Developing a Quality Clinical Internship Program

Developing a Quality Clinical Internship Program is designed to be a resource for health/fitness professionals who are interested in optimizing their clinical training programs. In that regard, the DVD can help aid students in selecting an internship site for ACSM certification preparation and assist site coordinators in structuring a quality program, as well as guide faculty in developing a curriculum that appropriately prepares students for an internship and certification. Furthermore, the DVD also explains that clinical exercise-science students often complete an internship in a hospital-based program with multidisciplinary, ACSM-certified staff. As such, internship programs should be science-based and incorporate varied clinical experiences, including observing cardiac procedures; conducting stress testing; engaging in inpatient/outpatient exercise therapy; and participating in research and ancillary clinical programs (e.g., weight control), staff lecture series, and examinations. In addition, the DVD discusses why certified clinical exercise professionals can be a cost-effective complement to medical professionals.