UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry? The University Health Services Clinical Intern Program application is open until March 8. This internship administered by University Health Services provides undergraduates who have an interest in pursuing a career in medicine with an opportunity to interact professionally with patients and medical staff in the Clinical Services department. As interns, students conduct patient intake exams and assist clinical staff.

Volunteering gives students a first-hand understanding of the dynamics of the health care system and enhances communication skills with patients and members of the health care team. 

“The Clinic Intern Program through University Health Services has enhanced my experience at Penn State more than I can put into words,” said current intern Katie Schluederberg, senior majoring in biobehavioral health.

Interns have the opportunity to work alongside physicians and other motivated students in the Penn State community. The skills learned through this program help prepare students for a successful future as a medical provider.  

“The most important part of the Clinical Intern Program is that it grooms students to be more empathetic and patient caretakers that value one-on-one interaction with patients," junior intern Tyler Fuller, majoring in immunology and infectious diseases, said.

Students learn how to do an overall intake of patients, communicate with health professionals effectively, and see what the health care profession is all about. This internship allows students to give back to the Penn State community by serving students through health and hygiene awareness.  

“Overall, the Clinic Intern Program had gave me a whole new perspective on what it is like to be in a clinic and provided me with valuable skills I will use in my desired career,” said Kendra Pavlock, a senior majoring in biobehavioral health.  

Interns earn 4-6 credits over two semesters for participating in the Clinic Intern Program. Program interns earn about 100 patient contact hours over the two semesters and may return to volunteer for additional semesters if they choose. 

Intern applications are accepted between January and March each year. After students apply, they will be notified if granted an interview, in the spring and early summer. Students will need to obtain healthcare clearances and be up to date with immunizations prior to the interview.  After interviews, selected students begin a training course the following spring semester. 

The class size is small, with only 12-25 students accepted into the class each year. As with many programs, competition is great for a limited number of seats and there are typically many more qualified applicants than the program is able to accommodate. 

Beginning in the spring semester, all participants selected for the Clinical Intern Program are trained to conduct initial patient intake screenings in a biobehavioral health course, BBH497. This class is typically held on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. 

The Clinical Intern Program is a two-semester commitment, beginning in the spring semester and continuing the following fall semester. The classroom portion of the program takes place mostly during the spring semester and interns must commit to working in the clinic for one four-hour block of time each week for two semesters. 

For more information on the program, check out the Clinical Intern Program page, along with the application.