Internships at On The Other Hand Therapy
Current Internship Opportunities
How to Express Interest
Who This Is Best Suited For
Learning Opportunities
Time Commitment & Format
Academic Credit
Letters of Recommendation
Next Steps

Internships at On The Other Hand Therapy

Since 2018, more than 150 undergraduate students from The Ohio State University, Otterbein University, and Capital University have completed in person internships with On The Other Hand Therapy. An additional 12 virtual interns from all over the country have assisted with projects. Interns have represented a range of majors, including biology, health sciences, psychology, and global health, with many on pre-OT, pre-PT, pre-PA, or pre-SLP tracks. Many former interns have gone on to entry-level doctoral or master’s programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and related healthcare fields.

Internships at On The Other Hand Therapy are designed to provide meaningful exposure to pediatric occupational therapy, disability-informed care, and work with the upper limb difference (ULD) community. Experiences emphasize learning through observation, reflection, and project-based contribution rather than volume of hours alone.

Opportunities vary by season and by program, and placements are offered selectively based on fit, availability, and current project needs.

Current Internship Opportunities

Internship availability varies by year and by program. Some opportunities are in-person, some are virtual, and some include a combination of both. Internships are volunteer learning experiences.

Students who are interested in future opportunities are encouraged to complete the Intern Interest Form and follow On The Other Hand Therapy on Instagram for updates.

In-Person Internship: Preschool Motor Group (PMG) Internship (currently on pause)

The Preschool Motor Group (PMG) internship is an in-person experiential learning opportunity for undergraduates interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or related fields.

Interns receive training in child development and then help deliver a 10-week motor skills program for preschool-aged children during the school day at participating preschools. The program consists of weekly 40-minute developmental motor labs designed to support core strength, coordination, sensory processing, and foundational motor skills that contribute to later academic, emotional regulation, and athletic success.

The majority of participating children are typically developing, with a small number identified as having or being evaluated for special needs.

At this time, the Preschool Motor Group (PMG) program is on hold.
Students are welcome to indicate interest through the Intern Interest Form so they can be notified if the program resumes in the future.

Virtual Internship: Pediatric OT + Upper Limb Difference (ULD) Internship

This virtual internship combines project-based pediatric occupational therapy learning with content development and education related to upper limb differences.

Interns work directly with me on a variety of professional projects, which may include:

• developing educational materials for families
• creating or refining parent handouts and resources
• contributing to presentations or training materials
• supporting website content and educational initiatives
• assisting with social media content related to pediatric OT and ULD topics

This internship is best suited for students who are self-directed, reflective, and interested in pediatric disability, family education, and lifespan perspectives on care.

Please note:
Availability for this internship varies, and interest does not guarantee placement. The virtual internship cohort is sometimes full, but students are encouraged to register interest so they can be contacted if opportunities open in the future.

How to Express Interest

Students who would like to be considered for future internship opportunities may complete the Intern Interest Form. This form allows On The Other Hand Therapy to gauge interest and reach out if and when appropriate opportunities become available.

Following On The Other Hand Therapy on Instagram is also recommended, as internship updates are shared there when applicable.

Who This Is Best Suited For

These opportunities are best suited for students who:

• are considering careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or related health professions
• are interested in pediatric care, disability, and family-centered practice
• value reflective learning and mentorship
• are comfortable working independently on projects and following through on commitments
• are curious, thoughtful, dependable, and open to feedback

Internships are not a good fit for students seeking guaranteed placement, stipends or payment for hours, fixed-hour requirements, or primarily observation-only experiences.

Learning Opportunities

Depending on the internship format and current projects, students may have the opportunity to:

• observe and reflect on pediatric occupational therapy practice and clinical reasoning
• learn how developmental motor, sensory, and functional skills support children’s participation across home, school, and community settings
• explore a lifespan perspective on disability, with particular attention to upper limb differences
• contribute to educational materials for families, clinicians, and students
• gain exposure to professional writing, resource development, and public-facing education
• learn about the realities of running a small, mission-driven private practice
• observe how an occupational therapist with limited hand function and chronic overuse uses accommodations, adaptations, and energy conservation to sustain meaningful work

Learning experiences are tailored to the intern’s interests and the current scope of work.

