Allied Health Internships: Your Pathway to a Healthcare Career

Allied health internships offer invaluable work-based learning experiences for current students and recent graduates, providing a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world application. These internships serve as a launchpad for healthcare careers, allowing participants to contribute to meaningful projects as active team members within various healthcare settings.

Opportunities at Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization and the largest, most comprehensive, and truly integrated healthcare network in New Jersey, offers a multitude of opportunities for aspiring allied health professionals. With 18 hospitals and over 500 patient care locations, including ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, and rehabilitation centers, HMH provides a diverse range of internship experiences.

HMH is dedicated to supporting the professional development of early-career professionals, focusing on core beliefs to help build a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career journey. The organization has received the prestigious Training APEX Award from Training Magazine, a recognition that honors top training organizations globally, HMH provides the tools and resources needed to thrive, from day one and throughout your career journey.

Team Hackensack Meridian University (Team HMU)

HMH's internal university offers a robust curriculum designed to align with HMH's mission and strategic priorities. Benefit from expert instruction by qualified internal and external trainers.

HMH Mentoring Network

Connect with experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and insights to help you navigate your career path and achieve your goals.

Grow with Google Certificate Programs

HMH partners with Google to offer free access to professional certificate programs in high-demand tech fields to full-time and part-time team members.

Types of Allied Health Internships

Allied health internships encompass a wide array of roles, providing opportunities for students and graduates from various disciplines. Some common areas include:

Respiratory Therapy: Gain hands-on experience in assisting patients with breathing difficulties and managing respiratory equipment.
Radiologic Technology: Learn to operate imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines and CT scanners, to produce diagnostic images.
Pharmacy Technology: Assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy inventory.
Medical Laboratory Technology: Help analyze blood and fluids to aid in the diagnosis of diseases.
Occupational Therapy Assistance: Work with occupational therapists to help patients improve their ability to perform daily activities.
Phlebotomy: Gain experience in drawing blood from patients and preparing samples for lab work.
Sonography: Use ultrasound machines to create images of tissues and organs.
Veterinary Technology: Assist veterinarians in caring for animals.

The CCALAC Allied Health Internship Program

The Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) Allied Health Internship Program places individuals in paid internships at member health centers within LA County. This program provides valuable experience in community health settings.

Structuring Your Internship

Internships can vary in duration, hours worked per week, and responsibilities. Some internships may be offered for college credit. It is important to understand the specific requirements and expectations of each internship program before applying.

University Requirements and Resources

Many universities have specific requirements for internships, such as a minimum GPA, completion of certain coursework, and health compliance training. Grand Valley State University (GVSU), for example, requires students to complete Health Compliance training before beginning their internship. Students are encouraged to discuss fieldwork internship opportunities with their academic advisor in the year before they are in the field. GVSU's Career Center maintains a list of internship sites for students to use.

Health Compliance

Health compliance requirements are subject to change and must be completed a minimum of 8 weeks before the start of the internship.

How to Find an Allied Health Internship

Contact Your College or University: Students are encouraged to contact their college or university's field placement coordinator in their field of study first when seeking a placement site. The university representative can then explore the possibility of the placement with healthcare organizations.
Explore Online Resources: Websites like Handshake, Indeed, and LinkedIn list allied health internships across various locations.
Network: Attend career and internship fairs to connect with potential employers and learn about available opportunities.
Direct Outreach: Identify healthcare organizations that align with your interests and contact them directly to inquire about internship possibilities.

Benefits of Allied Health Internships

Practical Experience: Apply classroom knowledge in a real-world healthcare setting.
Skill Development: Develop essential skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Career Exploration: Gain exposure to different allied health professions and determine your career path.
Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with healthcare professionals and potential employers.
Enhanced Resume: Strengthen your resume and increase your chances of securing a full-time position after graduation.

The New Graduate Nursing Residency Program at Hackensack Meridian Health

To help bridge the gap between classroom and career, Hackensack Meridian Health created the New Graduate Nursing Residency Program. Open to graduating nursing students of accredited institutions, this 12-month program allows residents to have supplemental learning, interactive chats and increased support to ease the transition into nursing practice. Surrounded by fellow new graduates in an environment that promotes collaboration, growth and development, you’ll make a smooth transition from student to registered nurse. You’ll also gain valuable clinical experience while being supported at every step. This program is open to individuals with a nursing degree (AAS, BS or MS). A valid New Jersey Nursing license is required before starting the program.

The Earn While You Learn Program at Hackensack Meridian Health

Florence M. Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to offer the Earn While You Learn program to students who are looking to build their on-the-job skills while acquiring a nursing degree.

tags: #allied #health #internships #requirements