Clinical Internship Program Development In An Academic Cardiopulmonary Exercise Laboratory

PURPOSE: An initiative to formalize the exercise science academic requirements for university programs is in place and requires institutional program CAAHEP accreditation by 2027. Participation in a clinical internship and the hours required vary among college programs. This retrospective study performed on the cardiopulmonary internship (CI) program at a large Midwest pediatric hospital provides insight into clinical education and research skill development for undergraduate and graduate exercise science students. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of program metrics regarding the number of university affiliations, number of students accepted, completion rate, training and competencies, student academic level, associated student presentations, and program satisfaction for students completing the CI. RESULTS: Between 2012 to 2023, the program grew from 3 to 40 university affiliations. 143 students participated in the CI: 32 completed shadowing experiences, 90 were undergraduate interns and 21 were graduate interns. Internship hour requirements varied from 100 to 600 hours. Most students completed 350-450 hours. In 2012, the program enrolled 1 student per year. In 2013 the capacity expanded to 4 students per semester (spring, summer, fall). Internship students presented 38 poster/abstracts at regional conferences and seminars. Students achieved 99% completion of site-specific sign-off competencies in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including expanded requirements for cardiac rehabilitation begun in 2018. 98% of the student interns completed the program. CONCLUSION: The pediatric cardiopulmonary internship program expanded affiliate universities from both local and national institutions referring students to the internship program. Secondly, the cardiology program’s expansion into adult congenital patients, outreach sites, and development of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise prescription resulted in expanded lab team and facilities to accommodate increasing patient volumes. This resulted in the ability to increase intern numbers per semester and expand their preparation to enter the healthcare workforce. Skills and competencies obtained during the practicum experience may help to enhance academic curriculum to transition students into clinical opportunities.