Time Commitment & Format

Time commitment varies by internship type and by season.

• Virtual internships are project-based and flexible, with expectations discussed in advance.
• In-person opportunities, when available, require reliable transportation and the ability to participate fully during scheduled hours.

Internships are intentionally limited in size. Availability may be restricted during certain times of year, and not all interested students will be offered placement.

Academic Credit (Limited Availability)

While some students have previously used their internship experience with On The Other Hand Therapy to fulfill academic credit requirements, at this time, availability for academic-credit internships is limited and considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors include supervision capacity, university requirements, time commitments, and overall fit. Students seeking academic credit should be aware that credit-bearing internships typically require a significant time investment and structured documentation as well as ability to work independently.

Letters of Recommendation

I am happy to write letters of recommendation for graduate school applications for students I have worked with closely and over a sufficient period of time to write a strong, detailed letter.

• Letters of recommendation require approximately 60 hours of meaningful participation, including consistent communication, completed work, and demonstrated engagement.
• For Preschool Motor Group (PMG) internships, only students who complete the PMG Leadership Corps are eligible to request a letter.
• Completing basic internship requirements alone does not guarantee a letter of recommendation.
• If I feel that I cannot write a strong letter, I will communicate that directly so students have the opportunity to improve their performance or seek another reference.

Next Steps

Students who are interested in future internship opportunities should complete the Intern Interest Form. Submitting the form does not guarantee placement, but it allows me to learn more about your interests and reach out if an appropriate opportunity becomes available.

Following On The Other Hand Therapy on Instagram is also recommended, as updates about internships and educational opportunities are shared there.

©2026. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy. All rights reserved.

The post Undergraduate Internship Opportunities appeared first on On The Other Hand.

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:

1. Complete the Internship Interest Form
2. 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. All rights reserved.

The post Preschool Motor Group (PMG) Internship appeared first on On The Other Hand.

My experience was great! I feel that I have a much deeper understanding of the specific motor skills behind OT practices. Unlike shadowing, I felt like I was working hands on, and truly understood the OT practices behind every activity I did.

It helped show me that not every child you work with is going to be easy and it has enhanced my patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills. I feel like I got a lot of experience and learning that I am able to apply to my future practices. I got a lot of hands-on experience which is not usually possible during OT undergrad learning experiences.

This internship has solidified my desire to be an occupational therapist, and I could really see myself working in pediatrics. I wanted to gain more hands-on experience within the field and that is exactly what I got. I have grown a lot with my confidence and just loved this experience and getting to spend time with the kids.

I would recommend this internship to other students interested in pediatric OT/PT placements. The internship provides lots of learning opportunities each week with the activities changing and focusing on different skills. The training provided is helpful, but it’s more of a “learn on the job” which I love. I think it’s a great opportunity to figure out if you’re truly interested in pediatrics, and OT or PT.

I was able to work with kids in a professional, yet very laid back setting where I was able to use skills I’ve learned in school and apply them in this professional setting where there was so much room for growth. I was able to figure out what teaching methods were best for me and best for the kids as well who were having trouble with the skills.

This experience helped strengthen my ability to observe/take notes while also keeping the child engaged. This is definitely something that I will be doing in this career so it was nice to start practicing it! Additionally, I was able to see and use what I have learned to do the activities.

I have always been interested in working with kids so this program further enhanced my experience and skills to promote a focused environment. Overall, it allowed me to multitask between kids and teach the common goal of each activity.

This experience outlined what it is like to work in a pediatric environment, which is an environment I am interested in pursuing as I continue my education to become a licensed PT. Also, this experience was very informative and it furthered my curiosity about motor abilities of children and also how our built environment impacts children’s ability to develop necessary motor skills.

