State of Rhode Island
Department of Health
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) welcomes students looking for experiential learning opportunities with practicing public health professionals in Rhode Island. RIDOH Public Health Scholars (previously referred to as interns) are challenged to apply what they have learned at school to help create innovative solutions to public health problems. Students gain insight about the multiple disciplines contributing to public health, and work within teams to develop policies, programs, and interventions that impact many Rhode Islanders. RIDOH Public Health Scholars are an important part of the RIDOH workforce - each year, up to 100 scholars gain valuable public health experience that influences their future careers.
RIDOH Public Health Scholars collaborate with RIDOH's public health professionals and academic faculty to develop and implement joint projects. Projects may include:
Students from all disciplines, including public health, epidemiology, pharmacy, nursing, law, marketing, communications, management, information technology or other programs of study, are encouraged to apply for RIDOH Public Health Scholar positions. Your experience as a RIDOH Scholar will provide you with an opportunity to learn about state public health departments, how public health in Rhode Island saves lives every day, and how your career may intersect with public health. Scholars work with a specific program for a semester, academic year, or season, depending upon the project, scholars’ availability, and course requirements (if applicable). Projects are designed to advance RIDOH’s public health goals and scholars work under the supervision of both RIDOH staff and academic faculty from their home institution.
RIDOH Public Health Scholar experiences are open to students at all levels from undergraduate through post-graduate studies.
RIDOH Public Health Scholars can be compensated through a variety of methods depending upon the resources of the sponsoring RIDOH program. These methods include scholar experiences for academic credit, volunteer experience, or payment. RIDOH hosts a limited number of paid Scholars; however, we encourage Scholars to volunteer or request academic credit at your college or university.
To apply for a RIDOH Public Health Scholar position, students should: