Internship Description

Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. Join us in our mission to help people with a temporary or permanent disability, rebuild their lives with hope, independence, and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.

Beyond Therapy® is a rigorous, activity-based program designed to help people with a variety of neurological disorders improve lifelong health, minimize secondary complications, and get the most from any new neural links to their muscles.

JOB TITLE
Exercise Physiologist Internship

POSITION SUMMARY 
As an Exercise Physiologist Intern at Beyond Therapy®, you will assist in assessing the physical fitness of patients, who have a spinal cord injury (SCI), acquired brain injury (ABI), and/or other acute and chronic conditions, including wellness members, to determine current strength and endurance, and devise individualized exercise programs tailored to meet needs of specific goals.  

Internship Prerequisites:

• Proof of current CPR certification
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate exercise science or related major program at an accredited college or university (sports medicine, kinesiology, athletic training, nursing etc.)
• Junior or senior student that has met their requirements to engage in an internship. Must be for school credit.
• Good work ethic, responsible, punctual, and reliable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to and consistent with lifting 30 lbs or more.
• Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling physical requirements.

Responsibilities will include: 

• Assisting in set up and break down of equipment for patient sessions.
• Assisting in supervision and instruction of fitness and wellness programs for special populations in a healthcare setting. 
• Performing fitness evaluations, developing short- and long-term goals and tracking progression of individuals in the program. 
• Developing individualized and specific exercise prescriptions for persons with SCI, ABI, and other neuromuscular conditions. 
• Providing submaximal exercise testing, metabolic testing, and functional strength testing.
• Administering consultations on safe and effective exercise within the guidelines established by governing bodies, such as ACSM and NSCA, for both able-bodied and special populations.
• Demonstrating and promoting healthy lifestyle choices and educating individuals on the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating.
• You are also responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe and clean environment and adhering to Shepherd Center’s standards of behavior.