KINES 495C is a three- to six-credit required course for students in the Exercise Science, Science Option within the Kinesiology Curriculum.
KINES 495C places students in the workplace with the expectation that the experience will allow them the opportunity to apply and integrate content from all the courses in the program. They will be placed at professional fitness centers, rehab facilities, senior centers, and wellness centers. They will learn the day-to-day requirements of being "on the job," such as time management, record keeping, client interactions, feedback delivery, fitness program establishment and implementations, business and management practices, as well as ethical considerations. The practicum will provide as many hands-on experiences as is practical based on the internship site supervisor’s discretion. Ideally, students should follow the same work schedule as their on-site supervisor.
Practicums are evaluated on an ongoing basis with the student intern, on-site internship supervisor, and/or faculty member involved in the process. Internships can be completed either on- or off-campus.
Students must complete 180 hours (four credits) or 270 hours (six credits) of hands-on experience in that field.
Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: KINES 100, KINES 101, KINES 200, KINES 202, KINES 295B, and fifth-semester standing. This course is offered annually as the last course in the major.
Enrollment for this course is with permission only. To enroll for this course at Penn State Altoona, you must contact Tracey Elkin at [email protected].
Practicum Placement
Pre-Practicum Procedures: All arrangements must be completed prior to the start of the internship. It is the responsibility of the student to make initial contact with the agency or organization to inquire about the possibility of being accepted as an intern. If the organization is willing to accept the student, the campus faculty coordinator will then finalize the arrangements. The correspondence will include the following:
- General information about the practicum,
- The practicum placement contract is to be signed by the organization’s on-site supervisor, and
- An evaluation form is to be completed by the supervisor at the completion of the practicum.
The student is responsible for arranging an interview if distance permits. If this is not possible, the student must contact the organization via phone to discuss with the on-site supervisor the expectation of the organization and the conditions of the internship. During the site interview, the student is required to review the practicum contract with the agency supervisor, discuss completing the required hours of observation (three-six credits = 135-270 hours), and address any immunizations/tests needed to comply with agency policies, and/or CPR/First Aid certification.
All students are required to obtain Professional Liability insurance.
Students are not permitted to select various sites/change sites within a given term.
