American Public Health Association Internships: Launching Your Public Health Career
The American Public Health Association (APHA) stands as a pillar in the public health landscape, championing the health of all people and communities. More than just a professional association, APHA serves as a vibrant community, both within the United States and across the globe, dedicated to strengthening the public health profession. APHA accomplishes this by advocating for public health issues and policies grounded in scientific evidence, working to improve access to care, promoting health equity, and bolstering public health infrastructure. For those seeking to enter or advance within this crucial field, APHA offers a variety of avenues for professional development, including internships.
APHA: Strengthening the Public Health Profession
APHA's commitment to strengthening the public health profession is evident in its diverse range of activities. These include a Public Health CareerMart, which connects job seekers with employers, continuing education opportunities, mentoring programs, internships, fellowships, and numerous other resources designed to enhance skills and knowledge. APHA members also receive discounts on job listings with Public Health CareerMart and have access to discounted continuing education opportunities like APHA Now.
To further assist those early in their careers, APHA offers an Early Career Professionals How-To Toolkit, a collection of practical modules filled with resources and advice to kickstart a public health career. APHA also keeps members informed through various channels, including podcasts and the American Journal of Public Health, with articles like "Ten Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Became a Health Officer" offering valuable insights. APHA also hosts and promotes upcoming events from various public health organizations, schools, programs, and groups.
Internship Opportunities at APHA
APHA offers internship programs that provide invaluable experience in addressing critical public health challenges. While specific internship availability may vary, the Environmental Health program within the Center for Public Health Policy exemplifies the type of opportunities offered.
Environmental Health Internship Program
The Environmental Health program offers interns the chance to engage with priority issues impacting public health, including:
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- Environmental health systems
- The built environment
- Water quality and security
- Environmental justice
- Health equity
Interns contribute to the program through various activities, such as:
- Conducting research on relevant issues
- Developing fact sheets and background reports
- Supporting outreach and communication to public health professionals
- Contributing content to the Environmental Health web pages and social media
It's important to note that some internships, like the one described above, may be unpaid and offered by organizations outside of APHA. APHA lists these opportunities to help students find leave-term internship experiences in public policy or related social sciences fields.
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and its Relevance to Public Health
While the focus is on APHA, it's useful to distinguish it from a related organization, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). Although distinct, APhA's work has implications for public health, particularly through its efforts to advance the pharmacy profession.
Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS)
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), established in 1976 as an autonomous division of APhA, plays a crucial role in improving patient care. BPS aims to position Board-Certified Pharmacist Specialists as integral members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams by recognizing and promoting specialized training, knowledge, and skills for pharmacists both in the United States and internationally. Board certification serves as a recognized credential, identifying pharmacists qualified to contribute at advanced practice levels due to the rigorous standards mandated by BPS board certification and recertification.
APhA's Multifaceted Approach to Advancing Pharmacy
APhA's impact extends beyond BPS through its various teams and initiatives:
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- Executive Office and Governance: This team collaborates with the APhA Board of Trustees, the APhA House of Delegates, and other stakeholders to develop and implement APhA's strategic plan and policies. They also coordinate APhA Board of Trustees meetings and events to ensure the advancement of APhA initiatives.
- Pharmacy Practice & Government Affairs: These teams work together to advocate for practices and policies that advance the pharmacy profession. The Pharmacy Practice team collaborates with external stakeholder groups to expand access to pharmacists’ patient care services and is responsible for developing tools and resources related to billing and payment, health information technology, health equity, and more.
- Student & New Practitioner Development: This team supports APhA’s student and new practitioner members through programs focused on patient care projects, community outreach events, career and leadership development, and more.
- APhA Foundation: Established in 1953, the APhA Foundation advances patient health outcomes through research, public education, issue forums, and recognition of pharmacy practice. With over 70 years of experience, the Foundation has consistently demonstrated the positive impact of pharmacists on patient health outcomes.
- Education Department: Recognizing that pharmacy is a continually growing and advancing profession, the Education Department provides pharmacists with numerous options for continuing pharmacy education (CPE) credit and additional certification programs, such as immunization training and diabetes management, as well as podcasts and other resources.
Gaining Experience and Contributing to Public Health
APHA internships offer students and early career professionals a chance to gain practical experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and network with leaders in the field. By participating in these internships, individuals can develop valuable skills, expand their knowledge of public health issues, and make a tangible difference in the health of communities.
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