HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program

HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program at the NYC Health Department is one of the oldest and largest public health traineeships in the country.

For over 60 years, HRTP has provided the opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and professional school students to experience some of the real-life challenges of public health. By working on current relevant public health issues under the close supervision and mentorship of experienced professionals, students apply classroom learning to practical problems in a closely matched practicum. In the process, they learn critical skills needed to excel in the field.

The goals of the program are:

• To orient students to the principles and practices of public health planning, research, administration and evaluation.
• To broaden students' concept of public health by increasing their awareness of the needs, challenges and career opportunities in this field.
• To assist the Health Department in recruiting skilled, professional candidates with proven potential.

During the summer, in addition to direct hands-on experience, interns are exposed to a rigorous curriculum of seminars, workshops, and other activities to broaden their understanding of how we promote the health of New Yorkers.

To learn more about applying, read Getting Started: An Instruction Guide for Student Applicants (PDF).

Sessions

HRTP operates in three sessions:

• Summer Session: June–August
  Full-time: Maximum 35 hours per week
  Part-time: Minimum 20 hours per week
• Fall Session*: September–December
  Part-time only: Between 10 and 20 hours per week
• Winter/Spring*: January–May
  Part-time only: Between 10 and 20 hours per week

* NYC residency is required for the fall/spring sessions.

Funding

In most placements, financial support is available for HRTP students. Students who are unable to receive funding may opt to volunteer.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be enrolled as a matriculated undergraduate, graduate or professional student in a degree program at an accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Recent graduates are ineligible.
• Applicants must be in good academic standing.
• Residency in NYC is required for the fall and winter/spring sessions. There are no residency restrictions for the summer session.

Apply Here

Students are responsible to submit complete application packages by the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. A completed application consists of:

• Student Application
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal essay
  • Current school transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
  • Letter of recommendation and reference form

Application Deadlines

• Summer: submit your application between January 15 and February 15
• Fall: submit your application between July 15 and August 15
• Spring: submit your application between October 15 and November 15

For more information on HRTP, email hrtp@health.nyc.gov.