To get a healthcare administration internship, you might need to follow specific qualifications for acceptance and participation. Most internship programs consider candidates who are either pursuing or have completed a graduate degree in healthcare administration. Once you have identified the appropriate program, you can complete the application process for acceptance.
A healthcare administration internship represents an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the medical field. Generally, you will work in an administrative capacity within a healthcare setting. Depending on the facility, work may include learning the business and policies of healthcare services.
There are several avenues to consider in getting a healthcare administration internship that could propel you into the medical field. You could obtain an internship while pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration. Usually, you will have an opportunity to work alongside healthcare administration professionals while completing the degree.
Another option is gaining acceptance after graduating from an graduate degree program. If you enroll in an internship program after graduation, you can still gain valuable work experience. The exception is that you do not have to balance working in the healthcare field with graduate studies.
Acceptable graduate degrees could vary among healthcare administration internship programs. Of course, a common graduate degree for this type of internship is in healthcare administration. A few programs may also accept graduate degrees in business administration or public health.
Typically, you can apply for an internship by completing the application process according to program deadlines. For most internships, the application process has several components. Many internship programs request a completed application, college transcripts, and supporting documentation.
Normally, you will submit the supporting documentation with an application to the healthcare administration internship program. Documentation might include a letter of intent, which is a statement that explains how you could benefit from the program. This type of statement could also include details of your purpose for pursuing the graduate degree and what you will bring to the internship program.
Other documentation could include an official transcript from an accredited academic institution. Providing a transcript shows proof of previous and current education. This is generally required as proof of an education in healthcare or a related field. Most internship programs request academic transcripts from previous and current institutions.
Character references are also part of the documentation most internship programs could request. You could submit character references from a professor who taught one or more classes during your degree program. Additionally, professional references from a previous or current employer could suffice.
Compensation for participating in an internship program varies among programs. Some healthcare administration internships offer a monetary stipend for the duration of the program, others are unpaid internships. Regardless, both provide a learning experience that can expand your understanding of the administrative aspects of healthcare services.