About the role#
This internship takes place at Beyond Therapy, a program focused on helping people with neurological disorders improve their lifelong health. As an intern, you will work with patients who have spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, and other neuromuscular conditions. You will help assess fitness levels and create exercise programs to meet specific patient goals. This is an unpaid, on-site position requiring a 30-hour weekly commitment for Winter 2027.
What you'll do#
- Set up and break down equipment for patient sessions.
- Supervise and instruct fitness and wellness programs for special populations.
- Perform fitness evaluations and track patient progress against short and long-term goals.
- Develop individualized exercise prescriptions for persons with SCI, ABI, and other neuromuscular conditions.
- Provide submaximal, metabolic, and functional strength testing.
- Consult on safe exercise practices following guidelines from organizations like ACSM and NSCA.
- Educate individuals on healthy lifestyle choices, physical activity, and nutrition.
- Maintain a clean and safe environment while following Shepherd Center standards.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate program for Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
- Junior or senior status with eligibility to receive school credit for the internship.
- Proof of current CPR certification.
- Strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail.
- A reliable, punctual, and responsible work ethic.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physical tasks like squatting, kneeling, and crawling.
- Nationally accredited fitness certification (ACSM, NSCA, CSCS, ACE, NASM) is preferred.
- Previous experience with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, or vestibular disorders is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid internship. No housing is provided.
About Shepherd Center
Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1975, the facility specializes in medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord and brain injuries. It also treats conditions like strokes, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. The hospital maintains 152 beds and serves thousands of inpatients and outpatients each year.
How to get in at Shepherd Center
Applying early at Shepherd Center gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications before the volume of candidates becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials among the first. This timing often ensures your profile is seen before the pile grows. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the team directly. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles, allowing you to ask relevant questions or request a referral. Connecting with the right person often helps your application stand out in a competitive field.