I think this experience is incredibly valuable because in addition to obtaining observation hours, it is much more than that since you are directly involved in the therapy process and learn about the rationale behind each activity that is done in the motor group. The relationships that I have built with the kids that I worked with are amazing and it is so great to see their improvement week after week. There aren’t that many opportunities available for Pre OT/PT students where they get to have hands-on experience without extra certifications, so this is definitely an incredible opportunity.

This helped me gain experience in pediatric PT and helped me define the demographic I aim to work with and helped me to build my knowledge base so I can communicate better with clients’ parents.

This experience definitely exposed me to a side of OT that I hadn’t seen before, as I have only observed in clinical settings so far. This has helped me narrow down my professional interests. I have also made valuable connections, which I am sure will help me as I pursue my professional goals.

OT/PT internships are extremely hard to find and this internship offers you the opportunity to not only meet other prospective OT/PT students but also enables you to use your learning and skills in a clinical aspect that we don’t necessarily get in undergrad.

Leadership Corps

This was a very positive experience for me. I was able to learn more about pediatric OT and OT as a whole compared to the rest of the OT experiences I had been a part of. Being a part of the Leadership Corps allowed me to get even more in depth and improve my leadership skills.

I would recommend this internship to other students interested in pediatric OT/PT placements because the hands-on experience was extremely eye-opening and helpful. Being able to physically do the work instead of watching or shadowing is so much more helpful because you can see how you need to improve and what your strong suits are. Additionally, being a part of the Leadership Corps, my writing skills have drastically improved in regard to the planning and organizing aspects. Being able to work with other interns and help each other out was also a really good experience. This has helped me make more friends in my field and be able to help each other with other graduate school requirements as well.

One thing I found very helpful/interesting about this internship was the additional learnings. I learned so much more about how in depth PT/OT is and found myself learning something new each week. I think this internship just strengthened my perspective on the PT field and increased my desire to become a PT even more. 

This internship helped me grow personally by strengthening my creativity skills. It required a lot of new ideas and new ways of thinking and I’m glad that I got a chance to work on that skill since it’s not my strongest area. I was also able to strengthen my networking skills by talking with the other interns and learning about all the opportunities they were involved in.

My application to physical therapy schools was positively impacted by my involvement with On The Other Hand Therapy’s motor group Leadership Corps. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience from that internship, and as a result, I was able to use those learnings to produce thoughtful essay responses. I genuinely believe that working with Laura and the other interns enabled me to expand my perspectives and think creatively about physical therapy. I highly encourage any OT/PT student to apply if they are looking for a fun and educational experience!

© 2024. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy

The post PMG Intern Testimonials – 2022-2024 appeared first on On The Other Hand.

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 Intern Interest Form.
Prospective interns are also encouraged to follow us on Instagram for updates.

Overview

The PMG Leadership Corps (LC) is a selective internship experience for a small group of talented and motivated undergraduates seeking to enter the OT or PT profession. Through close work, mentoring, and in depth learning, students develop leadership and planning skills and practical application of knowledge. Getting to know students in greater depth enables me to offer mentoring and support during the graduate school application process. 

Eligibility

• Undergraduates who are interested in applying for the Leadership Corps are welcome and encouraged to apply (please see link below). 
• Priority for the Leadership Corps will be given to interns who have already completed the PMG internship and/or seniors and juniors (returning interns do not need to redo the PMG application). Students will be chosen on the basis of leadership experiences and personal qualities.
• Students interested in applying for the PMG Leadership Corps must complete the regular Preschool Motor Group Internship application AND the PMG Leadership Corps Application prior to the internship interview to let me know that they are interested.
• Students who are drawn to apply to the Leadership Corps often tend to be highly organized and heavily involved in extracurricular activities, which make them good leaders. 
• But due to the nature of the preschool motor group program, being on the leadership team requires a good deal of mental flexibility as well as time – 30 minutes to 2 hours weekly each week – to assist with various aspects of running the motor group. Since responsibilities may change over the course of the internship, it is not possible to outline every expectation prior to the start of the program.
• Ideally, students will be notified prior to the start of the program if they have been chosen for the leadership cohort. 

