Claire Dawson
If you're interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, a hospital internship is a great way to gain experience and explore different medical roles. Hospital internships can vary in focus, including administration, clinical research, and pre-med roles. They are often available to students still in university or high school, and can be found through career centres, online job boards, or even by volunteering at a hospital. It's recommended to start searching for internships early, as many hospitals recruit as early as the fall season. When applying, it's important to have a strong resume and cover letter, and some internships may require additional steps, such as licensing examinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to apply | Start looking for internship positions no later than the season before. Many hospitals begin recruiting interns as early as fall. |
| Where to find opportunities | Internship positions may be available at hospitals where you've previously volunteered or through your school. Some universities with large medical programs have their own hospitals where students can intern. |
| Types of internships | Hospitals offer a variety of internship focuses, including administration, clinical, and pre-med roles. |
| Application materials | A cover letter and resume are often required. |
| Additional experience | Volunteering at a hospital or clinic can give you valuable experience and help you make connections. |
| Academic considerations | Professors may have research projects that can give you skills applicable to medical research. |
| Summer programs | Many universities offer summer programs in the medical field that can provide hands-on experience and introduce you to potential mentors. |
| Online internships | Online internships can provide valuable experience in medical writing, research, and data analysis. |
| Campus resources | Your pre-health advisor can help you understand what opportunities are feasible in your community. |
| Job outlook | At the end of your internship, you may receive a job offer from the hospital. |
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What You'll Learn
Start your internship search early
When it comes to securing a hospital internship, it's important to start your search early. Hospitals often recruit interns as early as the fall, so it's beneficial to stay ahead of the game. Here are some reasons why starting your internship search early is advantageous:
Beat the Deadlines
Many internships have strict deadlines, and selections are often made months in advance. By starting early, you can ensure that you don't miss out on opportunities due to late applications. Some summer internships, for instance, may have deadlines as early as January or February, with selections finalised by spring.
Take Advantage of University Resources
If you're still at university, utilise the career services provided by your institution. University career centres often have great insights into specific recruitment periods and can offer guidance in planning ahead. Meeting with a career advisor can help you stay informed about upcoming internship deadlines and application requirements.
Gain Relevant Experience
Starting early allows you the time to gain relevant experience, which can strengthen your application. Consider volunteering at a hospital or clinic, or look into academic research opportunities. These experiences can provide valuable insights into the medical field and help you build connections. Additionally, you can explore pre-med or medical assisting roles, such as scribes, EMTs, or CNAs, which offer patient experience and give you an edge when applying for internships.
Plan Around Your Commitments
Applying early is especially important if you're seeking an internship during the school year. By starting your search 3-6 months in advance, you can better manage your other obligations and classes. This also gives you the opportunity to inform your internship supervisor about any existing commitments, ensuring a smoother experience.
Focus on Your Application
An early start gives you the luxury of time to craft a strong application. You can work on your resume, cover letter, and any required essays without feeling rushed. This extra time allows for feedback and revisions, ensuring that your application stands out and accurately reflects your skills and experiences.
Remember, in the competitive world of hospital internships, timing is crucial. By starting your search early, you increase your chances of securing the internship of your choice and set yourself up for a successful and rewarding experience.
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Identify the type of internship
Hospitals offer a variety of internships, including administration, clinical, and pre-med roles. Here is a detailed description of each type to help you identify and choose the right internship for you:
Administrative Internships
Administrative internships are ideal for gaining familiarity with hospital operations and conducting administrative tasks across different departments. This type of internship will give you valuable insight into the inner workings of a hospital and help you develop essential organisational skills. Administrative interns handle a range of tasks, from coordinating training programs to managing paperwork and records. If you are interested in the management and smooth running of a hospital, this could be a great option to consider.
Clinical Internships
Clinical internships are well-suited for those interested in gaining hands-on experience in a medical setting. Clinical lab interns are involved in research and testing procedures, keeping up with the latest research trends and methodologies. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop analytical skills and stay abreast of the latest advancements in the medical field. If you are passionate about science and discovery, a clinical internship will allow you to delve into the world of medical research and innovation.
Pre-Med Internships
Pre-med internships are designed for students who aspire to become doctors or pursue medical school. This type of internship involves shadowing doctors and licensed physicians, offering a first-hand glimpse into the daily responsibilities and challenges of medical practice. Pre-med interns may also have the opportunity to rotate through various hospital departments, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the medical environment. If you are considering a career as a physician, this internship will provide invaluable exposure to clinical settings and patient care.
Other Internships
In addition to the above, hospitals may also offer internships in specific medical fields such as nursing, surgery, or psychotherapy. These internships provide focused training and experience in these specialised areas. Furthermore, internships in healthcare policy and advocacy are also available for those interested in facilitating change through healthcare and mental health policies.
Remember, each internship type offers unique benefits and experiences, so choosing the right one depends on your interests, career goals, and the skills you want to develop.
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Look for volunteer opportunities
Volunteering at a hospital or clinic is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and build a network of contacts that can help you find an internship. Hospitals offer a variety of internship opportunities, including administration, clinical, and pre-med roles.
You can start gaining experience as early as high school through hospital internships and volunteer opportunities. These programs are often available during the summer and can help you decide on a specialty when applying for college. Volunteering at a hospital can also lead to a job offer or help you find other opportunities in different locations.
