Overview

Overview

The Graduate Administrative Internship Program is a competitive 10 to 12-week summer program offered to graduate students in MHA, MBA, and MPH programs. Eligible students will have completed their first year of graduate studies. The internship program will provide students the opportunity to work within a specific institute or department at Cleveland Clinic, either at Main Campus in Cleveland, Ohio or at one of our Florida locations. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to hone their competencies in a variety of areas (e.g., clinical operations, international operations, strategy) by participating in regular didactic sessions and case studies. Although housing is not provided, interns will receive resources to assist them in identifying housing options.

Why Cleveland Clinic?

Cleveland Clinic has the largest graduate administrative internship program in the nation. This program prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders. Interns gain excellent career experiences in leading-edge areas of healthcare management. Interns are supported by a dedicated team to ensure their experience aligns with their professional goals and interests. Additionally, interns benefit from the program’s cohort model; interns will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with students from other top graduate programs.

Previous institutes and departments that interns have worked in:

Post-graduate opportunities

Many interns go on to become administrative fellows at Cleveland Clinic. Before they return to graduate school, interns are given the opportunity to apply and interview for the Administrative Fellowship Program through an Early Decision process.

Project Work

Project Work

The Graduate Administrative Internship Program provides interns the opportunity to complete a variety of projects. The intern will work with their preceptor to identify projects that satisfy their interests and enhance their professional development. 

Examples of projects that previous interns have completed include:

  • Revision of Patient Safety Presentation for Caregivers in the Pediatric Institute. 
  • Analysis of Physician Engagement Data in the Pediatric Institute.
  • Publication of Pediatric Outcome Measures.
  • Development of an Interactive Tool to Recommend Block Schedule Adjustments for Orthopedic Surgeons.
  • Presentation to Executive Team on COVID-19 After-Action Review.
  • Process Map to Improve Efficiency of Medical Assistants in the Heart and Vascular Institute.
  • Creation and Implementation of an Audit Tool for Emergency Department Plan of Care Boards. 
  • Activation Planning for a New Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospital.
  • Development of a Geriatric Telehealth Pilot Program.
  • Business Plan Development for Regional Hospital Service Line Growth.
  • Utilization of Telemedicine to Improve Regional Access to Care.
  • Reduction of Kidney Transplant Readmissions.
  • Reduction of CT and MRI Wait Times.
Program Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Each intern is assigned to a sponsor. The sponsor acts as a mentor and works with the intern to identify projects that satisfy their interests and enhance their professional development.

Previous sponsors include:

  • Executive Director, Cleveland Clinic Community Care.
  • Institute Administrator, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute.
  • Institute Administrator, Emergency Services Institute.
  • Institute Administrator, Pediatric Institute and Children's Hospital.
  • Executive Director, Executive Administration.
  • Senior Medical Director, Cleveland Clinic Innovations.
  • Executive Director, International Operations.
  • Director, Product Development.
  • Executive Director, Regional Hospitals.
  • Institute Administrator, Taussig Cancer Center.
  • Chief Strategy Officer.

While interns receive tremendous support from their sponsor, who is typically in a director or executive-level role, interns typically work most closely with a preceptor who oversees their daily work.

Contact Information

Contact Information

For information about the Graduate Administrative Internship Program, please contact:

Cassandra Ciarlillo
Cleveland Clinic - Health Education Campus
9501 Euclid Avenue, EC30
Cleveland, OH 44106
Email: adminfellows@ccf.org

Testimonials

Testimonials

"During my internship, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who were supportive and always willing to share their knowledge. This allowed me to gain valuable insights into the administrative operations of a patient-centered enterprise. I wholeheartedly recommend this internship program to any aspiring administrative professional seeking a challenging and rewarding experience." -Sparkle Sillim, 2023 Intern Class 

“My internship at the Cleveland Clinic this past summer was the best experience to prepare me for the second year of my program as well as my upcoming fellowship. During my internship with Cleveland Clinic, I was exposed to high level leadership that was excited to mentor young professionals and more than willing to meet or allow me to shadow meetings. The project work within my placement challenged me to keep building and developing the knowledge I am learning through coursework. The cohort model also allowed me to build meaningful relationships and friendships with individuals from a variety of schools!” - Kaitlyn Apodaca, 2022 Intern Class

“Outside of placement-specific project work, Cleveland Clinic displayed a dedication for all interns to have a well-rounded experience through didactic sessions. Looking back, I feel my experiences as a Cleveland Clinic intern allowed me to stretch my limits in a supportive environment and have unparalleled exposure to high level leaders.” -Jacob Scroggins, 2021 Intern Class

Application Process

Application Process

Applications will open on September 1, 2023 for the 2024 Cleveland Clinic Graduate Administrative Internship. The application deadline is October 27, 2023.

Please apply here.

Your cover letter should be addressed to the “Selection Committee” and indicate your interest in Cleveland Clinic and goals for a summer internship.

After initial reviews, select first-round remote interviews will take place in November/December, followed by second-round interviews and final selections in late December. The internship may be on-site, remote, or hybrid. A competitive hourly pay will be provided to students during the 10-12-week internship