The Nation's Health Internship: 2027 spring term

American Public Health Association
Washington, DC
HybridCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Geared toward journalism students comfortable with newsgathering and writing for multiple platforms, with a focus on Washington, D.C.-based work and a commitment to full-time hours.

Best fit for

  • Journalism students with prior writing and reporting experience and a strong interest in public health.
    — “prior writing and reporting experience and a willingness to learn”
  • Candidates seeking hands-on experience in a newsroom environment and exposure to public health policy.
    — “hands-on experience in a fast-paced journalism environment”
  • Individuals who can commit to a minimum of 28 hours per week and are available for in-person work in Washington, D.C.
    — “require that students work a minimum of 28 hours a week”

Things to consider

  • The internship is unpaid, which may affect financial planning for the candidate.
    — “APHA internships are unpaid”
  • Candidates must be able to work in the US during the internship period.
    — “candidates must be able to work in the US during the internship”
  • Hybrid or remote options are available, but the role emphasizes in-person presence in Washington, D.C.
    — “Hybrid or remote options are available”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize your ability to meet deadlines and familiarity with Associated Press style in your resume and cover letter.
    — “Experience with deadlines, Associated Press/journalism style is a plus”
  • Include a writing sample that showcases your ability to write news stories and blog posts.
    — “a writing sample, 1-2 pages each (published, from a website or from schoolwork)”
  • Highlight any experience with press conferences, congressional hearings, or social media tools.
    — “attending press conferences and congressional hearings”
  • Demonstrate your understanding of public health issues and how they intersect with journalism.
    — “writing blog posts and working on group projects each semester”
  • Showcase your adaptability and ability to contribute to multiple storytelling platforms.
    — “contribute to multiple storytelling platforms”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Produce numerous articles and news quizzes
  • Contribute to multiple storytelling platforms
Typical background
Experience with deadlines and journalism style

Skills & requirements

Required

JournalismNews WritingReportingNewsgatheringSocial Media Management

Preferred

Associated Press StylePublic Relations

Stack & domain

JournalismNews WritingReportingNews TrackingPublic RelationsSocial Media ManagementCommunicationWritingTeamworkAttention To DetailMultitaskingCommunicationsPublic Health

About the role

Original posting from American Public Health Association via Greenhouse

SUMMARY

Students looking for hands-on experience in a fast-paced journalism environment are encouraged to apply for The Nation’s Health internship with the American Public Health Association. Interns at The Nation's Health have the opportunity to report stories and assist with many facets of newsgathering, writing and production.

This is an US-based internship, and candidates must be able to work in the US during the internship. APHA internships are unpaid and located in Washington, D.C.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties can include writing news stories for the monthly print issue of the newspaper or for its web version, developing story ideas and attending press conferences and congressional hearings. Interns are responsible for the newspaper’s weekly online news quiz and contribute to multiple storytelling platforms. Interns receive valuable experience in newspaper production and distribution. Interns also may work within APHA’s Communications Department, assisting with news releases, news tracking and other public relations work, as well as with APHA's social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. All APHA interns also work on the Association’s Get Ready campaign, writing blog posts and working on group projects each semester.

At the end of the internship period, the intern will have produced numerous articles, news quizzes and a solid package of clips.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Nation's Health offers one fall, spring and summer internship, as well as combined journalism/communication internships during the fall and spring semesters, to qualified students. Experience with deadlines, Associated Press/journalism style is a plus, as is prior writing and reporting experience and a willingness to learn. Opportunities for internships are available year-round and last for a three- to four-month period. To assure that the intern maximizes her or his experience, we require that students work a minimum of 28 hours a week. All APHA internships are unpaid, but credit is available.

Applicants who meet the requirements and are interested in being considered for an internship position should upload the following information.

Cover letter;

Resume;

a writing sample, 1-2 pages each (published, from a website or from schoolwork); and

Unofficial transcript; and

List of two references (from two individuals who know you well enough to discuss your qualifications, e.g., an employer or professor).

This is an US-based internship, and candidates must be able to work in the US during the internship.  APHA internships are unpaid and located in Washington, D.C.  Hybrid or remote options are available.

Vaccination Policy: Interns must adhere to APHA COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Policy.

Deadline date:  November 6, 2026 @5 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time)

EEO/AA/VETS/DISABILITY.  APHA is strongly and actively committed to diversity in its workplace.

Source: American Public Health Association careers (Greenhouse)

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