Real-World Learning
Our clinical experiences are an integral part of each student’s professional development.
These structured experiences provide opportunities for the student to apply theory, acquire professional skills and develop as a young professional. In addition, the supervised clinical experiences provide each student with an opportunity to gain an appreciation for the diverse operations of their individual placement settings and allow for a gradual, smooth adjustment into the role of a practicing professional.
HPEX Internship Program
Our internship program offers students a total of 600 contact hours at up to three unique clinical sites. Each student can select from a setting in either the public, private or commercial sector that corresponds to their degree concentration.
These clinical experiences are a valuable supplement to classroom instruction and are an essential component of the entire professional education experience. They prepare our students to be both professionally and clinically competent within their individual concentration’s scope of practice.
To learn more about the internship program, contact Jeffrey Diritto, coordinator of internship experiences, at jhdiritto@vcu.edu.
HPEX 395: Clinical Experience I
The goal of HPEX 395 is to explore personal values and career options under a qualified mentor in either exercise or health science. This is the first course in the internship sequence completed by each student.
The clinical experience begins with classroom instruction, followed by a period of observation with an approved clinical site, requiring a minimum of 120 contact hours that are completed during the semester.
HPEX 495 and 496: Clinical Experience II and III
The goal of HPEX 495 and 496 is to provide a focused experience with professionals in the exercise or health science field. These courses serve as the capstone to each student's degree, and offer students a more "hands-on" experience unique to their individual degree track and scope.
Students can enroll in both courses concurrently or during different semesters, completing a minimum of 480 or 240 contact hours (respectively) during the semester.