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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

Florida Department of Health in Volusia County

Your Experience 

Thank you for your interest in student internship and volunteer opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.

The goal of the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) is to provide a rewarding experience in a state government organization addressing public health needs in coordination with Federal, State and County programs. DOH-Volusia is committed to assisting in the instruction of effective professionals, developing and promulgating public health knowledge, and providing leadership to students and volunteers as a means of achieving its mission in the community.

Intern 

Department of Health Policy 380-7-16 defines an Intern as:

Intern: An individual who is typically a student or trainee who works without pay in order to gain work experience and to get classroom credit.

Intern: Must provide a letter of attestation on their university’s letterhead stating they have completed a level II background screening, prior to the start of their internship.

Florida Department of Health-Volusia must have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on file that has been approved by the DOH-Volusia attorney and Administrator before your application can be considered for internship. These contractual agreements outline the responsibilities of the the DOH-Volusia, the university and the students. Only submit an application for internship if your university’s degree program is included in our Memorandum of Agreement listing below. If you do not see your university and/or degree program listed, please have your university's program director contact Tarayn Korkus-Nix, Public Health Services Manager, at 386-663-6825 to begin the process of establishing a MOA.

Current List of Universities/Programs with a MOA with DOH-Volusia: 

  • Advent Health University- All Programs
  • Bethune Cookman University- All Programs
  • Capella University- All Programs
  • Chamberlain College of Nursing- Health Care Professions
  • Daytona College- All Programs
  • Daytona State College- All Programs
  • ECPI University- All Programs
  • Embry-Riddle- All Programs
  • Florida State University-College of Medicine
  • Grand Canyon University- All Programs
  • Keiser University Graduate School-All Graduate Programs
  • Rollins College- All Programs
  • South College School of Nursing -Nursing
  • Stetson University-All Non Clinical Programs
  • United States University- All Programs
  • University of Central Florida-Health Services Administration
  • University of Central Florida-College of Nursing
  • University of Florida-College of Health and Human Services
  • University of Florida- College of Dentistry and Medicine
  • University of South Florida- All Programs
  • Western Governors-College of Health Professionals

Volunteer 

Department of Health Policy 380-7-16 defines a Volunteer as:

Regular Service Volunteer: "Any person engaged in specific voluntary health service activities on a continuous basis, such as licensed health care providers and persons who provide clerical and support services."

Teen Volunteer: "An individual who is between 14 to 17 years of age, and volunteers for less than 40 hours per week with parental permission. They cannot be supervised by a relative or work in areas where confidential or sensitive information is contained, utilized or discussed."

Volunteer: Must complete and pass a Level  II Background screening before they can begin volunteering.

Frequently Asked Questions  

1. What are the requirements for participating?

  1. Complete and submit the on-line application.
  2. Be available for a telephone and/or face-to-face interview.
  3. The Florida Department of Health requires all interns and volunteers receive a satisfactory result from a Level II background screening before the first day of their volunteering or internship. DOH-Volusia has Live Scan equipment onsite and will schedule an appointment with you to complete the fingerprinting once your application has been accepted.
  4. Once completing the application and a Level II background is received they will be registered in TRAIN to complete the trainings. There are five mandatory trainings that are required of all interns and volunteers: FDOH Information Security, FDOH Customer Focus Training, HIV 101 in the News, OSHA, and Blood Borne Pathogens.

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2. When should I apply for an academic internship?

Applications will be accepted starting June 1st for the fall semester, November 1st for the spring semester and March 1st for the summer semester.

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3. Do I get paid for an internship?

No. All internships are unpaid positions. Course credit for hours worked will be received according to your internship program. Additionally, each intern receives valuable work experience with our organization that will contribute experience to a resume when seeking a paid position in the future.

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4. What hours will I be required to work?

Hours are scheduled based on the academic requirements, the department's needs and the intern's availability. Workdays are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department does sponsor and attend some community based activities on weekends and occasionally after business hours.

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5. I'm not in school, but can I participate in the internship program?

No, you would then be classified as a volunteer. Individuals applying for a non-credit position are required to complete the Application, following the instructions for Volunteers, which includes submitting two personal references for acceptance into the Volunteer Program.

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6. Volunteer Opportunities Information

Please indicate the area(s) of interest and the skills you have that will help the area you are interested in volunteering.
Acceptance on an as needed basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Upon acceptance volunteer applicant is subject to a Level II Background screening.

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The Application Process  


  1. Complete the electronic application, providing all requested information for intern, volunteer, or teen volunteer, as instructed on the application. If printed and manually completed, it must be neatly printed.

  2. All documents requiring signatures must contain an original signature, electronic signatures are not accepted.

  3. Submit the completed application and requested documents (if applicable) via fax or email. The application may also be mailed to the address below.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
Volunteer/Internship Coordinator
717 W. Canal St., Room #207
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Office: 386-663-6825
Fax: 386-274-0879
Email:  Attention: Tarayn Korkus-Nix

4. Once your completed application and requested documents have been received, please allow two weeks for the department to review your application packet and finalize a decision. You will be notified  of the final decision via the email address or telephone number you provided on your application.