Preschool Motor Group (PMG) Internship
Program Status
The Preschool Motor Group (PMG) internship is currently paused for the 2025–2026 school year.
If you are an undergraduate student in the Columbus, Ohio area and would like to be notified if the program resumes, please complete the PMG Internship Interest Form.
Prospective interns are also encouraged to follow us on Instagram for updates.
What Is the Preschool Motor Group (PMG)?
The Preschool Motor Group (PMG) internship is a hands-on, pediatric learning experience designed for undergraduate students exploring careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, education, and related healthcare fields.
Interns work under the supervision of a pediatric occupational therapist to support preschool-aged children through structured, play-based motor stations that promote foundational skills such as balance, postural control, coordination, and movement tolerance. The internship emphasizes experiential learning, teamwork, reflection, and professional growth rather than volume of hours or task completion.
Since 2018, more than 100 undergraduate students from The Ohio State University, Capital University, and Otterbein University have completed PMG internships.
Who This Internship Is Best Suited For
The PMG internship is best suited for students who:
- Are thoughtfully exploring pediatric healthcare or education careers
- Have prior experience working with young children (e.g., babysitting, camp counselor, coaching, student teaching)
- Enjoy active, hands-on environments and collaborative teamwork
- Are reliable, adaptable, and open to learning through observation and guided practice
Previous OT or PT experience is helpful but not required.
Learning Opportunities
Depending on role and program availability, interns may have opportunities to:
- Observe and support evidence-based pediatric motor interventions
- Develop an understanding of typical and delayed motor development in early childhood
- Gain exposure to clinical reasoning and treatment planning
- Practice professional communication and teamwork in a healthcare setting
- Learn how play-based motor programs support long-term academic and self-regulation skills
Time Commitment & Format
When offered, PMG internships typically include:
- 2 required in-person training sessions prior to the start of the program
- A 10-week, in-person motor group, usually held on Wednesday mornings
- Full attendance and punctuality are essential due to the team-based nature of the program
Specific dates and logistics are shared only with selected interns.
Internship Tracks
PMG internships may be offered in two formats:
- PMG Internship – the standard hands-on internship experience
- PMG Leadership Corps – an advanced opportunity for returning or highly qualified interns seeking deeper leadership, planning, and mentorship experiences
Availability varies by year and is offered selectively.
Academic Credit (Limited Availability)
All PMG internships are unpaid volunteer positions. In some cases, internships may be eligible for academic credit depending on the student’s university and program requirements. Academic credit arrangements are limited and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation for OT/PT or other graduate programs are not guaranteed. Eligibility to request a letter is limited to interns who complete the PMG Leadership Corps and demonstrate exceptional performance, professionalism, initiative, and growth over time. Meeting minimum internship requirements alone does not ensure a strong letter of recommendation.
Next Steps
If you are interested in being notified when PMG internships resume:
- Complete the Internship Interest Form
- Follow On The Other Hand Therapy on Instagram for updates
Selected applicants will receive additional details if and when the program is offered.
Intern Testimonials from 2022, 2023, and 2024 Participants
It’s a great and rare hands on experience!
I would definitely recommend this internship to other students because it is very hands on and it is pretty rare to find and opportunity like this during undergrad to prepare you for grad school/a future career in OT/PT. I think it’s unique in the way that it is run and everyone was very kind and the kids were amazing to work with.
I would rate this experience a 11/10! I found all aspects of it to be inviting, informational, beneficial to my career goals, and fun!
I would definitely recommend this internship for anyone interested in OT/PT. It is a great way to learn more about pediatric occupational therapy, and it can really help you figure out if it is the right career path for you. Laura is extremely helpful and open to feedback, she wants to do her best to make sure it’s a positive experience for the interns and preschoolers.
I had an overwhelmingly positive experience from participating in the motor group internship. I learned so much about what it means to work within a pediatrics environment and also what it is like to work in an integrated team with people of varying interests and career goals. I am very grateful for the opportunity to further my connections and learn about my intended future career!
It was amazing. Such a great learning experience. I learned so much and was able to have more hands-on experience than ever before. This internship truly made me see OT in a new light. I learned so much information I had never learned before and Laura did such a great job providing us the framework to succeed.
I would absolutely recommend this internship. It has been a genuine pleasure to be a part of. The hands-on experience that you get working with the children is unparalleled. On top of that you also get exposure to the more business side of OT through the independent learnings as well as planning the activities. Also, the supervisor (Laura) really cares about each and every intern and makes sure that everyone is getting as much out of the experience as possible.
I would absolutely recommend this internship. Everyone here was very helpful and welcoming. I was able to gain a better understanding and strengthen my interest in OT and it was an overall great experience. Laura has been so helpful and kind. She has helped expand my knowledge and experience regarding OT.
© 2026. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy