Internship Application Tips

Begin the application process EARLY as follows:

1. Download Application and Recommendation forms from the program of choice
2. Note each individual hospital/program requirements for additional information - e.g., Personal Statements Essay, Academic Course Plan, etc
3. Complete the Application form and any additional information discussed in step 2 above.
4. Distribute Recommendation forms to university faculty and employers you wish to provide recommendations.

Letters of Recommendation

Most programs will expect you to provide letters of reference or recommendations. Refer to specific instructions concerning letters of recommendation (number, from whom) with application information for each specialization.

For the CLS internships, it is recommended that you use the MLS Letter of Recommendation form, rather than the ones with specific hospital letterheads. The individuals completing references for you should send them to the School of Health Sciences Office, and they will be placed in your file. When all information has been compiled, copies of the letters will be sent to the programs to which you have applied. (Thus, your references need write only one letter, rather than separate letters for each hospital). For the other specializations, letters of reference are generally sent directly to the clinical program.

Most programs require two or three letters of reference. Contact the individuals whom you wish to provide references for you. These may include campus faculty of current or past courses, but may also include faculty from previous academic institutions and employers. Some programs request evaluations from a particular instructor (e.g. biology or chemistry). Programs may want a recommendation from someone who has seen your laboratory performance, so evaluations from laboratory instructors are also acceptable. Supply a stamped, pre-addressed envelope for the convenience of your references if they are not currently Oakland University faculty.

Complete the application process:

1. Send (mail or e-mail) the Application form and any additional information discussed above to the hospital program(s) to which you wish to apply. NOTE: Application deadlines for individual hospitals
2. Be sure to note any special instructions such as whether you contact the hospital for an interview or vice versa
3. Clinical programs will usually want a copy of your University Transcript. For CLS internship applications, advisor copies (rather than an original) of your transcript will be sent with the packet of recommendations. Most of the remaining specializations will request an official transcript. At the time of application, you may have not yet completed all required courses for the program in question. Include a plan of work indicating which courses you have yet to complete, and when they will be taken. Be sure to use course names they will understand, i.e. Microbiology, Physiology, NOT abbreviations or rubrics.
4. If you initiate an application, but decide not to complete the process, notify the clinical education program director of your decision.

Schedule interviews:

The following are recommendations concerning appropriate attire to consider when dressing for your interview. They are taken from an actual hospital's guidelines for an appropriate dress code for their institution.

1. All clothing shall be clean, neat, and pressed. Ladies should wear "interview length" skirts/ dresses or pants. Gentlemen should wear a shirt and tie. No sleeveless tops, plunging necklines or see-through clothing.
2. Students will also abide by hospital policy that states clothing made of leather or denim is inappropriate as are: tank tops; halter-tops; crop tops; sweatshirts; T-shirts; beachwear; athletic wear; lycra-spandex apparel; leggings, stirrup pants/stretch pants; sheer or see-through blouses or tops etc.
3. All students must wear stockings or socks at all times. Uncovered (bare) legs are prohibited. Appropriate undergarments must be worn and must not be visible through outer apparel.
4. Shoes must be clean, polished and appropriate for business. For safety reasons, sandals or open-toed shoes are prohibited.
5. No visible body piercing, (i.e., lips, eyebrows, tongue, nose, etc.) other than the ears are permitted. Tattoos must be covered at all times.
6. Hair must be clean and neat at all times. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable. Moustaches and beards must be neatly trimmed. Hair color must be appropriate, no unusual colors such as green, blue, orange, pink, purple, yellow etc. are permitted.