Student Opportunities in Public Health

There is opportunity at New York’s state and local health departments for students from nearly any field of study. Student employment and internship positions offer:

  • Diverse Experiences: Student gain hands-on experience in a public health setting while applying their unique skills and knowledge to bridge classroom learning from a variety of disciplines with practical application.
  • Collaboration: Students join a statewide workforce dedicated to public health. They are able to connect with experts, learn from them, and build lasting connections.
  • Community Impact: Students work alongside experienced professionals to contribute to protecting and promoting health and well-being for all, building on a foundation of health equity. Their work makes a difference!

Where can students apply?

Multiple avenues exist for students to gain experience at New York’s state and local health departments. The 3 main hiring entities are New York State Department of Health, Health Research Inc. (HRI), and local health departments across the state.

Health Research Inc., (HRI)

Health Research, Inc., (HRI) routinely places students in hourly positions at the New York State Department of Health. The job description will indicate if the position is open only to students or all candidates. HRI encourages all candidates to apply to any position they are interested in and feel they qualify for. Please contact hrihr@healthreasearch.org with any questions.

Pathways to Public Health Internship Program

The Pathways to Public Health Internship Program was established in Summer 2024 to expand opportunities for students from all levels and disciplines at the New York State Department of Health's Office of Public Health and Regional Offices. This program is supported with funding from Center for Disease Control's Public Health Infrastructure Grant and contributes to expanding the size and representativeness of the public health workforce. Please contact doh.sm.Pathways2PHIP@health.ny.gov to learn more.

New York State Department of Health

The New York State Department of Health has Student Assistant positions. Interested students should contact recruit@health.ny.gov for more information. In addition, there are several seasonal opportunities for Public Health Inspectors in Regional and District Offices across the state with the Center for Environmental Health and Chemist Aides with the Wadsworth Center Public Health Laboratory that may be a good match for students. Public Health Inspector and Chemist Aide postings open in early spring for summer employment.

Students can contact Local Health Departments directly to learn about potential internships or student positions in their county.

In addition, several colleges have established partnerships with New York's state and local health departments. Students should contact their college's career center or department staff to learn about these opportunities.

Fellowship in Applied Public Health | University at Albany - The NYS Fellowship in Applied Public Health (FAPH) is a specialized public health training program that prepares physicians, veterinarians, and other advanced licensed health care professionals for leadership roles in state and local health departments. The program is jointly sponsored by the University at Albany and the New York State Department of Health.

New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program - The NYSPHC Fellowship Program provides individuals with professional development opportunities to enhance and apply public health knowledge through training, education, and mentorship. The Fellowship aims to expand Fellows' public health networks throughout their communities, resulting in a more robust New York State public health workforce. The NYSPHC Fellowship Program provides paid, 2-year full-time positions, with opportunities at host organizations such as the NYSDOH, Local Health Departments (LHDs) and other public health system partners.

APHL/CDC Fellowships at the Wadsworth Center - The Wadsworth Center continues to partner with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to train and prepare the next generation of scientists for careers in public health. Numerous public health laboratory programs are supported through these fellowships.

Recent Graduates and Alumni Opportunities

Public health is a diverse and growing field that offers many career options for people from a variety of educational backgrounds. Whether you are interested in biology, education, business or anything in between, chances are that you will find a position you enjoy in the field of public health. Public health professionals are essential to keeping our communities safe and healthy, and the work they do is extremely rewarding.

Public health jobs exist at the New York State Department of Health, in county health departments, at the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, and in other state and local organizations. Refer to the Careers in Public Health page to find a position that is right for you!