Hospital Internships: Application Strategies For Success

Applying for a hospital internship can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can increase your chances of success. Hospital internships are a great way to gain valuable experience in the medical field and can lead to various career paths such as physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists. When applying, it's important to showcase your strengths and eagerness to learn, especially if you lack prior experience. Creating a strong resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and educational background is crucial. Additionally, starting your search early and applying to multiple hospitals can improve your chances of securing an internship. In this paragraph, we will discuss the key steps and considerations for applying for a hospital internship, providing you with the tools to succeed in the application process.

Research internship requirements and deadlines

Requirements

• Enrolled in a university program: Many internships require that applicants be enrolled in a university program, such as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional school program. For example, the Summer Internship Program (SIP) at Johns Hopkins Medicine is open to current undergraduate students from all backgrounds. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also offers a SIP that is open to college, graduate, and professional school students.
• Degree or area of study: Some internships may have specific requirements for the degree or area of study. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) internship programme is open to students enrolled in a public health, medical, or social field, as well as various administrative and management fields.
• Previous experience: Hospitals often look for interns with relevant experience, such as volunteer work, research experience, or healthcare experience. For example, the MCHC/RISE-UP program at Johns Hopkins Medicine is for students with an interest in public health who want to gain research experience.
• Letters of recommendation: Many internships require letters of recommendation from faculty members or mentors. For instance, the SIP at Johns Hopkins Medicine requires two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty or research mentors.
• Other requirements: Additional requirements may include a minimum age (such as 20 years for the WHO internship programme), fluency in a specific language, or a completed medical certificate of fitness for work (as required by the WHO).

Deadlines

• Application deadlines: Deadlines for internship applications vary and are usually specific to each internship program. For example, the deadline for the Johns Hopkins Medicine SIP for 2025 is February 1, 2025. It is recommended to start searching for internships early and to stay up-to-date on fall virtual career fairs.
• Selection process: The selection process for internships can vary. For instance, the NIH SIP does not have a centralized selection process, and applications are reviewed by individual Principal Investigators (PIs) who select their interns. The NIH SIP selection process is typically completed by April 1.
• Start dates: Internship start dates can also vary. Some internships may require a full-time commitment during the summer or school year, while others may offer more flexibility. It is important to consider your availability and other obligations when applying for internships.

It is important to carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each specific internship program you are interested in, as they can vary significantly.

Prepare a cover letter and resume

When applying for a hospital internship, a well-prepared cover letter and resume are essential components of your application. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you prepare these documents effectively:

Prepare a Cover Letter:

A cover letter introduces you to the hiring manager and showcases your interest in the hospital internship position. It should be concise, well-written, and tailored specifically to the internship you are applying for. Begin your cover letter with a professional greeting and a clear statement expressing your interest in the internship role. In the body of the letter, highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the internship requirements. For example, mention any nursing courses, applicable volunteer projects, or healthcare-related experiences. Emphasize your strengths and eagerness to learn if you lack prior experience.

In the cover letter, demonstrate your knowledge of the hospital and the specific internship program. Express how your qualifications and skills make you a strong candidate for their program specifically. You can also include any personal qualities that would make you an asset, such as attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work well under pressure. Conclude your cover letter by thanking the reader for their consideration and expressing your interest in further discussing your qualifications. Remember to edit and proofread your letter carefully before submitting it.

Craft a Compelling Resume:

Your resume is a concise summary of your educational background, skills, and experiences relevant to the hospital internship. Start by listing your contact information, including your name, email address, and phone number. You may also include your current address. Below that, include an optional objective or summary statement that briefly describes your professional goals and key qualifications.

In the body of your resume, list your educational background, including the degrees you have earned and the institutions you attended. You can also mention any relevant coursework or certifications that are applicable to the internship. The next section should focus on your work experience, where you highlight any previous roles or volunteer experiences that demonstrate transferable skills. If you have prior healthcare-related experience, be sure to emphasize it.

When crafting your resume, remember to tailor it to the specific internship requirements. Review the internship description and highlight the skills and qualifications they are seeking. Ensure your resume showcases your ability to meet those expectations. It is also beneficial to start preparing your resume early, allowing you to continuously update it with relevant experiences and accomplishments. Before submitting, carefully review your resume for clarity, consistency, and accuracy.

Highlight relevant experience

When applying for a hospital internship, it is important to highlight any relevant experience you have in your resume and cover letter. This could include any previous roles or experiences where the skills are transferable. For example, if you've taken a nursing course or have experience in an applicable volunteer project, be sure to mention it. Hospitals typically look at a variety of factors when selecting interns, including degrees earned, volunteer experience, work experience, and healthcare experience.

