Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all internships are paid for students earning course credit with their institution. 

Fall internships are August-December
Spring internships are January-April
Summer internships are June-August

Most interns complete 200-400 hours by working part-time or full-time.

Depending on the program’s requirements and our office’s needs, interns can complete their experience by working a minimum of two days per week, and up to full time. In submitting your application, please be specific about your time constraints.

Communicable and Environmental Diseases & Emergency Preparedness- The Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness Division (CEDEP) works to track the spread of diseases and to make sure that Tennesseans are ready for both disease and non-disease emergencies.  CEDEP has thirteen different program areas, and routine activities include disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and prevention, and emergency preparedness.

Communication- The Office of Communication and Media Relations coordinates, directs, and executes the department’s overall external and internal communication strategy in alignment with and supporting TDH’s mission and goals. OCMR’s prime objective is to provide accurate, consistent, and impactful information through digital, social, and traditional communication and media platforms to diverse audiences, constituencies, partners, and stakeholders.

Family Health and Wellness- The Division of Family Health and Wellness (FHW) comprises Maternal and Child Health, Special Supplemental Nutrition, and Chronic Disease and Health Promotion programs. Family Health and Wellness programs are provided in all 95 Tennessee counties through a network of local and regional health departments.

Health Disparities Elimination- The Division of Health Disparities Elimination works to decrease gaps in health outcomes and improve access to health care and services. Key priorities are prioritizing and advancing health equity, Increasing health access, improving accessibility, and engaging and supporting communities.

Informatics and Analytics- The Office of Informatics and Analytics (OIA) focuses on data and the team’s role in promoting data to drive insightful public health decision-making at TDH. OIA consists of three units that each work on aspects of the data lifecycle: Data Governance, Core Informatics, and Advanced Analytics and Visualization. Together, OIA has contributed to TDH’s data landscape through data analysis, dashboard development, data release guidelines, development of data suppression best practices and setting standards for health informatics and interoperability.

Local Health Departments- Local health departments are essential components of the public health system, responsible for safeguarding and enhancing the health and well-being of communities in their jurisdiction. They carry out a wide range of functions that include disease control and prevention, health education, and promotion, as well as maternal and child health services. Additionally, they monitor and regulate environmental factors affecting public health, such as food safety, water quality, and air quality. In times of emergency, local health departments play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response. They also oversee health inspections of various establishments and track the occurrence of diseases through surveillance systems. Ensuring access to healthcare services, conducting community health assessments, and advocating for public health policies are among their key responsibilities. By collaborating with other healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, local health departments work to address health disparities, promote wellness, and protect the health of their communities.

Overdose Response Coordination- The Overdose Response Coordination Office (ORCO) was established in 2018 as TDH’s division for overdose prevention and response. The office provides structure and support to the department’s efforts, oversees grant-funded activities, and cultivates and expands partnerships to strengthen the state’s public health response to the overdose crisis.

Primary Prevention- The Office of Primary Prevention (OPP), created in 2015, serves as a hub for many of the primary prevention efforts at the Tennessee Department of Health, collaborating across the department and with external partners to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. The Office of Primary Prevention is staffed by an Office Director, Primary Prevention Coordinator, Clinical Director, Evaluation and Assessment Director, and a Built Environment and Grants Coordinator. The office also supports the work of seven regional Healthy Development Coordinators and typically hosts at least one Commissioner’s Fellow and intern.

Population Health Assessment- The Division of Population Health Assessment (PHA) collects, maintains, analyzes, and reports data from federal and state surveillance systems that collect data on disease incidence/prevalence, hospital visits, and behavioral health indicators across the state of Tennessee.

Regional Health Offices- Regional health offices play a pivotal role in healthcare coordination, serving as intermediaries between central office and local health departments. Their responsibilities encompass resource allocation, public health planning, and the oversight of healthcare service delivery within a specific geographic area. In addition to ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources, they are crucial in disaster preparedness, disease surveillance, health data analysis, health promotion, and education. Collaborating with various stakeholders, such as local health departments and community organizations, regional health offices work to improve healthcare outcomes, address health disparities, and advocate for policies that benefit the region's population. Their specific roles may vary by location, but they play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare services and public health initiatives are effective, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the communities they serve.

Strategic Initiatives- The Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) links and leverages TDH strategies and resources with local knowledge, energy, and leadership.  They guide the department’s strategic planning process and support Tennessee’s County Health Councils with the help of local, regional, and central office TDH staff and TDH partners to implement upstream, innovative solutions to public health challenges. We do this through process facilitation, technical assistance, policy expertise, and relationship-building. 

We provide our interns with a variety of experiences within the Department of Health, including field trips and weekly intern seminars.

Yes! We offer internships in our seven regional offices, many of our local county health departments, and at our central office in Nashville.

TDH does not offer housing for interns, but some offices can give recommendations based on the area.

Clinical practicums are handled through a separate process. We utilize current affiliation agreements with several Tennessee schools and Western Kentucky University to provide opportunities to these students. We are not currently establishing affiliation agreements with additional colleges outside the state of Tennessee. If you are interested in a clinical practicum, please email AHD.health@tn.gov and we will connect you with the office that organizes clinical practicums.

Yes! Our Public Health Executive Fellowship is a one-year, paid position for recent graduates to help them hone their interests in public health while working within TDH. You can find more information about the fellowship by visiting the web page linked here: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/health/health-program-areas/careers/academic-health-department/public-health-executive-fellowship0.html

While completing an internship with TDH does not entitle the intern to a job, many interns have gone on to work for TDH.