Summer Springboard
Kinesiology & Physical Therapy
ON THE CAMPUS OF UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
LEARN THE BASICS OF HUMAN ANATOMY, MOVEMENT FUNDAMENTALS, AND EXERCISE PRINCIPLES WHILE DOING LAB WORK AND CLINICAL EDUCATION
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Kinesiology & Physical Therapy @ University of Michigan
- Understand the career options and differences between various health professions such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Personal Training, Kinesiology, and more.
- Understand various medical concepts regarding injury, disability and pain, and how they apply to rehabilitation of the human body.
- Learn how the body moves through various techniques and tools, such as range of motion measurements, endurance testing, and outcome measures.
- Develop basic assessment skills such as; range of motion (ROM), flexibility, strength, gait (i.e., learning how to walk) and balance assessment.
- Practice manual skills such as palpation, manual muscle testing, sports taping and soft tissue mobilization with and without tools.
- Visit a hospital, nursing home, or inpatient clinic and hear from an athletic trainer, personal trainers, and other professionals in the field.
Summer Springboard
Kinesiology & Physical Therapy
About This Course
A physical therapy program for teens on a university campus in Ann Arbor
When someone experiences difficulty with movement or suffers an injury, a non-invasive approach like physical therapy can be key to improving mobility and relieving pain. This program introduces students to the fundamentals of physical therapy, including human anatomy, movement principles, and exercise science. Through a combination of classroom learning, lab work, and clinical education, students will build a strong foundation in assessing and enhancing physical function while gaining insight into how therapy supports healing and wellness.
Students will also explore the wide range of careers available within physical therapy and related fields. They’ll learn the differences between professions such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Personal Training, and Kinesiology. Through visits to local clinics and interactions with practicing professionals, students will deepen their understanding of injury, pain, and disability rehabilitation. They’ll gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques such as range of motion testing, strength and flexibility assessments, gait and balance analysis, sports taping, palpation, and soft tissue mobilization, preparing them to empower others and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Hands-on learning is a key part of this program, giving students the opportunity to practice real-world skills in a supportive environment. From measuring range of motion and testing strength to applying sports taping and performing soft tissue techniques, students will build confidence through direct experience. This practical training helps bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and professional application.
Career Exploration
Career exploration is an important focus of this program, allowing students to learn about various paths in the health and wellness field. Through visits to local clinics and interactions with professionals, students will gain insight into careers such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and more. This exposure helps them understand the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities within each profession, guiding them toward a career that fits their interests and goals.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“I loved this experience, the program was wonderful and so interactive! I would absolutely recommend this to all of my friends.”
-Emma L. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Kinesiology & Physical Therapy
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Marie Crawford holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from D’Youville University. She is a board certified orthopedic specialist & has also been certified to utilize the LSVT BIG protocol for individuals managing neurological diagnoses like Parkinson’s Disease. Currently, Dr. Crawford is honored to be a part of Care for You, an organization of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, & therapists whose goal is to assist individuals with complex medical history in the comfort of their homes. In her spare time, Dr. Crawford enjoys staying healthy through resistance training & barre classes.
DR. MARIE CRAWFORD
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here and I am very likely to recommend this program to others, I enjoyed the engaging curriculum and the incredible activities.”
-Jonathan F. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Kinesiology & Physical Therapy
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 19 – July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,698 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Ann Arbor |
| State: Michigan |
| Campus: University of Michigan |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.