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Exercise Science Internship Jobs in Portland, OR

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Exercise Science Internship information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$30

$50

How much do exercise science internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise science internship in Portland, OR is $30.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $35.96 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Science Internship jobs in Portland, OR? For Exercise Science Internship jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Science Internship jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Science Internship jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Exercise Science Internship jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Exercise Science Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Internship job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,543 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Occupational Therapist -Adult Acute - Relief

Occupational Therapist -Adult Acute - Relief

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$46.71 - $64.12/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
The purpose of this position is to function as a member of the Rehabilitation services patient care team by providing occupational therapy services such as ADL training, energy conservation, splint fabrication for upper extremities, exercise, sensory integrations and perceptual/cognitive training to assist patients in improving their function at home and in the community. Treatment also includes patient/family education, and various herapeutic procedures to assist patients in improving function, strength, endurance and functional mobility. Therapists evaluate each appropriately referred patient, establish treatment goals and objectives, develop and implement the treatment plan, and assist in the process of discharge planning and post-hospital placement. Therapists are expected to supervise therapy interns, assist with other educational research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital standards regarding documentation and productivity. This position may include weekend shift rotation.
Relief: This position requires availability 4 shifts per 2 week pay period, with 2 of those shifts on weekends, as determined according to the Employer's need.
Function/Duties of Position
Evaluation and Caseload Management
  • Prioritizes patient care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
  • Evaluates patients to determine appropriateness of referral
  • Identifies rehab potential, establishes treatment goals specific to the scope of acute care rehabilitation, including functional outcomes, quantitative measures and target dates
  • Develops treatment plans to achieve identified goals
  • Documents evaluations in patient's medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR's and third-party payer criteria
  • Enters accurate codes for services performed and bills time in patient care accurately
  • Provides consultation in a time-efficient manner for patients, specific to care area; requesting orders and/or providing guidance to the patient's team regarding activity or prevention of complications

Provides skilled rehabilitation treatment
  • Prioritizes care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
  • Performs and documents skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and caregiver/patient/family education
  • Monitors and adjusts treatment plans specific to patient progress
  • Fabricates and adjusts splints to meet patient needs
  • Communicates patient needs and promotes carryover of strategies, precautions, etc. with nursing and other caregivers
  • Updates recommendations to team regarding continuing rehabilitation needs and plan as patient's condition and situations warrant
  • Directs, supports and provides supervision as required for COTAs, aides and volunteers
  • Develops and enhances patient care program and patient outcomes in specialty area
  • Documents treatment and other patient contacts in patient's medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR's and third-party payer criteria.

Clinical Education
  • Provides evidence-based clinical instruction experiences and supervision for OT students
  • Ensure student completion of weekly goals; identifies and facilitates achievement of affiliation objectives
  • Provides regular feedback and completes evaluations on schedule
  • Participates in the supervision and training for students from other disciplines

Service
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service and communication skills in all interactions with patients and family, including both telephone and face-to- face situations
  • Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff
  • Addresses complaints and problems promptly and courteously, involving management when indicated
  • Communicates with patients, families, and other healthcare team members in a timely and cost-efficient, courteous manner.

Care Coordination
  • Collaborates with patient, family, and medical team in multidisciplinary patient rounds, ensuring a common level of understanding of the patient's rehabilitation needs, and providing recommendations for rehab after discharge
  • Requests patient/family conferences as appropriate, and participates in conferences representing department, heightens awareness of and advocates for rehab needs of patient
  • Enhances patient safety both during and after hospitalization by assisting the team in problem-solving, including but not limited to vision, ADL, and cognition impairments
  • Provides feedback and educates physicians, fellows, residents, and other health care providers about rehabilitation (including but not limited to medical necessity for skilled rehabilitation services and appropriate referrals and expectations for rehab outcome and intensity at various levels of care)

Required Qualifications
  • Completion of an occupational therapy educational program that is recognized by the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board
  • BLS Certification
  • Limited Permit or Oregon occupational therapy license must be obtained at the time of appointment.
  • BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
  • Current State of Oregon Occupational Therapy License

Preferred Qualifications
  • Acute hospital, SNF, inpatient rehab experience or student affiliation

Additional Details
  • Inpatient hospital environment
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs, repeatedly carry equipment weighing more than 5 lbs and walk extensively on hard and soft surfaces. Frequent bending and reaching to navigate medical equipment or perform treatment is required. Must have knowledge of inpatient medical environments and equipment such as oxygen, ventilation, respiratory apparatuses. Requires ability to respond quickly and appropriately to urgent medical situations that may arise.

Benefits:
  • Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  • Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
  • Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
  • 8 paid holidays per year
  • Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
  • Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887