Host a Position

Interested in Hosting an Internship or Practicum?

NC Division of Public Health (NCDPH) and Local Health Department (LHD) host sites must complete a submission form to display internship or practicum opportunities in our databases.

The Pathways Program Team will review completed submission forms for relevancy and completeness and contact the submitter with any questions or concerns. Approved opportunities will be displayed in the respective Opportunities Database, where students may apply.

When completing an Opportunity Submission Form, host sites will have the opportunity to request a list of qualified candidates who meet the minimum required criteria specified in the submission form.

The Pathways Program Manager will compile the list of qualified candidates by individually screening each applicant’s resume/CV and cover letter against the position’s minimum required criteria. If individuals do not want a list of qualified candidates, an unscreened list of applicants will be provided by the Pathways Program Team when the application period closes.

The organization is responsible for selecting a candidate in their preferred manner; while interviews are recommended, they are not required. Once a candidate is selected, the organization must notify the Pathways Program Manager to ensure the candidate is properly enrolled in the appropriate Pathways Program.

Benefits of Hosting an Internship or Practicum 

Hosting internships or practicum projects can provide numerous benefits to local health departments, including:

Increased Workforce Capacity

Interns and practicum students can contribute to projects, assist with day-to-day tasks, and help fill resource gaps, allowing the department to accomplish more while contending with existing staff shortages.

Fresh Perspectives & Emerging Knowledge

Students often bring enthusiasm, innovative ideas, fresh approaches, and new perspectives that can improve processes and spark creativity. They also bring the benefits of their ongoing education, including their understanding of new technologies, tools, research, and access to faculty expertise.  

Future Talent

Hosting internships and practicum projects allows departments to identify and mentor potential future employees. Students gain experience, and departments can build a pipeline of skilled professionals.

Skill Development for Existing Staff

Supervising and mentoring students can help current staff develop leadership, management, and teaching skills.

Diverse Perspectives

Students from different backgrounds can introduce varied viewpoints, enriching the department's work and decision-making processes.

Enhanced Community Engagement and Visibility

Involving students from local universities or colleges strengthens ties with the community and educational institutions, fostering collaborations for future initiatives. At the same time, hosting internships can elevate the department's reputation as a learning-friendly and community-oriented organization, increasing its appeal to potential partners and funding opportunities.

Citations: Gerding, J. A., Hall, S. K., & Gumina, C. O. (2020). Exploring the Benefits and Value of Public Health Department Internships for Environmental Health Students. Journal of environmental health, 83(4), 20–25. Burke, E. M., Biberman, D. A. (2017). Student Practicum as a Bridge to Governmental Public Health Practice: A Survey of Schools and Programs of Public Health. Public Health Reports,132(1):110-114. doi:10.1177/0033354916680610. de Beaumont Foundation & Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. (2022). Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey: 2021 Dashboard.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you are part of the NC Division of Public Health (NCDPH) or a Local Health Department (LHD) and are interested in posting an internship opportunity on our Internship Opportunities Database, please complete the Internship Opportunity Submission Form to let us know your contact details and some more about the position. The Pathways Program Team will review your completed submission form and contact you with any questions or concerns. Once approved, we will display your opportunity on the Internship Opportunities Database, where students may apply.  

  • NC Division of Public Health (NCDPH) and Local Health Departments (LHD) host sites must complete a submission form to display internship opportunities in our database. The Pathways Program Team will review completed submission forms for relevancy and completeness and contact the submitter with any questions or concerns. Approved opportunities will be displayed in the Internship Opportunities Database, where students may apply.

  • Agencies wishing to establish formal agreements, including MOUs, with academic institutions are encouraged to consult with their business office or legal team and the academic institution’s program director or advisor to determine a path forward.