If you have no prior experience, don't worry! You can still play to your strengths and show that you're eager to learn. Look for internship positions early and use the job description to understand the requirements and skills they are looking for. You can then tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have that match their requirements.

When crafting your resume, be sure to include any relevant education, certifications, or training you have completed. Emphasize any technical skills or soft skills that are valuable in a hospital setting, such as attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work well under pressure. If you have worked in a team before, or have leadership experience, be sure to mention it. Any experience in a high-pressure environment, or where you have had to work to strict guidelines, will also be valuable.

In your cover letter, you can go into more detail about your relevant experience and how it has prepared you for the internship. For example, if you have previously volunteered in a hospital setting, you can discuss the skills you learned and how you hope to build on them during the internship. If you have taken relevant courses, you can explain how they have equipped you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the role. Remember to articulate what you have learned from your experiences and how they will help you excel as a hospital intern.

Show eagerness to learn

Showing eagerness to learn is a crucial aspect of applying for a hospital internship and can significantly increase your chances of securing the role. Here are some detailed tips to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to learning:

Resume and Cover Letter:

Craft a tailored resume and cover letter that showcases your passion for healthcare and your eagerness to learn and grow in a hospital setting. Highlight any relevant coursework, volunteer experience, and skills related to the healthcare field. In your cover letter, emphasize your interest in specific departments and explain why you're a great fit for the internship. Don't forget to mention any transferable skills or experiences that demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt.

Pre-Interview Preparation:

Research the hospital, its specialties, and its internship program. Demonstrate your enthusiasm by showing a genuine interest in the hospital's work and its patient-centered approach. Learn about the specific duties and responsibilities of interns in their program and express your eagerness to take on those challenges and gain new skills.

During the Interview:

Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview and emphasize your enthusiasm for the internship position. Briefly explain why you're excited about this chance to learn and grow, and how it aligns with your career goals. Ask thoughtful questions about the internship program, showing that you're curious and engaged. For example, you could inquire about the day-to-day tasks, the potential challenges, and the learning opportunities unique to their program.

Post-Interview Follow-up:

After the interview, send a thoughtful follow-up email or note to reiterate your interest in the position and your eagerness to learn from their team. You could mention specific aspects of the internship that excite you and how they align with your career aspirations. This extra step demonstrates your continued enthusiasm and commitment to pursuing the internship opportunity.

Remember, showing eagerness to learn is about conveying your passion for growth, your willingness to take on new challenges, and your commitment to contributing to the hospital's team and patient care.

Inquire about internship pay

When applying for a hospital internship, it is important to inquire about internship pay. The pay structure for hospital internships varies, and there is no standard answer for a hospital internship payscale. Here are some tips on how to inquire about internship pay in a professional and effective manner:

Research and Website Information:

Before inquiring, it is advisable to research the company's website to check if they provide any information regarding internship pay. Some organizations may openly disclose their internship compensation details on their website, which can give you a clear understanding of their pay structure.

Direct Inquiry during the Interview:

One of the most suitable times to inquire about internship pay is during the interview process. Usually, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions, and this is the perfect opportunity to politely and professionally ask about compensation. For example, you could ask, "What should I hope to gain from this internship in terms of financial compensation?" This indirect approach allows the interviewer to discuss the benefits of the internship, potentially including payment, and shows that you value the opportunity.

Email Communication:

If you were unable to ask during the interview or forgot to inquire about pay, you can always follow up via email. Express your gratitude for being considered for the position and politely ask about compensation. For instance, you could write, "Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the internship position. I am excited about the prospect of joining your team. I wanted to inquire about financial compensation for the role." This demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism while seeking clarity on payment.

Connect with Current or Former Interns:

Another approach is to connect with current or former interns of the company through platforms like LinkedIn. Reach out to them and ask about their overall experience and how payment was handled during their internship. This indirect approach can provide you with valuable insights into the company's compensation practices while showing your dedication to learning more about the role.

Include Salary Expectations in your Cover Letter:

Although this approach is bolder, you can include your salary expectations or requests in your cover letter. This demonstrates that you are a serious candidate who is thoughtfully considering the opportunity. For example, you could write, "Requested Salary: $1200 per month." This indicates your financial expectations without directly asking if the internship is paid.

Remember, when inquiring about internship pay, it is essential to maintain a respectful and grateful tone. Avoid being overly aggressive or assertive, as it may reflect poorly on your application. The key is to show your enthusiasm for the role while seeking clarity on the financial aspects to ensure it aligns with your expectations and values your time and efforts.

Frequently asked questions