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  4. Internships & Practicum Requirements

Internships & Practicum Requirements

Prepare for professional practice experiences and internships in UL Lafayette's health information management and health services administration programs.

Both of our bachelor's programs put you in real health care settings before you graduate. Here's what to expect and what you'll need to complete first.

Health Requirements

Before your first professional practice experience or internship, you'll need to provide a report of sound health. For HIM students, this is required by AHIMA and by the professional practice experience sites. You'll need:

  • An annual physical examination by a physician of your choice
  • A negative PPD (a T-Spot test is required if your result is positive)
  • Proof of immunity against rubella and rubeola (MMR vaccination record, two shots)
  • Evidence of a tetanus shot within the last 10 years
  • A varicella titer
  • A flu shot (HIM students)

HIM students: Evidence of all requirements is due before the first day of your professional practice experience or management internship. Students who haven't completed these requirements won't be allowed into the hospital setting, with no exceptions. Some sites have additional legal or medical requirements, and your coordinators will share them with you.

Background Checks and Drug Screening

Your required paperwork, drug screening, and background checks are managed through CastleBranch, a screening and compliance tracking company. You're responsible for uploading all required documentation to CastleBranch.

Medical Costs

Internship and professional practice experience facilities aren't responsible for medical costs you incur while enrolled in these courses. They may provide emergency care, but the cost is your responsibility. Neither the Department of Health Sciences nor the University is responsible for health expenses you incur during these experiences.

Details by Program

Professional Practice Experience

During the fall and spring semesters of your senior year, you'll spend several hours each week rotating through two professional practice experience sites selected from area hospitals.

Dress code: All students purchase a red/black polo shirt with the name of the college and program, worn with khaki slacks. Your faculty will tell you how to purchase the shirt.

Management Internship

In the spring semester of your senior year, you'll complete a four-week management internship to gain additional administrative experience and prepare for the working world. You'll shadow leadership in health care facilities in Louisiana and other states, and many students secure jobs directly from their internship experience.

  • Weeks 1–2: Learn supervisory and managerial skills in a health care setting.
  • Week 3: Gain exposure to a non-traditional setting, such as a physician's office, billing company, or consulting company.
  • Week 4: Take part in guest speakers, online activities, and meetings.

Plan ahead for costs. You're responsible for all costs associated with the management internship, including transportation to and from the internship hospital, lodging, meals, and any other expenses. We highly recommend preparing financially early.

Find internship details and policies on the HIM Majors Moodle page.

In the last semester of your senior year, you'll complete an internship with a health care organization in your area. You'll be introduced to the health care environment and the daily responsibilities of a health care professional, working closely with the facility's staff, management, and administration. You'll complete internship projects alongside other assignments in your capstone course, HSA 409.

You can intern at a variety of health care facilities, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Physician offices
  • Urgent care clinics
  • Medical billing companies
  • Not-for-profit foundations
  • Free health care clinics
  • Public health departments

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