Up to half of interns' wages are reimbursed

The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) next month will begin accepting applications from hospitals interested in participating in this year's Summer Health Care Internship Program (SHCIP).

Hospital CEOs and human resource directors are encouraged to participate on behalf of qualified high school and college students in their communities. A link to the online application will be posted on MHA's Web site March 5.

In 2009, 88 Minnesota hospitals and nursing homes participated in the program, administered by the MHA on behalf of an advisory group composed of hospitals, nursing facilities and home health representatives. The grants are funded by the Minnesota Department of Health's Office of Rural Health and Primary Care.

The employers of the 261 interns who participated last year received a total of $279,600.

SHCIP allows students to gain valuable work experience in a health care setting. The initiative also is a great opportunity for health care employers to become more involved in their communities. Up to half of the interns' wages are reimbursed.

For more information contact Sarah Bohnet, MHA communications and work force division assistant, at (651) 603-3494 or (800)-462-5393.