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.