Application
The Metro Public Health Department has a centralized application process for Clinical and Non-Clinical Internships. Open applications for both Clinical Internships and Non-Clinical Internships will be available online in advance of every semester.
Application Windows
- Spring Semester 2020 Applications accepted November 8, 2019 through December 9, 2019
- Summer Semester 2020 Applications accepted March 2, 2020 through April 6, 2020
- Fall Semester 2020 Applications accepted June 29, 2020 through July 27, 2020
Applications are accepted through governmentjobs.com which allows students interested in a career in public health to establish a profile on one of the most used application trackers in the public sector.
Submitting an application for a public health internship does not guarantee an interview or acceptance into an internship. Applicants will be interviewed and assigned based upon a match of program needs and the applicant's skills, experience and overall potential. Applicants will be contacted by phone or e-mail to schedule an interview.
Eligibility
You must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate, medical student, fellow or on medical rotational assignment at a school having an Affiliate Agreement with the Metro Public Health Department.
List of Currently Affiliated Schools and Schools with Affiliate Agreements in process (as of 11/1/19):
- University of Tennessee
- College of Social Work
- College of Nursing–Undergraduate and Graduate level
- Vanderbilt University
- School of Nursing–Graduate and Advanced Practice Nursing
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center–Dietetic Externship Program
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center–Pediatric Resident Women, Infants, and Children
Masters of Public Health Program (pending)
- Meharry Medical College
- Masters of Public Health Program
- Tennessee State University
- College of Health Sciences–All Programs–Undergraduate and Graduate
- Belmont University
- School of Nursing–Undergraduate and Graduate
- Lipscomb University
- School of Nursing–Graduate
- East Tennessee State University
- School of Nursing–Undergraduate and Graduate
- Marian University at St. Thomas
- School of Nursing–Undergraduate
- Tennessee Board of Regents (6 Schools)
- Nursing Schools (Graduate level only)
All public health experiences exceeding 8 hours in length require a completion of a satisfactory background check before the beginning of the assignment. The student (or school) is responsible for the expenses associated with this screening.
The screening must include the following:
- Social Security Trace
- Criminal Background Check (past 7 years)
- Sex Offender Registry
- Driving Record, if internship includes driving
We do not pay a wage or stipend or any other student or volunteer costs for public health experiences.
You agree to follow all policies and procedures of the Metro Public Health Department.
What to Expect From Your Internship With Us
On their first day, interns receive an overview of public health at the Metro Public Health Department and a tour of our facility. Interns who are selected for an assignment will be required to sign an Intern Agreement and Waiver/Release that addresses, among other things, confidentiality of medical records. Interns do not replace employees but work under close supervision of designated staff. Interns develop a working understanding of public health and experience the day-to-day work of a local health department. They also get the opportunity to contribute to a project, program or public health service.