1 answer
Addilyn
Student
Kuna, Idaho
1
Question
Updated
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As a high school senior, how do I find the best internships for my future career and degree?
I want to go into kinesiology/physical therapy in college. One of the best things to get a good job in physical therapy is by doing internships, but it's difficult to find good internships that will help me have the best experience and teach me the most possible. #Spring2026
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Jane Akinyemi
Lecturer
36
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Addilyn,
You’re thinking exactly the way you should. Most high school seniors don’t even realize they can start building a physical therapy résumé this early, so you’re already ahead. The truth is, you can absolutely get started now, and it’ll give you a big advantage once you start your kinesiology or DPT journey.
Here’s the most straightforward way to find real internships or shadowing experiences as a high school senior aiming for physical therapy. Honestly, the easiest place to start is with shadowing. Clinics usually don’t offer formal internships to minors, but they’re almost always open to letting students observe, shadow, or volunteer. These early clinical experiences look great on college and DPT applications.
You can find these opportunities at local PT clinics, sports medicine centers, orthopedic rehab clinics, hospital outpatient PT departments, and even athletic training rooms in high schools or colleges. Just walk in and say something like, “I’m a high school senior interested in physical therapy. Do you allow student observers?” You’ll be surprised how often the answer is yes.
Since you’re interested in working with athletes, you should focus on sports-related settings. Strength and conditioning gyms, CrossFit boxes, sports performance centers, youth sports clubs, high school athletic departments, and college athletic training rooms genuinely love motivated students. You can help with things like warm-ups, equipment setup, recording stats, and assisting coaches. That’s hands-on movement science and invaluable experience.
Don’t forget about healthcare volunteer programs, either. Hospitals often run programs for teens and students, where you might help with patient transport, rehab department support, wellness programs, or community health outreach. Even if it’s not strictly PT, it still counts.
As for finding these gigs, check platforms like Handshake (once you’re in college), Indeed (search for “physical therapy volunteer” or “rehab aide”), LinkedIn, VolunteerMatch.org, and local hospital websites. If you spot a listing for adults, email them anyway, motivated students often get exceptions. And remember to ask your school counselor or coaches; they usually know alumni who are physical therapists, clinics that accept students, or sports teams needing extra help.
Honestly, making the first move is the hardest part. Once you do, doors tend to swing open.
Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Exercise Physiologist
You’re thinking exactly the way you should. Most high school seniors don’t even realize they can start building a physical therapy résumé this early, so you’re already ahead. The truth is, you can absolutely get started now, and it’ll give you a big advantage once you start your kinesiology or DPT journey.
Here’s the most straightforward way to find real internships or shadowing experiences as a high school senior aiming for physical therapy. Honestly, the easiest place to start is with shadowing. Clinics usually don’t offer formal internships to minors, but they’re almost always open to letting students observe, shadow, or volunteer. These early clinical experiences look great on college and DPT applications.
You can find these opportunities at local PT clinics, sports medicine centers, orthopedic rehab clinics, hospital outpatient PT departments, and even athletic training rooms in high schools or colleges. Just walk in and say something like, “I’m a high school senior interested in physical therapy. Do you allow student observers?” You’ll be surprised how often the answer is yes.
Since you’re interested in working with athletes, you should focus on sports-related settings. Strength and conditioning gyms, CrossFit boxes, sports performance centers, youth sports clubs, high school athletic departments, and college athletic training rooms genuinely love motivated students. You can help with things like warm-ups, equipment setup, recording stats, and assisting coaches. That’s hands-on movement science and invaluable experience.
Don’t forget about healthcare volunteer programs, either. Hospitals often run programs for teens and students, where you might help with patient transport, rehab department support, wellness programs, or community health outreach. Even if it’s not strictly PT, it still counts.
As for finding these gigs, check platforms like Handshake (once you’re in college), Indeed (search for “physical therapy volunteer” or “rehab aide”), LinkedIn, VolunteerMatch.org, and local hospital websites. If you spot a listing for adults, email them anyway, motivated students often get exceptions. And remember to ask your school counselor or coaches; they usually know alumni who are physical therapists, clinics that accept students, or sports teams needing extra help.
Honestly, making the first move is the hardest part. Once you do, doors tend to swing open.
Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Exercise Physiologist