement Form

MUW Department of Health and Kinesiology

KIN 416 Internship Placement Form (attach resume)

Internship Student should fill out the following:

Name: _________________ Age: Gender: _____ MUW ID: _____________

Home Address: __________

Phone: email:

Intended Semester of Internship: Fall Spring Summer 20___

Preferred Site:

Contact Person: __________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________

Email Address:___________________________________________________________

Employment History:

See Attached resume.

Have you ever been removed or dismissed from any position? If yes, explain:

What courses do you have left for graduation? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

By signing this document, I give my consent for this document to be reviewed by the Internship

Supervisor, On-site Supervisor, and any other authorized parties.

Student Signature Date

Faculty Advisor should fill out the following:

Overall GPA:

Student Advisor Date

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Insurance Verification Form

Student Name:

Intended Semester of Internship:

Name of Insurance Company:

Policy Number: Amount of Coverage:

Effective Date of Coverage:

Coverage Termination Date:

Student Date

Student Advisor Date

Internship Supervisor Date

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Office Use Only Survey Sem. ______Survey #: _____ Date: ________ By : _________

INTERNSHIP SURVEY Mississippi University for Women

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Program ____________________ Place of Employment ______________________________

Name of Intern ______________________Length of Employment ____________________

Part I 4= Strongly Agree,3 = Agree, 2 = Disagree, 1 = Strongly Disagree, NA = Not Applicable

A. Attendance and Punctuality 1. Arrives to work prepared and on time, with few absences 4 3 2 1 NA 2. Proves to be responsible when completing assigned tasks 4 3 2 1 NA

B. Professionalism, Judgment, and Attitude

1. Exhibits self-direction and responsibility for actions 4 3 2 1 NA 2. Demonstrates compassion for the client/patient; maintains confidentiality 4 3 2 1 NA 3. Exhibits enthusiasm and interest toward work 4 3 2 1 NA 4. Establishes and maintains good rapport with co-workers 4 3 2 1 NA 5. Recognizes the value of teamwork and functions well as a member of the team 4 3 2 1 NA 6. Exhibits a strong sense of ethical behavior 4 3 2 1 NA 7. Is receptive to constructive suggestions or corrections 4 3 2 1 NA 8. Responds calmly and effectively under pressure 4 3 2 1 NA 9. Observes rules of safety 4 3 2 1 NA 10. Adjusts well to new tasks and situations 4 3 2 1 NA 11. Participates in continuing education and professional development 4 3 2 1 NA 12. Demonstrates problem-solving skills 4 3 2 1 NA C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrates a working knowledge of the following principles: 1. Exercise Physiology and Related Exercise Science 4 3 2 1 NA 2. Pathophysiology and Risk Factors 4 3 2 1 NA 3. Health Appraisal, Fitness and Clinical Exercise Testing 4 3 2 1 NA 4. Electrocardiography and Diagnostic Techniques 4 3 2 1 NA 5. Patient Management and Medications 4 3 2 1 NA 6. Exercise Prescription and Programming 4 3 2 1 NA 7. Nutrition and Weight Management 4 3 2 1 NA 8. Human Behavior and Counseling 4 3 2 1 NA 9. Safety, Injury Prevention, and Emergency Procedures 4 3 2 1 NA 10. Program Administration, Quality Assurance, and Outcome Assessment 4 3 2 1 NA

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Part II

4= Strongly Agree,3 = Agree, 2 = Disagree, 1 = Strongly Disagree, NA = Not Applicable

1. In general, this intern was adequately prepared for an entry-level position 4 3 2 1 NA 2. Given the opportunity, I would hire a graduate from this program 4 3 2 1 NA 3. The intern works independently 4 3 2 1 NA

4. Did this intern complete 240 contact hours at your facility? Yes No 5. What grade do you recommend for this student in his/her internship? A B C D F Part III Identify the intern’s strengths. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Identify the intern’s weaknesses _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

What suggestions for improvement in training of future graduates would you like to make? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Name and Title of Evaluator______________________________________________________________ Signature__________________________________________ Date _________________________

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Internship and Observation Time Sheet

Student: __________________________________________

Site: _____________________________________________

Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total Initials

Total

I confirm that this is an accurate account of this student’s internship or observation hours.

____________________________________________ ______

Signature Date

_____________________________________________

Title

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General Information

Presentation – The presentation should be a 10 to 15 minute professional oral presentation of the

student’s special project. The presentation should be well organized and should include audio-

visual materials (transparencies, PowerPoint, video, hand-outs, etc.). You should come

professionally dressed. This does not necessarily mean a shirt and tie or church clothes, but you

should not be in shorts or old jeans either.

Suggested Outline

I. Organization Structure/Operations

A. Profit/Non-profit

B. Staff

C. Staff Qualifications

D. Common Therapies

E. Patient Load

F. Other

II. A day in the Life

A. What did you do each day routinely?

B. Likes/Dislikes

III. Interesting Patients/Clients

A. Your Case Studies

B. Others you found interesting.

IV. Special Project Info

A. What did you do?

B. What else could be done?

V. Overall Experience

A. Good?

B. Bad?

VI. Application of HK Coursework

A. Did you use what you learned in coursework (examples)?

B. What was missing from your coursework (examples)?

VII. Application of Skills

A. What skills that you learned in the program did you use?

a. BP

b. CV testing

c. Body Comp

d. Etc.

