Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What are the criteria for eligible applicants?
- HRTP is open to those currently enrolled as a matriculated undergraduate, graduate, or professional student in a degree program at an accredited US college or university. Recent graduates are not eligible unless they will be enrolled as a matriculated student in a degree program at an accredited US institution. (I.e. If a student is graduating from college in May 2007, s/he is only eligible if matriculated in a degree program in Fall 2007.)
- Applicants must be in good academic standing. While HRTP does not have a minimum GPA requirement, most applicants have a GPA above 3.0.
- During the academic year (fall and spring internship cycles), only New York City residents are eligible. The summer session is open to all elligible national and international students.
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How competitive is the program?
Applying for an HRTP internship is an extremely competitive and selective process. In general, approximately 25% of or applicants are offered an internship in an internship cycle.
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What are the internship time requirements?
Summer Session:
- Full-Time: Maximum of 35 hours/week for 10-12 weeks -- Students are typically able to work flexible hours in order to attend summer classes.
- Part-Time: Minimum of 20 hours/week for 10-12 weeks
Spring & Fall Session:
- Part-Time Only; New York City residency requirement
- Minimum of 10 hours/week; Maximum of 20 hours/week
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What is the salary?
Unfortunately, not all internships are paid. Each program determines if and how much interns are paid based on Agency guidelines and the program’s budget.
In some cases, college work study grants may be applied to an HRTP internship (off campus). If this applies to you, please discuss this with your school counselor and inform HRTP.
Please note that all discussions regarding salary should take place between the preceptor and intern. HRTP does not partake in salary discussions.
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Is my application package complete?
Depending on the volume of applications, HRTP may not be able to inform you as each component of your application package is received. Ultimately, the applicant is responsible for tracking the required documents. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
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When will I know if I am accepted into the program?
HRTP will notify applicants regarding their acceptance status in about 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. Usually, this notification is done via email; please be sure to check and update your email mailboxes and the settings.
If you have not heard from HRTP and it has been over 5 weeks since the deadline, please contact us at: HRTP@health.nyc.gov.
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I have been accepted into the program, what are the next steps?
It is very important to note that acceptance into the program does not guarantee an internship position. Once accepted into the program, based on your skills, interest, and coursework, your application is “matched” to a project/ mentor/ preceptor. If an applicant is being considered for a project, s/he will be contacted by a preceptor for an interview. After the interview, the preceptor may or may not offer the applicant a position.
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When does my internship start?
If you were interviewed and selected, your preceptor should be in touch with you with additional information. If you still need assistance with this, please refer to your acceptance email from HRTP. If needed, you may email us at: HRTP@health.nyc.gov.
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I am not from New York City. How can I find housing?
Students must arrange their own housing during the summer term. Many of our interns live in the dorms of local colleges and universities, such as Barnard College, Columbia University, Fordham University, New School University, and New York University. Housing is also available at the International House. Please contact the HRTP office for additional housing information.
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I want to continue my internship from one cycle into another, what are my options?
Interns may have the option to continue working on their projects for more than one internship cycle, depending on individual preceptor’s needs and economic support. If this is applicable to you, please contact HRTP for the necessary forms. However, please note that only New York City residents are eligible for academic year internships.
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For additional information on the Health Research Training Program, please email hrtp@health.nyc.gov.