Time Commitment: Minimum 60 hours  

• 8 hours training time (assist with trainings)
• 40 hours over 10 weekly sessions running hands on stations with preschoolers
• Minimum 12 additional hours of:
  • 30 minutes to 1 hour weekly assistance to run the motor group (see responsibilities section below)
  • projects to develop leadership, understanding of treatment planning, and practical application of knowledge
• In the case of a motor group that runs in the fall (September-December), students will have the opportunity to complete projects by the end of January of the next calendar year. In the case of a motor group that runs in the winter (January-March), students will have the opportunity to complete projects by the end of June of the same calendar year.  

Helpful Qualities and Skills 

• Helpful qualities: adaptable, conscientious, creative, dependable, hard working, imaginative, inquisitive, motivated, self-reflective   
• Helpful skills: ability to take initiative and work independently, good communicator, ability to problem solve and think critically, experience working on a team, previous leadership experiences, ability to accept direction/constructive feedback
• Familiarity with Google docs, Google sheets, GroupMe, Canva, DropBox

Expectations & Responsibilities

The Leadership Corps members work as a team to run the motor group. Some of the responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborating with Laura on the weekly motor group curriculum, making changes to the weekly plan and the data forms as needed to accommodate the children’s skill development: LC interns assist with preparing a minimum of two weeks of the motor group
• Weekly leader tasks during motor group: explain station changes and new activities to interns during station roundup, keep time for stations, write notes on what’s working well vs. needs changes, take photos of children engaged in the activities
• Managing data in Google spreadsheets during and after the motor group
• Communicating with non-LC interns about their experiences
• Creating short videos about the activities
• Assisting with written communication about the children’s progress with the preschool teachers, such as carry over activities for the classroom 
• Respond to Laura’s and LC’s questions/suggestions via text
• Regular Leadership Corps meetings with Laura: a minimum of 4 meetings over Zoom, one or two prior to the start of the motor group, every two-three weeks during the motor group, and one or two after the end of the motor group

Additional Projects

Leadership Corps members also:

• Complete additional projects under supervision throughout the program, such as: creating handouts for parents/caregivers on a specific motor skill, identifying helpful, websites, creating short videos about the activities, writing weekly summaries for social media posts, or researching academic publications for articles on specific motor skill development (4-5 hours)
• Engage in additional assigned independent learning (2-3 hours)
• Write reflections on the internship experience and provide details and details for the graduate school application process about leadership, communication skills, initiative, and perseverance during the internship (1-2 hours)

Testimonials from Leadership Corps Participants (2022 and 2023)

I felt like I learned a great deal about myself as a leader and felt also that being part of the Leadership Corps gave me a better opportunity to learn and develop these skills.

My overall experience with the Leadership Corps was a great way for me to become more aware of the planning involved with the motor group. I was able to learn about how we are able to change and alter different stations. I think it was very interesting to see how the different weeks help build on different developmental skills. Being a part of the Leadership Corps allowed me to see how and why we are targeting specific areas.

I really enjoyed being in the Leadership Corps. I got a lot out of it and am grateful for the opportunity to work and learn with my peers. The extra activities that we got to do will be very beneficial for me moving forward in my schooling and professional path.

For additional testimonials, read here.

More Information 

Questions are always welcome. If you would like to speak with one of the previous participants in the Leadership Corps to learn more, please let me know and I will try to connect you with someone. I look forward to meeting students who are interested in the internship and determining if this is a good fit on both sides! Please reach out to me through the contact page.

© 2026. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy. All rights reserved.

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