Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the requirements for participating?
• When should I apply for an academic internship?
• Do I get paid for an internship?
• What hours will I be required to work?
• I’m not in school, but can I participate in the internship program?
• Clinical Internship Information
• Non-Clinical Internship Information
• Volunteer Opportunities Information

1. What are the requirements for participating?

1. You must be 18 years of age to volunteer or intern at DOH-Seminole.
2. Complete and submit the on-line application, following the instructions on the first page for intern or volunteer.
3. Be available for a telephone and/or face-to-face interview.
4. The Florida Department of Health requires all interns and volunteers receive a satisfactory result from a Level 2 background screening before the first day of their volunteering or internship. DOH-Seminole has Live Scan equipment onsite and will schedule an appointment with you to complete the fingerprinting once your application has been accepted. For Interns, there is a $37.25 fee for this process. PLEASE NOTE: Background clearance results can take up to 1 month to be received.
5. You must complete an agency orientation and training classes in the Florida Code of Ethics, Information Security and Confidentiality, and HIPAA (privacy) at a minimum. The classes are part of our online learning management system and can be completed in just a few hours. Depending on the internship position held, additional training may be required. Orientation and initial training generally only occurs twice a month and will be scheduled after your application has been accepted, you have successfully passed background screening, and a supervisor assigned.

2. When should I apply for an academic internship?

The sooner, the better. Health Clinic internships, especially, reach capacity months before the desired intern start date.

3. Do I get paid for an internship?

No. All internships are unpaid positions. Course credit for hours worked will be received according to your internship program. Additionally, each intern receives valuable work experience with our organization that will contribute experience to a resume when seeking a paid position in the future.

4. What hours will I be required to work?

Hours are scheduled based on the academic requirements, the department's needs and the intern's availability. Workdays are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department does sponsor and attend some community ­based activities on weekends and occasionally after business hours.

5. I’m not in school, but can I participate in the internship program?

No, you would then be classified as a volunteer. Individuals applying for a non-credit position are required to complete the Application, following the instructions for Volunteers, which includes submitting two personal references for acceptance into the Volunteer Program.

6. Clinical Internship Information

Graduate level: Clinical internships are offered in the following areas:

• Nurse Practitioner (ARNP, FNP) – Practicums are offered in Women’s Health only. We do not see clients for adult, pediatric or prenatal services.
• Dietary Nutritionist (WIC) – Provides nutrition counseling to clients.
• Dental Services – for Dental Assistants.

Hours of clinical operation are Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Weekend hours are not available. 

Note:  Graduate level nursing internships for MSN degrees are currently not available. 

Undergraduate level Practicums for baccalaureate level nursing are available on a limited basis.

Vocational Clinical Internships are available for Dental Assistants. Services provided in this area are: Exams, X-Rays, Cleanings, Fluoride Treatment, Sealants, fillings, and extractions.

7. Non-Clinical Internship Information

Limited Availability, multiple applicants may compete for the same position.

Undergraduate and graduate levels internship are currently available in the areas of Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Office of Health Promotion and Education, Marketing/ Branding, HIV/ AIDS Program, Tuberculosis/Refugee Health, and Quality and Performance Improvement.

8. Volunteer Opportunities Information

Please indicate the area(s) of interest and the skills you have that may assist us in matching you with a suitable program at our agency.

Acceptance is on an as needed basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Upon acceptance volunteer applicant is subject to a level 2 background screening.