The Mission of the College of Health Sciences is to help students discover new knowledge and to prepare future health science leaders to positively impact lives.  As the final step before completing their degree, the Internship promotes hands-on experience alongside Health Science professionals over the course of a semester. Students gain professional experience, build their network, and see an increase in securing full-time employment after graduation. 

All students in the College of Health Sciences must complete an internship. The internship consists of 240 hours and must be completed within a single semester and after all majors’ courses have been completed with a C- or higher. The internship experience must be separate from current employment roles and responsibilities. Students are required to find and secure their own internship placement (see more under internship sites tab). Dietetics students may contact Mary Catherine Schallert for specific details. 

Credit for Prior Learning 

UofM recognizes that learning doesn’t just happen inside a traditional classroom. Students a part of the Healthcare Leadership, Health Science, Dietetics, or Sport Coaching concentrations may qualify. Students who are interested in obtaining credit for prior learning can click here to learn about experiential learning credit and other ways to earn credit for prior learning. 

Internships are not limited to the greater Memphis area. The University partners with a variety of employers to collaborate and create a professional networks for students. Students apart of UMGlobal, looking to return home, or wanting to travel are encouraged to look in their respective areas for internship opportunities. 

Visit the Internships tab for more information for more information on finding an internship.

Students preparing for internship must meet the following requirements. Confirmation of GPA, courses completed, and remaining graduation requirements can be found on UMDegree.  

Students are eligible if:

1. All majors' classes have been completed with a C- or greater OR are currently enrolled in the remaining majors' classes in the current semester. (Students can review course requirements on UMDegree under concentration)
2. Currently have a GPA of 2.0 or greater

Eligible Students need: 

1. Updated Resume
2. Copy of up-to-date CPR certification
3. To Log-in and Set-up student profile (See How to Apply for Log-in instructions)

Internship Checklist

1. Update Resume
2. Attend Internship Informational Meeting the semester prior
3. Log-in and set-up student profile on GradLeaders
4. Update CPR certification (Must be done prior to the start of the semester. In-Person skills test is required)
5. Find and secure an internship placement by deadline that meets CHS internship requirements

Student Log-in and Application Process

Students must log-in and set-up their profile. When logging in students will be required to create a password. First, fill in the green highlighted box with your memphis.edu email to receive an email requesting password reset. Once a password is set, students will be able to log in and prompted to complete the internship application.

 

 

 

 

Students will utilize the platform to submit their internship application for eligibility review and to request a site placement.

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Approval Process

After submitting the internship application, advising will review student eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed and approved, students will then be able to submit their internship information.

Final Approval

Once the site and college approve, you will receive an email confirmation and the course permit may be issued.

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Things to Remember

Your internship hours must be completed during the semester.
Summer 2025: June 2nd - August 7th 
Fall 2025: August 25 - December 4th
Spring 2026: January 20 - April 30th

What to look for when choosing a site:

1. The site must be outside of current employment
2. A location and position that aligns within the Health Science Field
3. Offers post-graduate career opportunities 
4. Provides hands-on experience supporting requirements for post-graduate education
5. Supports 240 hours of hands-on experience
6. Offers networking opportunities
7. Provides a professional environment conducive to growth and learning

When you reach out to prospective sites, have your resume ready, explain that you need to acquire 240 hours of hands-on experience and ask if they have something that will align with your interests. Many sites require orientation and additional paperwork, so allow enough time to complete everything required before your internship begins.

If you have any questions or need help with anything, please feel free to reach out your internship coordinator, Stephanie Chester.

Selection of Internship Site

• Students are responsible for securing their own internship. (exemption *NUTRI 4605)
• Previously used sites and current site offerings are accessible through the student platform GradLeaders under Internship Sites. 
• Students may secure a placement outside of the previously used sites. The placement must meet the necessary requirements:
  • The site should provide services/activities compatible with those expected in the intern’s field of specialization. 
  • The site must provide a qualified supervisor.  A qualified supervisor is a professional who has academic preparation in their field of specialization, preferably at least a baccalaureate degree, and/or has demonstrated their expertise through work experience and professional accomplishments. 
  • The site must be willing to sign a CAA and agree to the CHS Internship Expectations

Community agencies which accept intern placements are asked to provide students with an opportunity to grow in their knowledge and professional skills. They provide mentorship and supervision over the course of the semester in conjunction with CHS faculty.  Sites accept responsibility to provide professional and supportive educational experiences.

Previous Internship Partner Sites

Current Internship openings and applications can be found on the Internship Platform, GradLeaders. 

1. BMG Family Physician’s Group 
2. Campbell Clinic Orthopedics
3. Church Health
4. Cole Pain Therapy Group 
5. Iron Tribe
6. LifeDoc
7. LifeTime
8. Memphis Physical Therapy
9. Memphis Tigers Athletics 
10. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
11. OrthoSouth
12. Regional One Health
13. St. Jude Children’s Hospital- Human Performance Lab 
14. St. Jude/ALSAC
15. Stretch Zone
16. Sundara Wellness
17. Vitalant
18. YMCA of Memphis and Mid-South Areas
19. Area schools 
20. And many more!

The internship experience may vary by site. Please review the internship handbook for resources to assist with expectations, FAQ and site requirements.

Sample resume
Internship Expectations
Liabilty insurance (Students needing to purchase insurance, use code STUDENT)
How to Download UMDegree Worksheet
Frequently Asked Questions
How to set-up Student Profile

University Supervisors
Dietetics - Mary Catherine Schallert
Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences - Stephanie Chester
Healthcare Leadership - Gregory Hughes
Health Sciences - Anna Moore or Cheri Kilmurray
Physical Education Teacher Education - Todd Layne