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Medical Internship Program
Gain Hands-On Physical Therapy Experience
CRISMA offers graduate students in PT/OT and Speech and Language Therapy an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world experience.
Our medical internship program combines academic rigor with practical application, preparing you for a successful career in the field of physical therapy.
Program Highlights
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Program Duration
The duration of each program is dependent on the university that works with us and their specific requirements for each program. The program length starts at 2 weeks and can last up to 12 weeks.
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Hands-on Experience
Master a variety of therapeutic techniques, including electrostimulation, ultrasound, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and more.
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Patient-Centered Care
Learn to assess patient needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and apply your knowledge in a dynamic clinical setting.
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Professional Development
Enhance your clinical skills, expand your knowledge base, and improve your Spanish language proficiency.
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Cultural Immersion
Gain a deeper understanding of healthcare in a unique cultural context.
Program Requirements
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In-Country Orientation
Attend a mandatory orientation to familiarize yourself with the internship program and CRISMA's procedures.
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Clinical Hours
Complete 40 hours of clinical work per week, including direct patient care, observation, and educational activities.
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Documentation
Maintain detailed clinical records and participate in regular performance reviews with your clinical instructors.
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Performance Evaluations
Regular feedback to track progress and identify areas for growth.
Participating Universities
Medical Internship Program
CRISMA has established affiliation agreements with universities across the United States, including leading institutions known for their excellence in healthcare and rehabilitation programs.
Comfortable Student Living
Experience the CRISMA difference. Our campus is more than just a place to learn; it's your home away from home. Immerse yourself in the world of physical therapy internship and medical shadowing while enjoying comfortable accommodations and a truly unforgettable experience.
Our on-campus dormitories offer a safe and convenient living space, equipped with everything you need to focus on your studies.
Our accommodations include:
- Double rooms with shared bathroom, sofa, desk, closet, flat-screen TV, Internet service, coffee maker, and microwave
- Coin-operated laundry room on premises
- A few single rooms may be available (depending on availability)
- Linens and towels will be provided
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided from Monday - Friday, plus Saturday breakfast
- Every room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before occupancy
For more details, please check out our facilities page.
Ready to Apply?
For Academic Credit
Graduate PT/OT/Speech and Language Therapy students seeking academic credit should contact their clinical education professors at their respective universities.
For Volunteering or Internships
Students interested in volunteering or internship opportunities can contact Kirsten Frosh directly at contact@crismamexico.org .
FAQs
1. What kind of hands-on experiences will I get during CRISMA’s medical internship program
At CRISMA, medical interns gain meaningful exposure by working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in a real-world, interdisciplinary environment. You’ll observe and assist with rehabilitation sessions for patients with neurological, developmental, and motor conditions. This includes shadowing physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, as well as licensed physicians during consultations and treatment planning.
At CRISMA, medical interns gain meaningful exposure by working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in a real-world, interdisciplinary environment. You’ll observe and assist with rehabilitation sessions for patients with neurological, developmental, and motor conditions. This includes shadowing physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, as well as licensed physicians during consultations and treatment planning.
2. Who is eligible to apply for CRISMA’s internship program?
CRISMA’s medical internship program is designed for a diverse group of students and emerging professionals. It welcomes pre-med and medical students, nursing students, and individuals studying physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or public health.
The program is also well-suited for those in a gap year exploring healthcare careers. Because of CRISMA’s focus on rehabilitation and inclusive care, it’s a particularly good fit if you’re interested in seeing how different disciplines collaborate to treat patients holistically. International students seeking a cross-cultural perspective on medical care are encouraged to apply.
3. How does CRISMA support interns coming from outside of San Miguel de Allende?
CRISMA understands that traveling for an internship can be daunting, so they make it as smooth as possible. They help interns secure comfortable, affordable housing in the facility and provide guidance on everything from travel arrangements to local customs.
You’ll also receive an orientation when you arrive, so you feel well-prepared to engage with patients and staff in this bilingual setting. Having a built-in support system means you can focus on learning and growing professionally without getting overwhelmed by logistics.
4. What makes CRISMA’s internship program unique compared to typical hospital-based internships?
Unlike large hospitals that often rotate interns through high-volume settings with limited personal interaction, CRISMA offers a more intimate environment where you see the direct impact of care over time. You’ll follow patients through multiple therapy sessions, witnessing their progress and learning how tailored rehabilitation plans evolve.
This patient-centered approach is central to CRISMA’s mission. Additionally, the cultural immersion in San Miguel de Allende enriches your perspective on healthcare delivery in a community context, something that’s hard to replicate in more traditional programs.
5. How does participating in this internship help me prepare for a future healthcare career?
Interning at CRISMA gives you a solid foundation in real-world patient care, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the ethics of treating vulnerable populations. You’ll build communication skills by interacting with patients and clinicians in a bilingual environment, deepen your empathy, and gain clarity on the kind of healthcare role you want to pursue.
Many past participants have found that this experience strengthens their medical school applications and gives them richer examples to draw on during interviews. More importantly, it often shapes how they approach patient care for years to come.
Application Deadlines
CRISMA operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a spot in the program.
Have questions? Check out the FAQs page.