Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Kinesiology Intern Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Kinesiology Intern Assistant is an integral part of the clinical support team, working under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, Kinesiologists, or Chiropractors. This role is designed to provide aspiring professionals with hands-on experience in a patient-care environment. The primary purpose is to facilitate a smooth and effective treatment process by assisting with patient-guided exercises, preparing treatment areas, and maintaining a safe, organized clinical space. This position serves as a crucial bridge between academic knowledge in human movement science and its practical application in a real-world rehabilitation setting.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Current undergraduate student in a Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related program.
Pre-Physical Therapy or Pre-Occupational Therapy track student.
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in a relevant health science field.

Advancement To:

Admission into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) program.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).

Lateral Moves:

Rehabilitation Aide or Physical Therapy Technician.
Medical Scribe in an orthopedic or sports medicine practice.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist licensed therapists in delivering high-quality patient care by guiding individuals and groups through prescribed therapeutic exercise regimens.
Instruct patients on the correct form, biomechanics, and technique for various exercises and functional movements to ensure safety and maximize therapeutic benefit.
Observe patient responses to treatment and exercise, promptly reporting any significant changes, pain, or difficulties to the supervising clinician.
Prepare treatment areas for upcoming patient sessions, ensuring all necessary equipment, such as weights, bands, and balance tools, is clean and readily accessible.
Set up, adjust, and operate therapeutic equipment and modalities, including electrical stimulation units and ultrasound, under the direct guidance of a licensed professional.
Provide clear and concise verbal cues and tactile feedback to help patients achieve proper body alignment and muscle activation during exercises.
Diligently monitor the clinic floor to manage patient flow, ensure a safe environment, and provide timely assistance as needed.
Meticulously clean and sanitize treatment tables, gym equipment, and hydrotherapy areas between patient uses to maintain strict hygiene and infection control standards.
Accurately document patient exercise logs, flow sheets, and other clinical data in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system as directed by the supervising therapist.
Engage with patients in a professional and encouraging manner, building rapport and fostering a positive, motivating atmosphere conducive to recovery.
Assist in the application of passive modalities, such as hot packs and cold packs, ensuring patient comfort and safety protocols are followed.
Demonstrate and explain home exercise programs to patients, providing them with written and visual aids to support their continued recovery at home.
Support therapists during patient evaluations and assessments by preparing necessary tools, recording measurements, or assisting with patient positioning.
Manage the laundry and linen supply for the clinic, ensuring a constant stock of clean towels, gowns, and pillowcases for patient use.
Escort patients to and from the treatment area, providing assistance with mobility and transfers as required, while ensuring their safety and dignity.

Secondary Functions

Perform a variety of administrative duties, including answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, and managing patient check-in and check-out processes.
Contribute to the maintenance of clinic inventory by tracking supplies, such as therapeutic bands, tape, and lotions, and notifying management of reordering needs.
Participate in clinic meetings, in-service training, and educational opportunities to enhance knowledge of kinesiology and rehabilitation principles.
Assist in the creation and assembly of patient education materials, home exercise program handouts, and other clinical resources.
Shadow licensed clinicians during complex patient treatments and evaluations to gain a deeper understanding of clinical reasoning and decision-making processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Strong foundational knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
Proficiency in instructing and demonstrating therapeutic exercises with correct form.
Familiarity with the setup and purpose of common physical therapy modalities.
Basic competency with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or other clinical software for data entry.
Valid CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.

Soft Skills

Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills to build rapport with patients and collaborate with staff.
A high degree of empathy, compassion, and patience when working with individuals in pain or distress.
Meticulous attention to detail to ensure safety, accuracy in documentation, and a clean environment.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities to manage patient flow and multiple tasks simultaneously.
A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a strong desire to learn and contribute to a positive clinical culture.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor's degree program.

Preferred Education:

Completion of at least two years of undergraduate study or a recently conferred Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology / Exercise Science
Pre-Physical Therapy / Health Sciences
Athletic Training
Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 1 years. This is an entry-level/internship role.

Preferred: Previous volunteer or work experience in a physical therapy clinic, hospital, fitness center, or athletic training room.