SEP Program Overview
The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is an enhanced internship program gives graduate students in health administration real-world work experience with a 10-12 week stay in a hospital or health care facility. Interns complete an independently designed project in addition to gaining broad exposure to the host institute’s staff, stakeholders and challenges. Experienced administrators serve as preceptors and mentor the interns, providing support and career advice as well as introducing them to colleagues.
The Institute for Diversity in Health Management’s primary mission is to increase the presence of ethnic/racial minorities in health care management and the SEP works to achieve this goal by helping to train and support the next generation of diverse executives. Since 1994, more than 500 students have successfully completed the SEP program.
The Institute recruits host sites and preceptors from across the United States. We also partners with state, regional and metro hospital associations in out reach efforts. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate degree granting program focusing on some aspect of health care management and must also be U.S. citizens.
The Institute provides education, skill-building training and access to our job-bank. Interns also benefit from ongoing networking and mentoring opportunities. Conference calls, Diversity Dialogues pod casts and social activities complement the internship experience. Interns are also invited to our biannual Leadership & Educational Conference and other events.
2008 marked the launch of the Institute’s SEP information and registration program. This online system facilitates registration for students and host sites and provides information on all stages of the progress. Initial matches are made automatically based on students’ geographical preferences. SEP Partners, universities with related programs and program alumni can also register, view information, volunteer and network amongst themselves. In the near future, we will begin utilizing other system aspects, including built-in forums and chat rooms.
Click here to register or for additional information. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Institute’s Education Programs Specialist, Zach Benjamin, at zbenjamin@aha.org or at (312) 422-2658.