Internships, Shadowing and Volunteering
Internships
We have contracts with a number of universities to offer intern and externship opportunities for students who are currently enrolled in accredited university programs in the areas of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology. Placements may be available to work with therapists in a variety of settings including but not limited to:
- Inpatient and Outpatient Pediatrics
- Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (OT only)
- Adult Psychiatry (OT only)
- Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
- Acute Care
Please contact your academic adviser to determine whether your university has an established contract with UnityPoint Health - Meriter and for additional information.
Shadow
We offer a limited number of shadowing opportunities for students planning to apply to an Occupational Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology program. For additional information on shadowing please contact the UnityPoint Health - Meriter Student Fieldwork Coordinator for the program area you are interested in.
Please note: individuals interested in shadowing Physical Therapists should contact the Medical Education Department at MSN_MedicalEducation@unitypoint.org to initiate the volunteer application process as described above.
Occupational Therapy
Cindy Jernegan: cynthia.jernegan@unitypoint.org
Speech-Language Pathology
Sharon Bair: sharon.bair@unitypoint.org
Volunteer
UnityPoint Health - Meriter offers a limited number of opportunities for individuals to volunteer in the therapy areas of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Interested individuals must make a commitment to volunteer for a minimum of one, three to four hour shift per week for a duration no less than six months. To become a volunteer, one must complete a formal application and orientation which includes but is not limited to undergoing a background check and health screening, providing documentation of immunization, and receiving training/orientation.
For additional information on volunteering at UnityPoint Health - Meriter, please visit the Volunteer Services Page.