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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Internship and Volunteer Program
Planning and Performance Management Department
- DOHLeeIntern@flhealth.gov
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Mailing Location
2295 Victoria Ave
Suite 206
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) is committed to assisting in the effective instruction of professionals, developing and disseminating public health knowledge, and providing leadership to students and volunteers.
We welcome community-conscious individuals to join our team of public health professionals and gain:
- Professional experience
- Networking opportunities
- Fulfilling work protecting the community
Opportunities are available for the following DOH-Lee programs:
- Environmental Health and Engineering
- Community Health (APRN internships are only available for Women’s Health)
- WIC
- Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases
- Health Promotions
- Public Health Preparedness
- Planning and Performance Management (Quality Improvement)
Currently, we do not offer internships or volunteer opportunities for:
- Pediatric Clinic
- Primary Care/Internal Medicine
- Dental Services
- Social Work
Application Deadlines
- Spring Semester (January – May): December 1
- Summer Semester (May - August): April 1
- Fall Semester (August - December): July 1
- Winter Semester (December - January): November 1
Community Health clinic internships and rotations, especially, reach capacity months before the desired intern start date.
Before You Apply
- Requests for internships and volunteers are handled on a case-by-case basis, and is subject to
availability. - Program placement will be based on the availability of our staff and resources at the time of your request.
- Schools should encourage individual students to apply, it will streamline the process.
How To Apply
- You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program.
- Complete the Internship Volunteer Application Form.
- Updated resume
- If you are seeking an internship, we require an Attestation of Background Screening from your
school. The attestation must include the following information:- Student underwent a Level 2 background screening less than five years ago.
- The Level 2 background screening did not reveal any disqualifying offense identified by section 435.04, Florida Statutes.
- Submit the completed application with all necessary information and your resume.
- Send application to: DOHLeeIntern@FLHealth.gov, or
- By mail to:
Florida Department of Health in Lee County
Attn: Internship Coordinator
Planning and Performance Management Dept.
2295 Victoria Ave., Suite 206
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended start date.
What To Expect
Once all materials have been submitted and the background screening is completed, the Internship Coordinator will review your application and extend an invitation to work with DOH-Lee if all qualifications are successfully met.
Completion of introductory public health courses in TRAIN, our online learning management system, are required prior to starting your internship.
You will be notified by HR of your start date, orientation, and any other needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the requirements for background screening?
- Do I have to complete other trainings to participate in any program?
- Do I get paid for my time?
- What hours will I be required to work?
- I’m not in school, can I participate in a program?
- What if I have other questions?
The Florida Department of Health requires everyone to complete a Level 2 background screening and receive a satisfactory result from the screening before the first day of their program.
If you are currently enrolled in a study program that requires a Level 2 background screening, you may be able to submit an Attestation of Background Screening Memorandum signed by your school.
Yes. The Florida Department of Health requires everyone to complete the course in TRAIN: FDOH Information Security and Privacy Awareness. This class is part of our online learning management system and can be completed in just a few hours.
Depending on the position held, additional training may be required.
No. Interns receive course credit for hours worked according to your internship program. Volunteers receive the benefits listed in section 110.504, Florida Statutes, including state liability protection in accordance with the definition of a volunteer and the provisions of section 768.28, F.S.
Hours are scheduled based on the department’s needs and the applicant’s availability.
Workdays are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Department does sponsor and attend some community-based activities on weekends.
Yes, however it would be as a volunteer. Individuals applying for a non-credit position are required to complete an application and submit two references for acceptance into the Volunteer Program.
If you are interested in a student internship at DOH-Lee, or if you are an instructor with questions on placement availability on behalf of your student, please contact DOHLeeIntern@FLHealth.gov.
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