Student Internship/Field Placement Program
Recreation Therapy at the NIH Clinical Center has the resources, environment and opportunities to challenge the most curious, intelligent and inquisitive of students. The NIH experience puts strength in a resume, opening doors to the more sophisticated medical facilities, and makes the extra effort worthwhile for a newly-minted graduate.
The Student Internship/Field Placement Program details include:
- Only senior and graduate internships are available
- A 3.0 undergrad cumulative GPA is required
- The basic/minimum internship requirement is 15 weeks/600 hours
- COA accredited departments are given priority consideration
- A maximum of two interns are hosted per semester
- A recent health exam, proof of professional liability insurance, a complete transcript, full resume, and two writing samples are required
- Students should have quick learning skills, demonstrated initiative and a good sense of self-direction
- A contract agreement is required between the university/college and NIH
- Students may participate in ongoing outcome projects
Students accepted for an NIH internship experience will have the benefit of a complete formal orientation, supervision by a certified recreation therapist (CTRS) and continuing clinical education which includes hands-on clinical practice. The first two interns who interview (in person or by phone) with Recreation Therapy at the NIH Clinical Center prior to any semester in question will be accepted provided that other qualifications, aptitudes and interpersonal skills seem equivalent among the applicants. Recreation therapy does not staff with interns and the patient/staff ratios are very comfortable. Interns will be given feedback, both informal and formal supervision, coaching and encouragement. Interns at NIH will be expected to chart via computer, attend at least one seminar or grand rounds per week, and practice many of the skills learned in their academic curriculum. The internship is full-time (40 hours per week) for 15 weeks (600hrs). The internship is not a paid experience. Bethesda, Maryland has a high-cost of living. Rooms in the area can be rented for $300-450 per month. Often, one can rent within walking distance of the NIH campus. Public transportation allows for living without a car.
The NIH Clinical Center is truly one of the most exciting places in the world for a recreation therapy intern. Patients here are all volunteer research participants. They are here because they fit a research study's requirements. The most common patient groups include oncology, HIV/AIDS, psychiatry, and alcoholism. Although it is expected that students will have had some face-to-face contact with the general patient groups they express an interest in working with, the internship experience also encourage students to seek contact with a variety of patient populations and age groups in order to improve their professional marketability.
For additional information and/or an application contact:
Marcia D. Smith, MA, CTRS, H/FI
Clinical Coordinator & Internship Coordinator
Recreation Therapy at the NIH Clinical Center
E-mail: mdsmith@nih.gov
Phone :( 301) 496-8876
