Launch Your Career in Public Health!
About the Program
The ADH Student Experience Program aims to cultivate the next generation of public health professionals by offering opportunities for practical learning, mentorship, and meaningful contributions to the state’s health initiatives.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide students with valuable hands-on experience in public health while fostering their professional growth and passion for serving communities. We are committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of all citizens in Arkansas.
Program Goals
Our program goals are multifaceted, aiming to benefit both the students and the agency. By aligning the program’s goals with the mission and objectives of the ADH, this program can effectively prepare future public health professionals for the workforce while contributing to the department’s mission of promoting and protecting public health. Student experience projects will enhance educational growth, improve professional development, provide career exploration and networking, and promote partnership and collaborative practice skills.
*Unless otherwise stated, the student experience projects are not paid or charged opportunities for students.
Student Experience Projects
Internship
- Description: Structured, temporary work experience in public health for students.
- Learning Objectives: Gain foundational public health exposure and skills.
- Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate and graduate level college students currently enrolled in college.
Applied Practice Experience
- Description: 200-hour capstone in public health under joint supervision of a qualified specialist in public health and a university faculty member.
- Learning Objectives: Apply public health principles in real-world settings.
- Eligibility Requirements: MPH students attending a college of public health.
Integrated Learning Experience
- Description: Capstone focusing on synthesis of knowledge and research/project proposal creation.
- Learning Objectives: Integrate public health theory with practical applications.
- Eligibility Requirements: MPH students attending a college of public health.
Practicum Project
- Description: Supervised, hands-on experience in public health or healthcare settings.
- Learning Objectives: Translate theory into practice in professional environments.
- Eligibility Requirements: Graduate level college students usually at doctoral level.
Stead Scholars Program
- Description: 8-week summer mentorship program for students interested in public health.
- Learning Objectives: Gain insights into public health/medicine careers.
- Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduates from Arkansas universities.
Nursing Practicum Projects (Division of Local Public Health):
- Description: Clinical experience for nursing students to practice patient care.
- Learning Objectives: Develop clinical skills in a supervised environment.
- Eligibility Requirements: Nursing students.
Resident Physician Rotations (Division of Local Public Health):
- Description: Exposure to preventive care, health policy, and community health for medical residents.
- Learning Objectives: Expanding beyond clinical skills to population health.
- Eligibility Requirements: Medical students.
Project Focus Areas
Student experience projects may occur in most ADH divisions and departments, based on project availability and other guidelines. Some common areas for previous projects have included: Division for Health Advancement, Epidemiology, Arkansas Minority Health Commission, among other areas. Each ADH area has autonomy over the student selection and interview process for their respective projects.
Project Opportunities and Information
View Current Projects:
- List of projects (coming soon)
If you don’t see a project you are interested in, please tell us more about your interest in the form below:
Pre-Application Process
- Identify and Confirm Project with ADH Preceptor/Supervisor
- Ensure alignment with program goals and learning objectives
- Obtain approval to begin the application process
Application Process
- Complete required documents with ADH preceptor/supervisor
- ADH Preceptor will submit forms to the student placement coordinator:
Onboarding Process
- Receive project approval from Student Placement Coordinator
- Contact ADH preceptor to arrange orientation, work schedule, project details
- Schedule ADH badge assignment with Human Resources
Culminating Process
- Meet with ADH preceptor to sign off on HR-71 form once project is completed
- Return ADH badge to ADH preceptor
- Return all ADH issues equipment (if necessary)
- Complete Student Experience Project Evaluation
Getting Started
Student Experience Onboarding and Completion Process:
- Identify and confirm project with ADH Preceptor/Supervisor
- Complete and submit all required documentation to the student placement office
- Complete and confirm state background checks (If student lived in Arkansas < 5 years, FBI check required also)
- Complete HR-71 form and department e-359 form (this form is department specific and completed by ADH Preceptor)
- Approval and Badge Authorization access from student placement office and Human Resources
- Complete project expectations and completion of required exit procedures for the department
- Return badge and sign off on HR-71
- Pre and Post Evaluation of the student experience project
Required Student Experience Documents
School Affiliation Agreement
- Description: Signed agreement between students, ADH, and academic institution.
Student Information Form (HR-71)
- Description: Provides student info, project details, supervisor contact, and project approval.
Criminal History Check Form (HR-56)
- Description: State Background check. FBI check required if students have lived in Arkansas < 5 years.
Immunization Form (HR-21)
- Description: Notes completion of all required immunizations.
ADH Students and Volunteer HIPAA Training Form (AS-54)
- Description: HIPAA information for students and volunteers.
Photocopy of Student ID Card
- Description: Visual proof of identity. Driver’s license or State issued ID card (color copy preferred).
TRAIN HIPAA Certificate or equivalent
- Description: Proof of HIPAA training completion (must be done within 10 days of start date).
Child and Adult Maltreatment Check
- Description: Required if student will have direct contact with clients.
Student Experience Evaluation
- Description: Complete at the end of the project.
Contact Us
Kristy Caldwell, DrPH, MPH
ADH Student Placement Coordinator
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 W. Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-661-2412
Email: [email protected]
