Fall 2026 Exercise Physiologist Intern

About Shepherd Center


With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.


Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.


The Intern 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

Job Responsibilities:

• 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.

Required Minimum Education:

• Currently attending a post-secondary program
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate exercise science or related major program at an accredited college or university (sports medicine, kinesiology, athletic training, etc.)
• Junior or senior student that has met their requirements to engage in an internship. Must be for school credit.

Required Minimum Certification:

• CPR certification.

Required Minimum Experience:

• N/A

Required Minimum Skills:

• Communication
• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivated

Preferred Qualifications:

• Nationally accredited fitness certification (ACSM, NSCA, CSCS, ACE, NASM)
• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury Stroke, Concussion and Vestibular Disorders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail

Physical Demands:

• Ability to and consistent with lifting 50 lbs or more.
• Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling physical requirements.

Working Conditions:

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

Housing/Stipend

• Housing or any form of compensation will not be provided.
• Students will be required to secure housing prior to starting an internship if they are not able to commute from their current residence.