B. In what skills did you seem to be deficient?

VIII. Anything else you want to talk about.

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Internship Presentation Rubric

Student’s Name

1 2 3 4

Organization Not organized Some

organization

Mostly

organized

Very organized

Clarity Not clear at all Confusing Somewhat

understood

Very easily

understood

Information Too much

irrelevant

information

Some irrelevant

information

Generally

relevant

All information

was relevant

Quality of

Visual

Aids/Handouts

No visual

aids/handouts

Irrelevant or

poor quality

(hard to read)

Visual

aids/handouts

were relevant

and of good

quality

Visual

aids/handouts

were well

prepared and

creative

Overall

Presentation

No enthusiasm

or not well

prepared

Prepared, but

read the entire

presentation

Prepared and

presentation

was not

completely read

Very well

prepared,

creative, and

enthusiastic

Appearance

Appearance

(attire) was

completely

inappropriate

for a

professional

presentation

Appearance

was not the best

for a

professional

presentation

Appearance

sufficed for a

professional

Presentation

Appearance

was completely

appropriate for

a professional

presentation.

Comments:

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Case Studies

A case study provides a written examination of a single individual (case). They are typically

presented in the narrative and attempt to create a clear picture of the current health status and

health history of the individual involved. It should also include implications for exercise and a

specific exercise prescription. Common components of an exercise case study include:

Demography. Case studies usually begin with demographic information. Age, race, gender,

occupation, marital status, and any family history of disease should be included.

Medical History. Information regarding medical history should include a brief summary of the

current health status of the individual. Are there presently any signs or symptoms of disease?

What medications is this individual currently taking? This section should also include a

summary of former medical issues. Has this individual had previous medical complications that

may include surgery or other procedures used to treat disease. Does this person have any injuries

that may prevent them for participating in exercise?

Behavior and Risk Factor Issues. What behaviors doe this individual exhibit that may have an

effect on his/her health status. Do they smoke? Are they under a lot of stress at work? Are they

currently inactive? Do they generally eat healthily?

Physical Examinations and Laboratory Tests (if available). What is this individual’s BMI,

BF%, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose tolerance (etc.)?

Exercise Test Results. What are the results of any exercise/fitness testing (if available)? What

is the current fitness level in terms of aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance,

flexibility and body composition? If specific test results are not available, you may include the

individual’s perception of their current fitness level.

Exercise Prescription. The exercise prescription should begin with the specific goal(s) of the

exercise program. The components of the exercise prescription should be modified to reflect the

overall goal(s) of the program. For instance, if the goal of the program is weight loss, the FITTs

should reflect high caloric expenditure. The exercise prescription should also include any

concerns for exercise that should be noted. The exercise prescription can be presented in table or

narrative form. I

(example on back)

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Example Case Study

Ms. B. is a 38-year-old part-time cashier and mother of two children, ages 8 and 12. Motivated

to lose weight for her 30-year high school reunion, she started an exercise program 3 months ago

and is now walking for 20 minutes three times a week in the mornings before going to work. She

has returned to provide an update on her progress and to obtain any adjustments in her exercise

prescription that may be necessary.

Ms. B is generally healthy. Her original fitness test indicated poor CV fitness and average

muscular strength and endurance. She has a history of prehypertension, evidenced by BP

measurements of 135/85 mm Hg on several separate occasions. Her BMI two months ago was

28. She has a history of high cholesterol levels and takes a “statin” to help keep her cholesterol

within normal limits. She takes no other medications and does not smoke. She has no injuries

that would affect her exercise prescription. Her father has high blood pressure and survived an

MI at age 60 years. Her family history is negative for diabetes and cancer.

Ms. B has lost 7 lbs since her last visit 3 months ago, which moves her BMI to 27. Her BP

reading is currently 130/80 mm Hg. She seems pleased with her progress, but she shares that it

is sometimes difficult to fit the exercise in along with working and taking care of her family.

She also is concerned because most of her weight loss occurred within the first six weeks of her

program, and although she has maintained her weight loss, she wants to lose approximately 10

more lbs.

The overall goal of her exercise program is to continue her weight loss, keep her BP under

control, and improve her lipid profile. The following exercise prescription is recommended:

Mode Frequency Intensity Duration Comment

Aerobic Increase to 4

times per week

Remain at 50 -

70% of VO2 res.

Increase to 40

minutes

Goal is to increase

caloric

expenditure. Add

5th day if possible.

Strength 2 X/week Moderately heavy 10 – 12 reps on 8 –

10 exercise

Use DBs at home

to preserve lean

mass.

Flexibility Include as of

warm-up

To slight

discomfort

10 – 30 secs. For

each major muscle

group

Least important of

the components

given the goals

There are no overriding concerns for exercise for this individual. The biggest difficulty will be

incorporating additional exercise into an already busy lifestyle. Exercising in the morning and at

home may help manage the additional exercise demands.

Modified from JAAPA, Vol. 18, NO. 2 February, 2005

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