If you're interested in pre-med, consider volunteering as a scribe, CNA, or MA. These positions provide valuable experience and exposure to the medical field. Scribing, in particular, can be a great way to work with doctors and gain experience, especially in larger hospitals with ERs.
Many colleges and universities offer medical programs that require an internship before graduation. Some schools partner with local hospitals to offer internships to students in exchange for course credits. You can also look for summer programs at universities, which can provide hands-on experience and introduce you to potential mentors.
Start your search for volunteer opportunities early, as hospitals often begin recruiting as early as the fall. You can find volunteer positions by checking the websites of local hospitals or clinics, or by contacting your school's career center for assistance.
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Seek academic research roles
Seeking an academic research role as a hospital intern is a great way to gain experience and explore career options. Hospitals often have structured internship programs or accept individual student interns, and many offer academic research roles. Here are some tips to help you secure an academic research internship at a hospital:
Research Opportunities:
Start by researching hospitals near you or in areas where you'd like to intern. Look for hospitals with strong research affiliations, such as teaching hospitals attached to universities. These hospitals often have more research opportunities available. Focus on facilities with specialties that align with your interests and create a shortlist of potential hospitals.
Eligibility and Requirements:
Different hospitals and programs will have varying eligibility requirements. Some internships are designed for high school or college students, while others cater to graduate students or professionals looking to explore new careers. Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria before applying.
Application Process:
Prepare your application materials, including a tailored cover letter and resume. Emphasize any prior research experience, academic projects, or coursework relevant to the internship. Highlight your passion for healthcare and research, and don't forget to include any certifications or relevant education. Some hospitals may require letters of recommendation, so consider reaching out to potential references early in the process.
Specific Programs:
Some hospitals offer well-known academic research internship programs. For example, Brigham and Women's Hospital has the Summer Training in Academic Research and Scholarship (STARS) Program, which offers an eight-week mentored summer research program for undergraduates and first-year medical students. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital also offers various summer research internships for undergraduates and graduates in several departments.
Timing and Deadlines:
Start your research early, as application deadlines can vary. Summer internships often have deadlines in January, but this may differ for other programs. Keep in mind that some internships have an extensive application process, so give yourself enough time to prepare a strong application.
By following these steps and tailoring your application to showcase your interest in academic research, you can increase your chances of securing a rewarding hospital internship that aligns with your career goals.
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Prepare your application
Preparing your application for a hospital internship can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare a strong application:
Understand the Internship Types and Requirements:
Firstly, familiarize yourself with the different types of hospital internships available. Hospitals offer a range of internships, including administration, clinical research, and pre-med roles. Each type of internship has unique requirements and expectations. For example, pre-med internships often involve shadowing doctors and licensed physicians, while clinical lab internships focus on research and testing procedures. Understanding the specific requirements of your desired internship will help you tailor your application accordingly.
Develop Relevant Experience:
Before applying for a hospital internship, consider gaining relevant experience through volunteering, academic research, or part-time jobs. Volunteering at hospitals or clinics can provide valuable insights into the healthcare environment and help you build connections. Academic research projects supervised by professors can also enhance your research skills and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Additionally, consider part-time jobs or certifications like EMT, CNA, or MA that can provide patient interaction experience, although these may require additional training and expenses.
Build a Strong Resume and Cover Letter:
Your resume and cover letter are crucial components of your application. Ensure your resume highlights any relevant experience, academic achievements, and skills that align with the internship requirements. Emphasize your passion for healthcare and any patient interaction or shadowing experiences. When writing your cover letter, showcase your understanding of the internship role and how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate. Seek feedback from career advisors or mentors to refine your resume and cover letter.
Timing and Deadlines:
Hospitals often recruit interns early, so it's essential to start your search well in advance. For summer internships, begin your search in the preceding season, as many hospitals have early application deadlines. If you're applying during the school year, aim to apply 3-6 months in advance to accommodate your academic commitments. Stay informed about recruitment periods by utilizing your university's career services, which can provide valuable insights and resources for internship applications.
Utilize Your Network:
Don't hesitate to leverage your network when preparing your application. Reach out to professors, career advisors, and peers to seek referrals or recommendations. They may have insights into potential internship opportunities or be able to provide valuable advice. Additionally, consider connecting with professionals in the field through networking events or mentorship programs, as these connections can offer guidance and enhance your application.
By following these steps and tailoring your application to the specific internship requirements, you'll be well on your way to submitting a strong and competitive application for a hospital internship. Remember to stay proactive, seek out opportunities for growth, and showcase your passion for healthcare in your application.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to start looking for internship positions the season before your expected graduation date. Many hospitals begin recruiting interns as early as the fall.
Hospitals offer a variety of internship focuses, including administration, clinical, and pre-med roles. Administration interns learn how hospitals operate and complete administrative tasks in different departments. Clinical lab interns focus on research and testing procedures, while pre-med students shadow doctors and licensed physicians.
Volunteering at a hospital or clinic is a great way to gain experience and connect with people who can help you find an internship. You can also consider academic research, apply for summer programs, or look for online internships.
Some specific hospital internship programs include the Dietetic Internship Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Orthopaedic Trauma Summer Research Internship at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Hospitals can be intimidating, especially for interns who are just starting out. It's important to keep your supervisor informed and take advantage of the experience of senior doctors and psychologists. Remember to treat patients with respect and pay attention to your surroundings.
