College and Post-Graduate Pathways for Tomorrow’s Workforce

OU Health has a variety of opportunities for college and post-graduate students including student practicums, fellowships, internships, residencies and more.

Master of Healthcare Administrative Fellowship Program

In collaboration with the Hudson College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences OU Health’s one-year Administrative Fellowship Program (ARP) provides the education, experience and mentoring that top Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) graduate students need to cultivate a rewarding career path in healthcare leadership. Our cohort-based learning model ensures that up to five residents will have ongoing, valuable exposure to OU Health and OU Health Sciences executives, leaders, physicians, peers, business, and community leaders— helping to equip them for a future leadership role.

During the year-long program, residents will participate in rotations, working beside our best leaders in several key areas. Our rigorous program strives to provide residents with hands-on experience, through exposure to a variety of environments and experts that will prepare them to succeed in a leadership role. OU Health’s Administrative Fellowship Program uniquely provides all residents with a personalized support network during their Fellowship. In addition to the support of peers, leaders and executives, residents will have a dedicated executive leader to guide them through the rotations and experiences and support them in their development.

Applications for 2024 are now closed, please check back for opportunities for 2025.

Student Nursing Career Ladder

As the largest nursing program in Oklahoma, the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the OU Health Sciences Center – the academic nursing component of OU Health – partners with us to offer expanded educational opportunities via a student nursing career ladder which includes:

• Nurse Technicians: Under general supervision of a registered nurse (RN), performs routine tasks in patient care. Currently enrolled in an accredited registered nursing program or between terms/semesters; OR has completed a program of registered nursing and has applied to the licensure examination. The graduate may continue to be employed in a Nurse Technician role until licensed in any state, territory, or country, provided that the first licensure examination is taken within 90 days after graduation and the examination is passed within 6 months of graduation, on either the first or the second attempt.
• Nurse Interns Program: Allows senior-level nursing students to be employed at OU Health while earning their clinical hours. The students have the opportunity to have a more autonomous nursing practice while also introducing them to our values and culture at OU Health. Many of our interns also work as nurse techs providing additional support to our nursing teams and quality care to our patients.
• Nurse Extern Program: Is designed specifically for nursing students between their junior and senior year of Nursing School. The paid program will provide Nurse Externs with rich experiences about the interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to care at OU Health. Nurse Externs will not only work in a primary care area with expert staff, but will also partner with other members of the healthcare team throughout the system to witness the power of teamwork to enhance patient care.

Healthcare Career Explorers

The Healthcare Career Explorer position offers a unique and exciting opportunity for college students interested in investigating or pursuing a career in healthcare. Healthcare Career Explorers are placed in a career stream within OU Health to gain first-hand experience with an inpatient, outpatient and/or ambulatory setting. Explorers interact with patients, healthcare staff and professionals across multiple disciplines to gain valuable insight and skills, qualifying them to transfer into a permanent role at OU Health upon graduation.

• Gain exposure to different aspects of healthcare delivery, administration and patient care.
• Learn and use effective communication skills and empathy in a healthcare setting.
• Connect with healthcare professionals in a variety of clinical and non-clinical specialties.
• Learn about strategic decision-making, team collaboration and organizational leadership.
• Develop skills necessary for securing pivotal positions in the healthcare industry.

Applications for 2024 are now closed, please check back for opportunities for 2025.

Student Shadowing Experience

A hands-off experience with clinical and/or non-clinical staff and not for course credit. The student shadowing experience is only eligible for up to seven consecutive calendar days per academic semester. The Adult and College Student Program is an addition volunteering opportunity for adults 18 years of age and up, and college students planning a career in healthcare.

Student Practicums

This hands-on experience with clinical and/or non-clinical staff is intended for students actively enrolled at partner schools outside of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, who already has a designated OU Health preceptor for the practicum experience.

Child Life Student Programs

Child Life Practicum

The child life practicum program takes place in the winter/spring, summer, and fall semesters. Applicants must be affiliated.

Download The Practicum Application Packet

Deadlines

Your application must be complete to be considered for an interview. Please note that submitting a completed application does not guarantee an interview or practicum placement. Candidates will be required to meet via Zoom if selected for an interview.

View our Frequently Asked Questions packet to find answers to common questions. Additional questions regarding student programs can be directed to Lindsey Gernandt, Child Life Practicum Coordinator, at Childlifepracticum@ouhealth.com.

Child Life Internship

The child life internship program takes place in the winter/spring, summer, and fall semesters. Applicants must be affiliated. We are not currently offering an internship during the summer 2024 semester.

Download The Internship Packet

All applications must be submitted via e-mail to Childlifeinternship@ouhealth.com by the application deadline as specified for the Association of Child Life Professionals. Your application must be complete to be considered for an interview. Please note that submitting a completed application does not guarantee an interview or internship placement. Interview candidates will be required to meet via zoom if selected for an interview.

View our Frequently Asked Questions packet to find answers to common questions. Additional questions regarding student programs can be directed to Jocelyn Giertz, Child Life Internship Coordinator at Childlifeinternship@ouhealth.com.

Fellowship

We also offer a Child Life Fellowship. The fellowship is an opportunity for further learning and growing as a child life specialist once a child life internship has been completed. It is a one-year paid position that usually starts in the fall. The position is posted in late spring and the application can be located at OUHealth.com/careers.

Learn More About the Fellowship Program by reading the Fellowship Program FAQ.