Using college internship programs to promote the healthcare security profession

Area of Science:

• Health system security
• Internship programs
• Professional development

Background:

• Healthcare organizations face unique security challenges.
• Developing a skilled security workforce is crucial.
• Internship programs offer a pathway for talent development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a college internship program within a health system's security department.
• To present insights from both the trainer and trainee perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative description of an established internship program.
• Dual-perspective reporting (trainer and trainee).

Main Results:

• Interns gain practical security experience.
• Trainers benefit from fresh perspectives and assistance.
• Program facilitates knowledge transfer and skill development.

Conclusions:

• Internship programs are valuable for health system security.
• Collaborative learning benefits both students and departments.
• Such programs enhance workforce readiness in healthcare security.