Kinternships

Experiential learning opportunities for students are invaluable to their success and growth within the kinesiology profession. As leaders within the industry, you are essential to enriching the kinesiology profession by providing these opportunities. On this page you will find information on Experiential Learning Opportunities, Testimonials, Case Studies, and links to Universities that offer Experiential Learning Opportunities.

If you are interested in providing an experiential learning opportunity to kinesiology students or would like to learn more please click the button below to email the KEEN Team.

Contact the KEEN Team

Experiential Learning Opportunities

	What are experiential learning opportunities? Experiential learning opportunities can be referred to as placements, internships and co-operative education (co-op) employment. Generally, these opportunities consist of supervised, structured learning experiences in a professional setting that allow students to gain valuable work experience in a chosen field of study. Often, students are awarded credit and require the completion of a minimum number of hours that can take place during the fall, winter or summer months.
	A Quality Experiential Learning Opportunity Consists of: Pre-arranged part-time or full-time work that includes no more than 25% clerical or administrative duties Provides a clear job/project description for the work experience. Orients the student to the organization, its culture and proposed work assignment(s). Helps the student develop and achieve learning goals. Offers regular feedback to the student. *Please note that the expectations and roles of a placement opportunity varies based on the institution
	What do students expect? A mentor who provides guidance, feedback and insight into a profession A positive, understanding, and supportive learning environment Opportunities to apply their current skill sets towards meaningful responsibilities Exposure to work experiences that allow them to learn relevant skills, and professional pathways to grow within the industry Opportunities to develop professional contacts
	Benefits of Offering an Experiential Learning Opportunity: Gain new perspectives, ideas and enthusiasm that may improve your organization’s efficiency and effectiveness Contribute to training future professionals within the field Obtain access to highly motivated students who are receptive to learning opportunities and support various tasks Provide an opportunity to utilize students’ understanding of technology and social media within the workplace Allow you to utilize a cost-effective employment strategy
	Examples of workplaces that have provided Experiential Learning opportunities to Kinesiology students: Non-profit organizations Health and safety consultant firms Long-term care homes Family Health Teams Private and Public rehabilitation clinics Private and Public Educational Institutions Community Centres Military or Paramilitary Organizations High Performance Training Centres
	Examples of responsibilities that have been provided to Kinesiology students: Conduct biomechanical, fitness and functional evaluations Design and lead rehabilitative exercise sessions for specialized populations Suggest and demonstrate proper body postures and muscle movements to prevent injury in corporate settings Provide group presentations, one-on-one educational sessions and develop educational resources on relevant health topics Complete community outreach and data analysis Utilize relevant software to assist with patient flow and coordination Design exercise programs to improve athletic performance for recreational and competitive athletes

Testimonials

"I LOVE mentoring kinesiology students and let me tell you they are fundamental to our physio clinic! These placements provide students with essential authentic learning experiences, and I feel it is best practice as a health care practitioner to consistently train the future. The students themselves are phenomenal and by the end of placement they teach and modify clients’ exercises, perform certain modalities, improve their communication skills, develop professional therapeutic relationships with clients, and more! The BEST reward for taking on students, is when they reach out after graduation to share all the amazing things they end up doing, where some even insist their placement with me was influential to their career path and success!"

- Mabel Plourde-Doran, Manual Physio Solutions

"I am the Director of a wheelchair accessible exercise facility called POWER CORD (located in the Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-being), that provides exercise programming for people with neuromuscular disability. Kinesiology students are vital to our program as they not only design and supervise the exercise but perhaps more importantly, they build a genuine rapport with our members and foster the positive atmosphere and sense of belonging that is so important in the rehab process. Our exercise program could not exist without the energy, creativity, and dedication of these Kinesiology students who in turn, develop a confidence and bedside manner that cannot be taught in the classroom."

- Dr. David Ditor, Power Cord Accessible Exercise Facility

"Each year I have the privilege of supervising student Kinesiologist interns in our multidisciplinary Sports Medicine Clinic. I find this to be such a rewarding and valuable experience for both the students and me! Reviewing current best practices and therapeutic techniques with the students as they develop foundational clinical skills is a great reflective practice for me as a clinician. Patients also really enjoy taking part in the learning experience, providing valuable feedback to the student."

- Dan Caterini, Brock University

"I took on a Kinesiology intern to supervise my clients while completing exercise programs and help with treatments such as ultrasound and heat. My Kinesiology Intern provided social interaction for my clients while they completed their programs and was able to monitor for proper technique. The clients enjoyed the social interaction, and many brought baked goods for the intern. I was happy to provide an experience for the Kinesiology intern to help them navigate their future in the health care field."

- Aubrey Arnocky, Martel and Mitchell Physiotherapy

"I have been working with Kin and Masters students for quite a few years. It has been a pleasure having them join our Team for part of their schooling. During their time with us they have grown and learned from our experienced trainers but also, they have shown their knowledge to our Rock Steady Boxing program. This program is for members and nonmembers with Parkinson’s. The students have learned a lot about working with people with Parkinson’s and have trained them with excellence. We have all worked together to bring them along with us in this program and I feel it broadens the student’s scope of practice for their futures. It has been a wonderful experience for us as a facility and for the students. I have hired a couple of the students so that should tell you how well we work with the Brock Kin and Masters program."

– Cathy Mills, Rock Steady Boxing Program

Case Studies

Case studies are additional in-depth testimonials from employers discussing the roles/responsibilities, outcomes, and benefits of taking on practicum students

Dr. Justine Blainey-Broker is a chiropractor and co-owner of the Justine Blainey Wellness Centre. She has taken on kinesiology students, chiropractic students, naturopathic students and physiotherapy students for placements at her Wellness Centre.... Read More.

Dr. David Ditor is the Director of the Power Cord Exercise Program, offering highly specialized exercise programming to individuals with neuromuscular disorders. He has provided numerous placement and work opportunities for students..... Read More.

Alex Falcigno is a Kinesiologist working at St. Joseph’s Health Centre as their Exercise Specialist and Team Lead within the Chronic Pain Management Program. He offers placement opportunities to students.... Read More.

Kinesiology programs that offer experiential learning opportunities:

Brock University	Lakehead University
Laurentian University	McMaster University
Ontario Tech University	Queen’s University
University of Guelph-Humber	University of Ottawa
University of Toronto	University of Waterloo
University of Windsor	Western University
Wilfrid Laurier University	York University
Nipissing University

If you are interested in providing an experiential learning opportunity to kinesiology students or would like to learn more please click the button below to email the KEEN Team.