Practicum and Internship
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning opportunities are designed to expose students to career possibilities as well as apply academic learning in the real world. Students obtain field-based experiences in selected exercise science related settings such as cardiac rehabilitation facilities, hospital wellness centers, physical therapy clinics, corporate wellness centers, fitness centers, research laboratories, university/professional athletic programs, etc. The experience is designed to permit the student to expand their level of knowledge of the field of exercise science as it applies to the specific setting.
EXS 296 - Practicum in Exercise Science
3 credit hours
Pre/co-requisite- EXS 223
All Exercise Science majors take EXS 296, a 3 credit-hour course where you to complete 150 observation hours in field of interest. You need to complete EXS 296 before your junior year.
EXS 496 - Internship in Exercise Science
6 credit hours
Pre-requisites- EXS 325, EXS 412,
Min 2.5 GPA
An Internship allows you to develop professionally through a work experience under the guidance of leaders in a field. This is a 6 credit-hour course that requires you to complete 300 contact hours at a site selected after consultation with your advisor. Ideally, this is taken in your last semester of study.
Start Here!
Semester Before Registration
BEFORE Priority Registration
Check TopNet for Course Details
- Find the instructor for the course you desire (296/496) in the term you wish to enroll and read the Syllabus-Handbook!
You pick your site! Anywhere in the USA! You are in full control of where you do your practicum, so long as it relates to the field of kinesiology!
- Visit Potential Practicum & Internship Sites to explore potential locations.
- Have an idea for a site that is not on the pre-approved list? No problem!
- Send the site information to the instructor of your 296/496 for pre-approval.
- Securing a site early ensures you meet course requirements on time. Late or incorrect submissions won’t be accepted.
Ready to Register?
Next Steps
On your Blackboard Site
These items are typically due the last Friday of the semester - Your instructor will confirm this date on the course Blackboard site.
HPSO Liability Info
- To obtain this insurance, go to hpso.com and click "Get a Quote" at the top of the page.
- The click "Student or Recent Graduate."
- For question #1 enter the appropriate information and identify as a student; for Professional Area of Study "Exercise Physiologist".
- Click continue, and on the next page click “Online Application.” (Applying on-line in much quicker than applying through the regular mail.)
- Submitted on Blackboard -
- You submit your insurance certificate (not your receipt of payment).
CPR/AED Info
- You are required to have a valid CPR/AED certification for the entire semester you
are in 296/496.
- This must include hands-on skills training.
- If you are in Safety 171... you will indicate this in your Blackboard submission. It is OK if you do not have it when you submit your other paperwork.
- If you need to obtain or renew your CPR/AED certification you can contact Dr. Whitley
Stone for more information (whitley.stone@wku.edu).
- Know you need to renew, sign up here!
IT IS OK if you do not have your CPR/AED certification in hand when you submit your other paperwork. Just indicate how you plan on having it before the start of your hours (e.g., SFTY 171 or Dr. Stone's class during finals).
Please note that obtaining this certification does not take the place of SFTY 171.
Practicum Site and Supervisor Info
Info on how to submit this will be on your 296/496 Blackboard.
Assumption of Risk Form
Form is found on your 296/496 Blackboard. Download, print, sign in blue ink!
- Submit to your Blackboard site.
- Dr. Mark Schafer (EXS 296) & Dr. Scott Arnett (EXS 496)
- Summer registration Opens March 3 (varies by class standing)
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You do not need to meet with your advisor to register for summer courses.
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Register when it is your turn to register.
- Dr. Sarah Scali (EXS 296) & Dr. Rachel Tinius (EXS 496)
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Registration Begins March 24
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Meet with your advisor prior to your priority registration date.
Browse Past Internship and Practicum sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Start planning early! You must communicate with the site's supervisor to get approval to observe at their location before you enter the semester.
Can't find a site on the list? No problem! Identify a site (e.g., in Bowling Green, Louisville, in your home town) and tell your WKU faculty member about it:
- Name, location, site supervisor, and general duties you will perform.
You can start collecting hours on the first day of the term you are enrolled in. For the specific date, visit WKU's Academic Calendar to identify the first day of the term.
Want to be listed as a pre-approved internship site? Contact Dr. Mark Schafer (mark.schafer@wku.edu) with:
- Site supervisor name and credentials
- Facility name and location
- How the site relates to the field of kinesiology or exercise science
- How students would learn at the facility
Before the semester
- Students will likely approach your designated site supervisor and request to earn their hours at your facility. You are welcome to have a formal interview process if you desire.
- If you agree to host a student, be prepared to complete paperwork in a timely fashion (within 3-5 days of presentation) and honor your agreement to the student hours (e.g., 150 or 300 hours).
During the semester
- The student should be able to observe a professional supervisor or mentor on site during their hours. It is certainly understandable that the student may work with peers from time to time, but their observation hours should be mostly under the supervision of a professional.
- Discuss the expectations you have with your student (what should they expect in terms of hours, work expectations, dress code, etc.)
- Help verify that the student is attending throughout the week according to the schedule
you established. If the student is arriving late, on their cell phone without permission,
or is acting outside your professional expectations, speak directly with the student
and communicate these concerns with the WKU faculty mentor.
- You are not responsible for tracking their hours, simply verifying their report each week.
- You will complete two evaluations: one is completed after half of the hours are complete and the other at the end of the term. Both will be emailed to you to complete on a digital platform. Keep in mind that the student is graded based on the completion of these assessments and their performance reflected on the surveys.
End of the semester
- Debrief with the student on their experience at your site. Ensure you complete the final evaluation form.
CPR/AED Certification
- If you need to obtain or renew your CPR/AED certification you can contact Dr. Whitley Stone for more information.
- Please note that obtaining this certification does not take the place of SFTY 171.
CPR Contact information:
Whitley Stone
Smith Stadium 1021
E-mail: whitley.stone@wku.edu
To see more information and sign up for the next CPR course, visit this Google Sheet.
The WKU Exercise Science Polo shirt should serve as your dress code UNLESS your Agency Supervisor requires another uniform.
- Address and Phone number can be located via the web address below. Contact Blue Cotton
- You will purchase a Black Polo with the UNDERGRADUATE EXERCISE SCIENCE logo for around $18.00 + tax.
- You are representing WKU, the EXS program, and yourself. Your professional conduct and dress should meet the highest of standards. Comfortable shoes are fine---no flip flops or sandals!
