HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program

New Application Process

The HRTP application process has recently changed.

To learn more about how to apply for an internship, read Getting Started: An Instruction Guide for Student Applicants (PDF).

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 50 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

* This session is open to local students only. NYC residency is required.

Stipends

In many cases, financial support is available for HRTP students. HRTP does not provide funding for interns. It is the responsibility of the program to secure funding for their interns. Students who are unable to receive funding usually 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 (GPA above 3.0).
• Residency in NYC is required for the fall and winter/spring sessions. There are no residency restrictions for the summer session.

Application Forms

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

• Student Application
• Personal Statement/Essay Form (PDF)
• Letter of Recommendation/Academic Reference Form (PDF)
• Current Official School Transcript

Application Deadlines

• To apply for a summer placement, you must submit your application between January 15 and February 15.
• To apply for a fall placement, you must submit your application between July 15 and August 15.
• To apply for a spring placement, you must submit your application between October 15 and November 15.

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