Bachelor of Health Internships
Information for employers and students about our health internship programme.
On this page:
Information for employers
Why host a Bachelor of Health intern?
Internships are an excellent way for your organisation to boost its recruitment activities. Interns bring enthusiasm and a fresh point of view to the workplace, stimulating creative thinking and providing new alternatives.
Benefits include:
- strengthening the relationship between your organisation and the academic community—students and staff
- helping you meet short-term project deadlines—interns can provide professional or para-professional staff support
- tapping into students trained in up-to-the-minute best practice, with knowledge of recent technical innovations
- when you need to take on new staff, you will have a ready pool of talented people who understand your culture and can hit the ground running.
Examples of internship work
Examples of work our students have completed on internships in the past.
Sport New Zealand Internship
Evaluation of the national hui for strengthening relationships between different workforces.
Women's group for former refugee women
Coordinating women's social groups for former refugees.
Te Whatu Ora Internship
Analysing patient data from the multidisciplinary bronchiectasis clinic
What is expected of the host organisation
- Work with the Student and the University to ensure that the intention of the Internship is met.
- Provide a person to be the main contact for the Internship, and ensure the Student and the University are aware of their name and contact details at the start of the Internship.
- Inform the Student of any policies, procedures and rules (including those relating to health and safety and confidentiality) that the Provider expects the Student to comply with, and provide these to the Student.
- Treat the Student in an ethical, respectful, and responsible manner and with fairness, integrity and empathy while they are on the Internship.
- Inform the University of any issues or problems that arise during the Internship as soon as possible
- Give the University the feedback required in the Schedule at the end of the Internship.
What is expected of the student
- Complete any University registration, course and induction forms and requirements relevant to the Internship.
- Show up for the Internship at the times agreed with the Provider and tell the Provider as soon as possible if he or she is (or will be) absent for any reason.
- While on the Internship, comply with: any instructions of the Provider and/or the University; the Provider’s policies, procedures and rules (including those relating to health and safety and confidentiality) as advised by the Provider; all applicable codes of practice and codes/standards of ethics relevant to the Provider’s profession/industry; all applicable laws; and the University’s statutes, policies and procedures (including the Student Conduct Statute).
Annual timeline for organisations
| Timeframe | Milestone |
|---|---|
| February-April | Expressions of interest from organisations sought |
| 15 April | Project briefs due |
| 1 June | Interns allocated to projects |
| 22 July-7 October | Placement period |
| 11 October | Project presentations |
Register your interest in hosting an intern
Email sohinternships@vuw.ac.nz
Information for students
HLWB 302: Health Internship
Bachelor of Health students can apply to participate in an internship in their final year of study. The internship programme has limited places and a selection process is required for admission to the course.
For many Bachelor of Health students this course is the highlight of their degree and can provide a stepping stone to future employment.
What is expected of the host organisation
- Work with the Student and the University to ensure that the intention of the Internship is met.
- Provide a person to be the Student’s, and the University’s, main contact for the Internship, and ensure the Student and the University are aware of his/her/their name and contact details at the start of the Internship.
- Inform the Student of any policies, procedures and rules (including those relating to health and safety and confidentiality) that the Provider expects the Student to comply with, and provide these to the Student.
- Treat the Student in an ethical, respectful, and responsible manner and with fairness, integrity and empathy while they are on the Internship.
- Inform the University of any issues or problems that arise during the Internship as soon as possible
- Give the University the feedback required in the Schedule at the end of the Internship.
What is expected of the student
- Complete any University registration, course and induction forms and requirements relevant to the Internship.
- Show up for the Internship at the times agreed with the Provider and tell the Provider as soon as possible if he or she is (or will be) absent for any reason.
- While on the Internship, comply with any instructions of the Provider and/or the University; the Provider’s policies, procedures and rules (including those relating to health and safety and confidentiality) as advised by the Provider; all applicable codes of practice and codes/standards of ethics relevant to the Provider’s profession/industry; all applicable laws; and the University’s statutes, policies and procedures (including the Student Conduct Statute).
How to apply for a health internship
Second- and third-year Bachelor of Health students will receive an email when internship applications open for the year. The email will provide a link where you can submit your CV, a personal statement explaining why you should be chosen, and your top three choices for placement (the email will inform you which organisations are taking part for the year).
Eligible applicants will be contacted for interview.
Once chosen, the School of Health will manage enrolling you in HLWB 302.
Annual timeline for students
| Timeframe | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 29 April | Applications announced |
| 20-24 May | Interviews take place |
| 3 June | Internship placements announced |
| 8 July | Workshop 1 |
| 15 July | Workshop 2 |
| 22 July-7 October | Placement period |
| 9 September | Workshop 3 |
| 23 September | Workshop 4 |
| 11 October | Project poster presentations |
“There is no such thing as a silly question. Asking questions will ensure you are striving for a deeper understanding.”
Arahina Roberts
Bachelor of Health graduate
Questions about the health internship course?
Contact sohinternships@vuw.ac.nz