UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — University Health Services (UHS), a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, is currently accepting applications for its Clinical Services Intern Program.
Clinical Services interns work closely with UHS clinicians to assist in a variety daily activities, which are designed to enhance patient experiences.
Applications for the spring 2019 program are currently being accepted through March 10.
The Clinical Services Intern Program, which has been operating for nearly two decades at Penn State, provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to work alongside medical professionals in a hands-on clinical setting. Before establishing patient interactions, interns are required to complete a mandatory training course through the Department of Biobehavioral Health, which teaches participants how to perform initial patient intake screenings.
Interns will learn how to assess vital signs, effectively communicate with patients, provide health education on a variety of topics, and perform simple procedures such as visual acuity tests. Participants also will learn about common health concerns and become familiar with medical documentation and patient confidentiality standards.
The program is open to all undergraduate students at University Park, specifically those in health-related majors and those interested in pursuing future careers in medicine.
Participants must be able to commit to a minimum two-semester internship, with an option to continue if they choose. During the first semester, interns will complete the mandatory training course and will simultaneously be introduced to the clinical setting. During the second — and any subsequent —semesters, interns must commit to at least one four-hour clinical block in the Student Health Center each week.
The Clinical Services Intern Program is a competitive and rewarding program that offers participants four to six credits based upon individual hours and clinical involvement. The program is ideal for students who wish to explore the health care field or gain real-life clinical experience prior to embarking in a health care career or applying to medical school.
Selected applicants will be notified during the summer months and will be invited to attend in-person interviews during the fall 2018 semester.
For more information about the Clinical Services Intern Program, including a link to apply, visit http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/volunteer/clinic.shtml.