10 Physical Therapy Internships for High School Students
Physical therapy is a field within healthcare focused on helping individuals regain movement, manage pain, and improve physical function. It combines knowledge from anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and orthopedics to treat and prevent musculoskeletal issues. For high school students interested in pursuing physical therapy, gaining practical experience early is valuable.
Internships provide a great opportunity to apply theoretical concepts, observe treatments, and interact with professionals. These experiences offer insight into different career paths within physical therapy and help build foundational skills for future studies. To help you get started, here are 10 physical therapy internships for high school students, each offering hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring physical therapists.
1. UMass Amherst Kinesiology: Pathway to the Medical Professions Pre-College
Location: UMass Amherst Campus, Massachusetts
Cost:
- $3,636 for the Residential program
- $2,167 for the Commuter program
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Dates: June 30 - July 13, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores through seniors are eligible to apply.
The UMass Amherst Kinesiology: Pathway to the Medical Professions Pre-College program offers a two-week exploration into the field of Kinesiology. Through a mix of lectures and hands-on lab experiments, you’ll study subjects like physiology, biomechanics, and metabolism. You’ll also explore medical career paths, such as nursing and physical therapy while gaining insights into fitness and nutrition.
In this program, you’ll learn about muscles and bones, assess your own fitness levels, and develop personalized fitness plans. You’ll gain practical experience with training techniques used by professionals and understand how nutrition impacts sports performance. The program also includes off-site fieldwork, giving you the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings.
2. Rutgers Pre-College Physical Therapy Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers–New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost: Varies by program format; details available on the official website
Application Deadline: May 16, 2025
Program Dates:
- Residential Session: July 13–19, 2025
- Commuter Session: August 4–8, 2025
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 16 to 18 by Summer 2025
The Rutgers Physical Therapy Summer Academy introduces high school students (ages 16–18) to the field of physical therapy through academic lessons and hands-on experiences. You will explore the Exercise Science major, tour Functional Human Anatomy Labs, visit the Rutgers DPT Graduate Program campus, and interact with professionals and current DPT students.
The program also guides you on undergraduate coursework and career opportunities in this growing field. Offered on the Rutgers–New Brunswick campus, you can choose between a residential program (July 13–19, 2025) or a commuter program (August 4–8, 2025). The academy emphasizes personal growth, networking, and practical learning.
3. Rehab 2 Perform Physical Therapy Internships
Location: Maryland
Cost: There is no cost to apply.
Application Deadline: The application deadlines vary depending on the cohort you apply for.
Dates: Program dates vary depending on the cohort you choose.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 2.8
The R2P Physical Therapy Internship is a comprehensive program designed to immerse students in the principles of progressive rehabilitation and sports performance. Participants will gain hands-on experience in R2P’s unique methodology, encompassing philosophy and science, assessment and program design, technology and tracking, as well as psychology and customer science.
Interns will shadow and assist physical therapists, observe patient care, and participate in practical in-services, tutorials, and seminars. You will also complete pre-internship readings to familiarize yourself with R2P’s philosophy and be active contributors to the R2P community while maintaining professionalism. The program emphasizes active learning through long-term projects and daily lessons tailored to specific performance-related topics. Interns receive detailed explanations of patient rehabilitation plans and goals, fostering a team-oriented approach to education.
4. Resilience Physical Therapy Internships
Location: Agawam, Massachusetts
Cost: There is no cost to apply.
Application Deadline: There is no application deadline specified.
Dates: There is no information available.
Eligibility: High school students
The Resilience Physical Therapy and Wellness (RPTW) Internship Program offers high school an internship experience in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Participants will gain hands-on exposure to evidence-based physical therapy practices, innovative recovery modalities, and advanced training techniques aimed at optimizing performance and enhancing patient care.
The program emphasizes a deep understanding of the RPTW methodology, including its philosophy and science, assessment and program design, and patient-centered care. Interns will observe and engage in real-world therapy sessions, learning to deliver quality care that supports recovery and improves patients’ quality of life. By the end of the internship, you will have developed a strong foundation in physical therapy principles, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to pursue further studies or careers in the field.
5. Wieber Physical Therapy Internships
Location: Faribault, MN
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: No application deadline is specified. Interested students can send an email to apply.
Dates: There is no information available.
Eligibility: High school students
The Wieber Physical Therapy Internship Program offers students a hands-on experience in a fast-paced orthopedic clinical setting. Interns get to manage a moderate caseload, gaining practical skills in patient evaluations, follow-up treatments, and time management. With guidance from experienced Clinical Instructors, you’ll will learn to assess functional outcomes, determine discharge criteria, and balance patient needs with regulatory and payer requirements. This comprehensive exposure helps interns develop a strong clinical foundation while mastering a variety of treatment techniques and specialties. Beyond clinical expertise, the program emphasizes professional growth, ethical decision-making, and maturity. Interns will refine their ability to make sound decisions, navigate complex situations, and uphold the highest standards of legal and moral conduct.
