FAQ’s

The minimum internship length is 8 weeks of full-time work (40 hours per week) in the organization for a total of 320 hours OR part-time over two consecutive semesters at the same location.

The preceptor should contact the internship coordinator for that campus regarding any questions or problems. When performance problems occur during the internship, it is appropriate to meet with the student immediately to share your concerns. This can enhance clarity of expectations and help the intern focus on areas of expected improvement. It really means dealing with the intern as you would perhaps a new employee.

Although interns are seeking training opportunities, they also provide a valuable service to the organization. They frequently are able to complete projects that would have taken the commitment of a large amount of staff time, and they bring skills and knowledge that add real value. As many as 75% of HPA students normally work while completing their degree, but the internship makes additional work prohibitive. HPA students may incur several thousand dollars in expenses during their internship. They must pay tuition, transportation, and room and board. Any compensation they can receive helps tremendously. All agreements about compensation are ultimately up to the preceptor, the organization, and the intern. Preceptors are encouraged to offer compensation to the students, if possible. If students cannot be salaried, compensation can be provided in a number of other creative ways. Interns can be put on wage payroll similar to other temporary employees. Stipends for travel or other expenses, meal passes, lodging, attendance at conferences, and tuition reimbursement are all valuable forms of compensation.

Because students are not performing clinical duties, they generally do not need professional liability insurance. For most employers, student administrative interns can be used without affecting their insurance. If, however, the placement requires students to obtain coverage, the student is responsible for obtaining it, and the preceptor must notify the student of that responsibility. A number of companies carry student liability coverage:

http://www.hpso.com/ – around $80/year

Students will be advised that they must have their own health insurance. It is assumed that they would be treated as any other employee or volunteer with respect to Workers’ Compensation issues. Please inform the intern about the handling of work-related injuries (should any occur) during the internship.

Occasionally, students will approach an organization or a preceptor from each of these two distinct degree programs of HPA department. Both degrees have a field experience requirement, with approximately the same kinds of goals. Differences in age, maturity, preparation, and outlook mean that graduate students generally perform more sophisticated project work and function with less direct supervision during their summer residency than would be expected in undergraduate internships.

Students may take time off during their internships under the following conditions: They obtain permission from the preceptor in advance They are able to complete their 320-hour obligation Their time off does not impede any project or assignment timelines set by the preceptor

At the conclusion of the summer internship, you will be sent an email communication with a link to the online student intern evaluation. We will provide you with easy to follow instructions on how to complete the evaluation.

Although several internship organizations do, Penn State does not require a formal affiliation agreement.

Yes, virtual internships are permitted.

Prior to the field experience the student MUST have satisfactorily completed HPA 101, HPA 301 or 301W, HPA 310, HPA 332 and HPA 390 or 390W with a "C" or better grade. Students also need a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0

Exception to HPA 395 Students who have extensive health care experience may request departmental approval to waive HPA 395. Students MUST HAVE 10 plus years of experience in healthcare. Examples of this are acquiring 10+ years of progressive health care experience as a: practice manager, nursing home administrator, consultant, financial analyst, operations manager, hospital corpsman, etc. In lieu of the traditional internship, students will complete either: a. a 400-level HPA elective course (3 credits); or b. HPA 496: Independent Studies (3 or more credits) overseen by an HPA faculty member. Students should submit the following documents to Amy Thul (ast144@psu.edu) to be considered: Updated CV/resume Current job description or summary of duties. All final decisions will be made in consultation with the director of the World Campus undergraduate program in Health Policy and Administration: Jennifer Deutsch (jll955@psu.edu) and the Health Policy and Administration undergraduate professor-in-charge: Mark Sciegaj (mxs838@psu.edu).

Concerning earning credit opportunities involving cannabis: Undergraduate and graduate students, whether University personnel or otherwise, are not permitted to receive academic credit for any work, research, or activity in violation of federal law, including work associated with marijuana. However, undergraduate and graduate students, whether University personnel or otherwise, are permitted to receive academic credit for any work, research, or activity associated with hemp.

HPA395 is a required professional internship that provides students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a healthcare setting. Although students enrolled in HPA395 only pay for 3 credit hours, the university acknowledges HPA395 as a full time equivalent course meaning you are considered a full-time student. The HPA Department views HPA395 as the same amount of work as if you were completing 12 credit hours. Because of this, it is the department's policy that students only take 4 extra courses in addition to the internship. Please discuss your plans with the internship coordinator and your academic adviser.