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Exercise Science Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Fitness Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $17/hr

... exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education program and working towards a bachelor's degree preferred. • Prior part time work experience or an internship in the fitness industry preferred ...

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Limited exercise of judgment is required on details of work and in making preliminary selections ... Internship Job Family: Engineering/Science/Technology Product Service Line: Baroid Full Time / ...

Exercise Science Internship information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$26

$44

How much do exercise science internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise science internship in Iowa is $26.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $31.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Exercise Science Internship?

An Exercise Science Internship is a supervised practical experience where students or recent graduates in exercise science gain hands-on training in real-world settings. These internships typically take place in fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, sports teams, or health organizations, allowing interns to apply classroom knowledge to practical situations. Interns may assist with exercise testing, develop fitness programs, observe professionals, and interact with clients or athletes. The goal is to develop professional skills, build a network, and gain valuable experience that can help secure future employment in the exercise science field.

What is the difference between Exercise Science Internship vs Personal Trainer?

AspectExercise Science InternshipPersonal Trainer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in exercise science or related fieldCertification from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM often required
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, research labs, or fitness facilities for training and observationOne-on-one client sessions in gyms, fitness centers, or private settings
Industry UsageInternship programs for students or recent grads to gain experienceProfessionally certified individuals providing fitness training services

Exercise Science Internships focus on gaining practical experience in exercise physiology and research, often for students or recent graduates. Personal Trainers are certified professionals who design and implement fitness programs for clients. While both roles are related to fitness and health, internships are educational opportunities, whereas personal training involves direct client interaction and certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exercise Science Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Science Intern, you need a solid understanding of exercise physiology, anatomy, and assessment techniques, typically gained through coursework in an exercise science or related degree program. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise equipment, and data collection systems is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are important soft skills for collaborating with clients and professionals in diverse settings. These skills ensure effective client support, accurate data handling, and a positive learning experience in real-world fitness environments.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an Exercise Science Internship, and how do they contribute to my professional development?

During an Exercise Science Internship, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on activities such as assisting with fitness assessments, developing and supervising exercise programs, and observing or leading group training sessions. These practical experiences not only help you apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, but also allow you to build essential skills in client interaction, program design, and data collection. Collaborating with certified professionals and athletes will also give you valuable insights into different career paths within the field. This immersive exposure is crucial for building confidence and competence as you transition into a full-time role after graduation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Science Internship jobs in Iowa? For Exercise Science Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Exercise Science Internship jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Exercise Science Internship job openings:
Graduate Assistant Health and Human Performance (Sports Science; Part-time)

Graduate Assistant Health and Human Performance (Sports Science; Part-time)

Wartburg College

Waverly, IA

$34K - $44K/yr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Wartburg College
Title of Position
- Graduate Assistant Health and Human Performance (Sports Science; Part-time)
Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. Founded in 1852, Wartburg College is a selective liberal arts college internationally recognized for its community engagement and academic excellence.
The institution is at an exciting moment as it embarks upon “Our Brightest Days: Realizing Purpose, Leading Change,” the College’s new strategic plan. As indicated in the newly adopted vision statement, “Wartburg College is called to be the leading institution in education of the whole person. Together, we create an inclusive community combining diverse curricular and co- curricular experiences to prepare students to be resilient leaders of positive change through service in a complex world.”
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Human Performance Support amp; Coaching
  • Assist the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the design and implementation of training programs for various athletic teams.
  • Provide direct supervision of the weight room to ensure student-athlete safety, proper technique, and adherence to program protocols.
  • Assist in the administration of physiological and performance testing (e.g., force plates, GPS tracking, heart rate variability, or velocity-based training).
2. Data Management amp; Analysis
  • Lead the daily collection and cleaning of performance data.
  • Create visualization reports (dashboards) for the Director and Coaching staff to track athlete readiness, fatigue, and long-term development.
  • Assist the Program Director in gathering data for internal research or program-wide performance audits.
3. Administrative amp; Academic Support
  • Manage scheduling for the performance facility and assist with the maintenance and calibration of sport science equipment.
  • Serve as a peer-leader for undergraduate interns or student workers within the health and human performance department.
  • Assist the graduate studies faculty and staff with recruitment and outreach events.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field.
  • Must be enrolled in the prescribed MS in Sport Science courses each term.
  • Requires relevant experience with data software (e.g., excel, R, SPSS, JASP, Python) and familiarity with common human performance technologies.
  • Possession of (or immediate plan to sit for) a nationally recognized certification such as the NSCA-CSCS (other certifications will be considered).
  • Requires clear communication skills and desire to work with college-age students.
  • Candidate must have excellent project management skills, including flexibility, problem solving and leadership development skills.
  • Must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.00 while in the GA program.
  • Must meet the eligibility requirements for employment within the United States.
  • Must successfully complete a background screening.
Application Procedure:
Please upload the following by selecting the “Apply for this Position” below: 1) resume 2) a letter of interest including a statement regarding qualities within the context of the Wartburg College mission 3) contact information for three references.
For specific inquiries contact cameron.mackey@wartburg.edu. Please note before an offer of a graduate assistantship can be extended, a student needs to be fully admitted to the Master of Science in Sport Science. Application information can be found here and questions regarding the application can be sent to gradstudies@wartburg.edu. See www.wartburg.edu for further information about the college. Screening begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.