This a very exciting time as you head into your final year of classes! There are some important details to review as you map out the upcoming academic year. Please review the list below:

• Plan to keep your course load to no more than 12 hours during your final semester.
  • Six hours for HLSC 494 – Health Sciences Internship
  • Three hours for HLSC 492 – Health Sciences Specialty Course
  • and ideally, a three-hour elective.
    We understand, due to schedule challenges, some students may need to complete one remaining HLSC course. This is not recommended, however if this applies to you, please plan accordingly. This is an enormous workload and will impact your ability to be successful. Make adjustments to your responsibilities outside of academics to ensure you stay on track to graduate.
• HLSC 494 Health Sciences Internship is the equivalent of 20 hours a week in an internship setting (for the entire semester).
• Students are required to find their own internship setting. Know that we will help, will have potential leads and contacts, and assist in the process, but this is your ultimate responsibility.
• Successful students start asking around now. They let their friends, families, colleagues, workmates, etc. know that they are looking for an internship and would welcome input, ideas, and suggestions. You never know who can help you make connections. It is important to start the conversation now, at least one year in advance.
• One year before your internship begins, we will schedule an in-person meeting on campus. This meeting will help map out deadlines, and requirements. PLAN TO ATTEND. Remember, it is your responsibility to understand the expectations of finding and setting up a final semester internship and we want to help you. Meeting will be announced through various communication tools and will take place early in the semester.

This a very exciting time as you head into your final year of classes! There are some important details to help guide you on the journey toward finding an internship site. Please review the list below:

• Revise resume: If you haven’t revised your resume since HLSC 101, Introduction to Health Sciences, now is the time. Include information on education, previous work experience, and career goals. Keep length to no more than two pages. Contact the UMKC Career Center for assistance, if needed.
• Consider completing an online Self-Assessment: This will help you to identify competency areas you want to emphasize during your internship. The UMKC Career Center provides a variety of assessments and most are free of charge. Please be sure to use their services and resources to help narrow your focus for an appropriate internship setting.
• Consider potential internship sites: Develop a listing of potential sites. Considerations include geographic location, interest areas, career goals, and learning objectives. Review the opportunities on the BHS Graduating Students Organization in Canvas. All students who are will be added to this “organization” one semester before their final semester. It will appear on your main page when you log-in. It is regularly updated with internship postings, deadlines, and other important material. If you do not see this Organization, please contact your Internship Coordinator and ask to be added.
• Contact potential sites and potential internship supervisors: Make contact with potential sites to explore internship duties. Set up interviews (phone or in-person) and review information about the agency/organization. Treat contacts like job interviews; follow up with thank you notes and inform the site promptly if you will be accepting the internship.
• Meet with the internship coordinator. After you have completed various self-assessments, and reached out to various internship sites, and are still struggling, set an appointment with your Internship Coordinator. When you set the appointment, bring a list of all places you’ve contacted and the outcome of that request. Bring your resume, and any information from the self-assessments.  This will help us provide adequate support and assistance.  Do not wait until the last minute to meet! If you are struggling, reach out early, and often!
• Finalize internship site and supervisor: Once you are sure you’ve found a fantastic internship opportunity, complete the “Contract Request Form” and submit as instructed. This can be found inside your internship packet.
  •  Contact the internship coordinator to finalize internship plans and complete required documentation. This needs to be completed during final exam week of the semester PRIOR to your scheduled internship.
  •  If you are completing your internship in the Spring semester (January – May), all required materials must be submitted during final exam week in December.
  • If you are completing your internship in the Fall (August – December) semester, all required materials must be submitted during final exam week in May.

**For any site, determine HIPAA requirements, immunizations, CPR documentation, etc. that you will need to complete. International students need to complete CPT paperwork; contact International Student Affairs Office for information. Keep track of these on your own. You are responsible for all required documentation.

Two weeks before you begin:

• Complete and submit the intern agreement: Contracts should be complete and in place at this point. A couple of weeks before starting your internship, complete and submit your “Intern Agreement” as instructed. This can be found inside your Internship Packet.

One week before you begin:

• Review your schedule. Make sure you have completed all schedule adjustments, re-organizing appointments, and reviewed your personal obligations before starting at your site. This includes immunizations needed, CPR documentation and any other training you were required to complete before beginning your internship.
• Review directions, contact information, parking instructions, etc. for your internship site. Ensure that you allow enough time to arrive on time and are ready to get to work on your first day.
• Prepare your necessary clothing ahead of time, think about packing lunches, etc. Do what is necessary to appear confident, professional and ready to begin.

• Arrive early, prepared (all required forms), and ready to begin. Wear your UMKC Name Badge to help with introductions and identification.
• Set up regular meetings with your site supervisor to ensure you are on track and on task. Attend each meeting prepared to provide a thorough update of activities in progress, those completed and a list of questions where you need assistance.
• Within the first month, complete the BHS student internship objectives.  This Student Internship Objectives Chart is found in your internship packet and on your Blackboard Course Site. This chart is designed to map a clear path toward starting and completing specific tasks and projects. As the internship progresses, content can be modified as needed. Continue to update this document throughout your internship to ensure you are on track. Need some ideas? See “Sample Tasks” inside your Internship Packet.
• Review schedule. Make sure you have completed all schedule adjustments, reorganizing of appointments, and reviewed your personal obligations to be sure you are available as scheduled. All immunizations needed, CPR documentation and any other training you were required to complete before beginning your internship must be complete before your first day.
• Review directions, contact information, parking instructions, etc. for your internship site. Ensure that you allow enough time to arrive on time and are ready to get to work on your first day. Prepare your necessary clothing ahead of time, pack a lunch, etc. Do what is necessary to appear confident, professional, and ready to start your internship.
• Stay connected to the Blackboard Course Site. Your Internship Coordinator will provide regular updates, deadlines, and reminders through the course site. Treat this as any other course. Follow all required deadlines and submissions, and regularly review the grading rubric (found in the Internship Packet) to be sure you are meeting the criteria. Midterm information, and final evaluation material will be provided through your Blackboard Course Site.