EUGENE, Ore. – Mariah (Anderson) Jordans, a senior exercise science major at Bushnell University, discovered a deeper passion for physical therapy during her hands-on internship this past spring semester at Healing Motion Physical Therapy, a local clinic dedicated to patient-centered healing and wellness.
“I was searching everywhere for PT office internships,” Jordans said. “Not a lot of them had availability, but Dr. Michelle at Healing Motion said, ‘I would love to take on a student.’ As soon as I got here, I loved the atmosphere.”
Through direct observation, patient interaction, and exposure to a wide range of treatment methods, Jordans expanded her understanding of physical therapy beyond the classroom and confirmed her sense of calling in the process.
We sat down with Jordans to hear more about her time at Healing Motion Physical Therapy and how the experience shaped her path forward in health care. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell University’s YouTube channel or via the embedded video below.
A Healing Environment
Jordans knew she wanted more than just textbook knowledge. Her internship at Healing Motion Physical Therapy placed her in a real-world environment, where she worked closely with professionals like Dr. Michelle, who exemplified both clinical expertise and patient empathy.
“I’ve learned a lot about how to interact with patients — how to evaluate injuries, identify muscle weaknesses, and develop personalized care,” Jordans said. “Observing how she addresses certain issues — I would not have learned that in a classroom.”
One of the most eye-opening aspects of her experience was discovering the wide variety of patients physical therapists serve.
“As an athlete, I assumed most patients would be athletes too,” she said. “But there are people who come in with injuries from gardening, working, or everyday life. It really broadened my perspective.”
Jordans credits the internship with helping her build both technical skills and human connection. From learning how to structure physical therapy programs to adjusting her approach based on each person’s needs, she stepped into the role of a future health care provider.
“This experience showed me how much I truly want to do physical therapy. It’s more than just exercises. These people trust you. They’re relying on you to help them heal in whatever way they need.”
Real-World Preparation with Purpose
Internships are a cornerstone of Bushnell University’s academic approach, and Jordans appreciated both the structure and the challenge the process offered.
“Bushnell’s internship program is super complex, but also really easy to navigate,” she said. “The coordinators are super helpful when you need them, but they also let you grow and figure things out on your own. You have to go find the internships; they don’t just hand them to you. That’s a real-world experience right there.”
To fellow students considering an internship, Jordans offered this advice: “Even if it doesn’t directly apply to what your major is, do the internship. You’re getting real-world experience, and those social skills are incredibly valuable.”
Bushnell University’s exercise science program equips students like Jordans with a deep understanding of the human body, health, and performance, preparing them for graduate school or careers in physical therapy, athletic training, and other health care fields. For Jordans, her internship was more than a graduation requirement. It was a moment of clarity.
“I know now that this is what I’m meant to do,” she said.
To learn more about Bushnell University’s Exercise Science program, visit bushnell.edu/kinesiology. To discover more about Bushnell’s internship program, visit bushnell.edu/career-development.