Frequently Asked Questions

An affiliated site refers to a legal contract between the UNLV School of Public Health and an internship site.  The affiliate agreement specifies each party's responsibilities and sets the policies that SPH and the internship site must follow regarding internship experiences.

Utilize the directory of affiliated sites in step 2 of the Internships page to see if your internship site is currently affiliated with our program. 

An academic internship is an internship for which you receive academic credit for hours of work.  This means that your internship is part of a course for which you are earning a degree.  Academic internships can be paid or unpaid.  Employment laws, in regards to unpaid internships, can be found under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.  

International students, here on an F1 Visa, must apply for a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after securing an internship and before working any hours.  Students cannot begin their training opportunity until they receive their new I-20 form authorizing the specific CPT start date with a specific employer for a certain time period.

Internship students are only permitted to enroll in part-time (less than 20 hours per week) internships during the fall and spring semesters.  It is your responsibility to ensure you do not work more than 20 hours per week, and only within the dates on your approved CPT.  It is also your responsibility to ensure you meet your required internship hours for graduation.  It is difficult to complete a GA position and an internship in the same semester.

CPT applications are processed through the Office of International Students and Scholars.  

Internships are self-select, meaning the student has the freedom and the responsibility to choose their own internship experience.  (internship must meet academic and internship requirements)  All academic internships must be approved by the internship coordinator (see internship calendar for semester deadlines).

Your internship site must be an affiliated site.  If your site is not currently affiliated with the School of Public Health internship program, they are welcome to apply. Your internship must be related to your academic major (enrolled internship course). You are required to be enrolled in an internship experience course (receiving academic credit) in the same semester as your internship work hours. 

Internships are required to be a new learning experience.  Students repeating internships, for example, when students complete an undergraduate and graduate internship, are required to complete their internship at a new internship site with a new internship project. Students may not use their current employment as their internship experience. 

Vaccinations help protect both the public and healthcare workers from preventable disease. Many internship sites involve contact with patients, clients, or community members, and maintaining immunity reduces the risk of spreading infection in professional settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all healthcare and public health workers be immunized against the following diseases: COVID-19, Varicella (Chickenpox), Hepatitis B, Meningococcal (for those at risk of Neisseria meningitidis), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap). These vaccinations are essential for protecting you, your patients, and the community you serve.

Many public health and healthcare internships involve direct contact with patients, clients, or sensitive information. Criminal background checks help ensure a safe and trustworthy environment for both the public and the professionals who serve them. Most health organizations require a completed background check before an employee, intern, or volunteer may begin work. This process supports: patient and public safety, legal and regulatory compliance, and the integrity and reputation of the organization. Background checks are a standard part of the onboarding process across the healthcare and public health fields.

Drug testing helps ensure a safe, professional, and compliant work environment for both interns and the communities they serve. Many internship sites are healthcare or public health organizations where interns may interact with patients, handle confidential information, or perform duties that require sound judgment and attention to safety. Drug testing is a standard part of onboarding in these settings and is used to: promote patient and workplace safety, maintain compliance with state, federal, and organizational regulations, protect organizational integrity and ensure interns meet professional standards. All drug testing for School of Public Health internships is completed securely through PreCheck, a third-party HIPAA-compliant system. Results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) to maintain confidentiality and protect student privacy.

Because many healthcare and public health organizations receive federal funding, the Nevada state exemption for marijuana use does not apply to most internship sites. Students must demonstrate compliance by providing a negative drug test result for all tested substances as part of their onboarding process. For students with valid prescriptions, a third-party Medical Review Officer (MRO) will review and verify your documentation confidentially. The MRO will determine your eligibility based on your prescribed medications and report your results appropriately. All drug testing is managed through PreCheck, a HIPAA-compliant system that ensures both legal compliance and privacy protection.