6. UMiami Summer Scholars Three-Week Credit Program
Location: UMiami Campus, Florida
Cost:
- $9,057 (Residential Program)
- $7,799 (Commuter Program)
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (Regular deadline)
Dates: June 30 - July 17, 2025
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors in high school with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The University of Miami’s Summer Scholars Program offers you the chance to explore innovative learning at a top research university. This three-week program allows you to dive into academic specialties taught by distinguished UM faculty. One of the courses in the program is Sports Medicine: Athletic Performance and Injury Management, which gives students a hands-on introduction to the fields of sports medicine and exercise science. Participants will learn to identify and manage common sports injuries affecting major joints and explore how nutrition, biomechanics, and training impact athletic performance. The course combines theoretical learning with practical experiences, such as athletic taping, bracing, and injury prevention techniques. Students will also gain insights into exercise prescription, proper nutritional habits, and their effects on health, performance, and longevity.
7. Abilities Abound Physical Therapy Internship
Location: Callao, VA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: There is no application deadline specified.
Dates: 2-4 months depending on your school schedule
Eligibility: High School Student with GPA of 3.0
The Abilities Abound Physical Therapy Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to the field of physical therapy. Designed for individuals eager to explore medical careers, this internship provides valuable insights into clinical, developmental, and administrative operations under the supervision of experienced professionals. Interns will assist with preparing treatment spaces, maintaining equipment, and performing basic patient care tasks within their training scope. You’ll also engage in research on clinical protocols and evidence-based practices, contributing to the development of effective therapy methods.
In addition to observing and supporting therapists during treatments, interns will handle responsibilities like scheduling, clerical duties, and inventory management. You’ll learn to administer therapeutic exercises, assist with modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, and ensure clean, organized workspaces. This program emphasizes professional behavior, customer service, and healthy lifestyle modeling, equipping students with practical skills, a deeper understanding of physical therapy, and preparation for future healthcare careers.
8. Boston Leadership Academy Intro to Sports Medicine
Location: Olin College, Greater Wellesley, MA, and Gann Academy/Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Cost: One-week tuition: $699 + One-week deposit to secure your seat: $250
Application Deadline:
Dates:
- Session 1: July 21 – 25, 2025
- Session 2: July 28 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: High school students interested in pre-med
If you’re curious about the science behind peak athletic performance, the Boston Leadership Academy’s Intro to Sports Medicine program offers a one-week deep dive into this fascinating field. Guided by experts with experience in biomedical sciences, you’ll explore topics like physical therapy, surgery, orthopedics, and concussion research. Throughout the week, you’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced techniques in rehabilitation and performance enhancement. This program provides insight into how medical methods aid recovery, prevent injuries, and improve athletic performance. If you’re interested in pre-med or sports science, this is a great opportunity to experience the world of sports medicine firsthand!
9. UCSD Research Scholars Sports Medicine Summer Academy
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2000
Application Deadline: Applications are currently closed. Applications for the 2025 cohort of Summer 2025 are expected to open in December 2024.
Dates: July 1 - July 26, 2025 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: Incoming 11th and 12th-grade students are eligible to apply.
The UC San Diego Sports Medicine Summer Academy offers an exciting opportunity to explore the dynamic field of sports medicine. Designed for incoming 11th and 12th graders, this intensive course includes interactive lectures, hands-on research, and the use of wearable technology to analyze wellness. You’ll study topics like anatomy, injury prevention, nutrition, mental health in sports, and career opportunities in sports medicine. Learning methods include lectures, group discussions, case studies, and personal research projects. With guidance from UCSD's leading sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, dietitians, and athletic trainers, you’ll deepen your understanding of musculoskeletal health.
10. Wake Forest University Sports Medicine Institute
Location: Wake Forest Campus, North Carolina
Cost: $3,400
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting from November 1st.
Dates: June 22 – 27, 2025 or July 13 – 18, 2025
Eligibility: Current 9th – 12th grade students
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Sports Medicine Program offers a deep dive into the world of sports medicine. Throughout this immersive program, you’ll explore topics like athletic training, concussions, knee and shoulder injuries, and regenerative medicine with guidance from top professionals.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through cadaveric dissections, arthroscopy, casting workshops, and a visit to the renowned Wake Forest Pitching Lab. The daily schedule includes interactive sessions, skills labs, and evening activities to enhance your learning. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of what it takes to keep athletes at their best.
Bonus! Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships.
If you are interested in interning with startups and nonprofits in sports medicine and physical therapy, consider finding them through Ladder Internships. This selective, virtual program allows students to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world across various industries. As part of your internship, you’ll work on a real-world project that’s important for the startup and present your work at the end. In addition to collaborating with your startup manager, you’ll also receive support from a Ladder Coach throughout your internship. Apply now!