UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — University Health Services (UHS), a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, is currently accepting applications for its competitive and rewarding Clinic Intern Program within the Clinical Services department.
Program interns work closely with UHS nurses and clinicians to assist in a variety of daily activities. Applications for the spring 2023 program will be accepted through Feb. 21. The program is open to all undergraduate students at University Park, specifically those in health-related majors and those interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
The Clinic Intern Program, which has operated 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 must complete a training course through the Department of Biobehavioral Health — BBH 497 — that teaches them how to perform initial patient intake screenings.
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 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 weekly.
Interns will learn how to assess vital signs, effectively communicate with patients, provide health education on various 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 offers participants four to six credits based on individual hours and clinical involvement.
Select applicants will receive an email in the spring and summer granting them an interview. Those accepted will begin the training course the following spring semester.
For more information about the Clinic Intern Program, including a link to apply, visit the Clinic Intern Program webpage.