Degree Programs

Master of Health Administration

Placement

Summer Internship

The University of Iowa Department of Health Management and Policy prepares individuals for leadership roles in health care management, planning and policy. A summer internship complements the classroom by offering an opportunity for more comprehensive and extensive involvement in the field.

A summer internship between the first and second years allows students to apply management theory, health care knowledge, and technical and analytical skills to projects and engage in problem-solving in actual health organizations. The summer internship provides opportunities for the student to explore their career aspirations, begin their professional development and establish a performance record within the field.

Interns benefit from observation, direction and evaluation by a preceptor; contact with diverse health care practitioners, attendance at various management meetings, and direct participation in management, administration, and/or planning projects. Given the focus on individual development, however, the experience should remain flexible. Past students from the department have participated in summer internships at such diverse organizations as community-based hospitals in both urban and rural settings, academic health centers, and children's hospitals. In all instances, preceptors have reported that their organization and the student benefited from the field experience.

Internships are full-time positions and generally last 10-12 weeks. Students normally receive a salary or stipend and in some cases, assistance with living arrangements. Students can opt to earn 3 semester hours.

Internship and Fellowship Locations