College Student Healthcare Internship Program

What is CSHIP?

CSHIP is a structured part time non-clinical experiential learning program designed for Vermont students enrolled in a post-secondary degree or certificate program with interest in pursuing a career in a health related field.

2025 APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

Read about the CSHIP program in a Health Talk column written by Susan White, Director of Health Careers & Practitioner Support, published in the Times Argus. Click Here

Internships are paid, 100 hours, most are remote, project based, and are completed June, July, and August. These are non-clinical internships. 

Placements are made with organizations and agencies with which we have partnerships, including hospitals, clinics, emergency medical providers, eldercare settings, public health agencies, primary prevention coalitions, mental health and substance misuse providers, and other healthcare related fields.

Projects take place throughout the state in our rural communities.

SVTAHEC has recruited and placed over 100 students in healthcare-related internships since 2013.

• Alumni have either gone on to health science-related graduate or medical school, or have been hired by healthcare providers.
• C-SHIP engages students with organizations or agencies that look to improve rural healthcare, drawing on resources and professionals throughout the community.

For more  information on the application process and program details contact Amanda Richardson, Director of Health of Health Careers Preparation & Practitioner Support  at arichardson@svtahec.org or call 802-885-2126, ext 108

Application Process

Students must currently be enrolled in either a degree program at an institution of higher education or engaged in a certification program which leads to a health-related profession.

While students must be intent on exploring a career in medical, mental/behavioral, oral, or public health, we welcome students in all fields of study.

More Info

8To apply for an internship in  Vermont, complete an online application. Check back here in January 2025 for the application link.

The suggested deadline for submitting an application for a summer internship is the end of March 2025.

Questions should be addressed to Amanda Richardson, Director of , Health Careers Preparation & Practitioner Support. arichardson@svtahec.org or call 802.885.2126, ex 108.

Career Readiness Resources for Students

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College Career Offices

Southern Vermont AHEC works with college and university career offices in marketing its C-SHIP program. We urge undergraduates to avail themselves of the excellent career resources they have at their own institution.

Orientation

Interns receive training and orientation from the organization with which they are matched. Interns must take part in an AHEC orientation event in June. The orientation introduces the interns to the core curriculum, answers any questions that they might have about the program, and provides an opportunity to meet fellow interns.

CSHIP Yearly Timeline

View Timeline

October – December – Start thinking about next summer internship options.

January-Student application information available online.

February-March – College career fairs and conversations with prospective students. Application deadline is end of March.

April –Applications reviewed and selected students’ information is provided to organizations.

May – Placements confirmed.

June– Orientation and Internships start.

July-Internships underway.

August: Internships completed.

CSHIP Core Curriculum

Student interns complete a 100 hour project that includes field work and supplemental instruction focused on the roots of health inequity.

While the student interns work on a project for an organization integral to their own field of study, they also learn career-readiness skills and foundational knowledge about rural health care.

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Career Readiness Training  

• Students select two Career Readiness Competencies to develop and practice as part of their internship experience.
• Career Readiness skills include:
  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
  • Professionalism/Work Ethic
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Oral and Written Communications
  • Leadership
  • Information Technology Application
  • Career & Self Development
  • Equity & Inclusion

NACE Career Readiness Infographic: Click here

For information on the Association of American Medical Schools (AAMC) 15 Core Competencies for medical school applicants Click here

Delivering Rural Health Care in Vermont

• Students learn about the six Area Health Education Center (AHEC) topic areas related to emerging concepts and systems which define the delivery of rural health care in Vermont. They demonstrate their mastery of at least 2-3 as they relate to their internship experience.  Topic areas include:
  • Interprofessional Education
  • Behavioral Health Integration
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Cultural Competency & Health Equity
  • Current and Emerging Health Issues
  • Connecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals-Community Health Workers (CHW)
  • Virtual Learning

For more information of the AHEC Core Topic areas Click here

FAQ for Students

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Where are these internships?

Sites are located in rural communities throughout Vermont.

How do I apply? 

Online application for next summer will be available in January  2025. For more question email arichardson@svtahec.org

Do I get paid?

Yes. Interns receive $1500 for the internship.

How long is an internship? 

Internships are a combination of 20 hours online learning and 80 hours project field work.

Can I work alongside a doctor in a hospital?

Not likely.  These are non-clinical internships, and most are with a nonprofit, public health or social service agencies involved in health care in some way.  Rarely can we place a student in a hospital setting.  If you have a certification such as an  EMT or LNA, please indicate that, as it may allow for more patient contact.

What is meant by a “project”? 

Interns have helped with social media, promotional materials, patient satisfaction surveys, researched and prepared community health information, gathered and analyzed health-related data, assisted elderly, hospice, or oncology patients, worked with at-risk youth, and various other projects that assist with community health, prevention organization, or healthcare facility.

Do you provide housing, and would I need a car?

Many projects can be completed remotely. If the internship is on-site, we do not provide housing and you are responsible for getting to and from your placement. Some projects might also require in-state travel.

What kinds of organizations or placements am I likely to get?  

Interns have worked with a variety of nonprofit health, wellness, and community organizations around the state.

We are always looking for new possibilities in oral, medical, public and behavioral health.

Other Questions?  Contact Amanda Richardson, arichardson@svthahec.org  or call 802-885-2126, ext. 108