Exercise Physiology Lab

Internship

The Exercise Physiology Lab offers exercise and health science students an opportunity to gain meaningful hands-on experience in Boston Children’s leading pediatric healthcare setting. With our clinical exercise physiology internship, students develop the skills and confidence they will need for a future in exercise physiology while fulfilling their college program’s clinical training hours requirement.

What is the clinical exercise physiology internship all about?

The internship provides hands-on experience with acquired and congenital heart disease (CHD), pediatric and adult exercise testing protocols, and patients’ physiological responses to exercise. Interns also participate in Boston Children’s Cardiac Fitness Program, gaining practical experience in exercise training and prescription for patients.

Guided by skilled clinical exercise physiologists, interns also:

Learn how to collaborate with patients and health care staff
Become familiar with the interpretation of cardiopulmonary test data
Enhance their critical thinking and communication skills

How long is the internship and where is it?

The internship is designed for students who are completing a 200- to 400-hour internship requirement. It can last up to 15 weeks (internships are offered three times per year) and has a commitment of at least two on-site days per week, typically 8 to 10 hours per day. The schedule allows interns to fully engage with patient care and the daily operations of our exercise physiology team. The internship is based at the main campus of Boston Children’s Hospital, although options for one of our satellite locations are available. All internship positions are unpaid.

What does a clinical exercise physiology intern do?

Weeks 1–2 (getting started): If you participate in the internship, you will progress from foundational learning to independent clinical practice. You’ll start by focusing on lab orientation, goal setting, heart anatomy, electrocardiogram (ECG) basics, and exercise testing protocols.
Weeks 3–4 (building your foundation): You will then build hands-on skills in ECG preparation, blood pressure measurement, and stress testing, and you’ll participate in cardiac fitness sessions.
Weeks 5–6 (gaining confidence): As your confidence grows, you will apply these skills directly with patients — preparing them for testing, interpreting their ECGs, learning metabolic and spirometry testing, writing reports, and developing individualized exercise prescriptions (plans).
Weeks 7–8 (taking the lead): You will take a lead role by reviewing charts, selecting testing protocols, identifying ECG rhythms during exercise, and leading cardiac fitness sessions with supervision.
Weeks 9–10+ (putting it all together): By the end of the internship, you will be able to confidently perform core clinical skills. You’ll have developed valuable experience in clinical exercise testing and training.

Who qualifies for an internship?

Because the internship is designed as an academic learning experience, it must be part of a college or university program and provide academic credit. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s level exercise and health science or related program. Prior clinical experience is not required, but a strong academic foundation in exercise science and a genuine interest in the clinical field are essential.

When are applications accepted?

An internship will align with your school’s academic calendar. Here is the application timeline:

Fall internship (September to December): Application review and interviews take place between mid-April and the end of May.
Spring internship (January to May): Application review and interviews take place between mid-September and the end of October.
Summer internship (late May to August): Application review and interviews take place between mid-January and the end of February.

Internship inquiries with a cover letter and resume can be sent to the Internship Coordinator/Supervisor and Senior Exercise Physiologists Rachel Losi at Rachel.losi@cardio.chboston.org and Katie Cameron at Catherine.cameron@cardio.chboston.org.