NSHD Application for Student Placement

Thank you for your interest in the North Shore Health Department (NSHD)! We’re a small but dedicated local public health department serving several North Shore communities. Whether you’re looking for a placement for school credit, hands-on experience, or just want to explore a career in public health, we offer meaningful, real-world opportunities.

Before applying, please explore our website to learn more about the department: www.nshealthdept.org

WHAT TO EXPECT
We are a teaching health department, meaning you’ll get hands-on experience—not busywork. From health inspections to community events, our placements give you the chance to make a real impact alongside professionals who value your contribution.

• Placements take place at our office in Glendale (5901 N Milwaukee River Parkway) or out in the community at clinics, events, and public health sites.
• Placements occur Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For interns some events may include evenings or weekends (especially during summer). Academic placements may have additional flexibility.
• We ask for at least a 3-hour block per shift. Most students average up to 20 hours per week.

TYPES OF PLACEMENTS
There are multiple types of placements available:

• Academic placements (students): These are for academic credit or part of a degree program, such as internships, field placements, or capstone projects. They typically include specific school requirements, such as a required number of hours, learning objectives, and final deliverables. A signed and active agreement between NSHD and your academic institution is also required. In addition to meeting program requirements, as part of their placement, students take part in hands-on public health work to gain meaningful, real-world experience beyond the classroom.
• Experience-based placements (interns): These are not for academic credit and involve helping with regular public health tasks and programming. Intern support is essential to meeting the community where they are, and events (like clinics and markets) often happen outside regular business hours. They are also one of the best opportunities to see public health in action, and the impact it can have on the community.
• Clinical Group: These placements involve an on-site group of students completing course credit or program requirements together. The group participates in coordinated public health activities under supervision, fulfilling academic objectives as a collective.
• Other Engagement Opportunities:
  • Mentorship: Guidance and support provided through one-on-one or small group engagement, helping students or interns develop skills and knowledge through personalized interaction.
  • Observation, Job Shadowing, or Information Interview: Short-term opportunities without assigned tasks or academic credit, focused on learning through observation and conversation to gain a basic introduction to public health practice.

Interested in a placement at NSHD?

• We receive many inquiries about placement. Please read the application thoroughly -- it may be lengthy, but it helps ensure the best fit.
• Complete the application and send it along with your resume (and any other materials).
• If you’re applying for an academic placement, please include your program’s requirements and preceptor/site materials needed for your preceptor with your application.

Our Academic Coordinator, Tanya Bohacheff, will review your application and be in touch soon.