Crawford County Memorial Hospital is excited to announce the return of its Summer Internship Program for the second year in a row. Starting June 2, six interns will begin their eight-week paid internship across various departments: 1 Radiology intern, 1 Rehab Services intern, and 4 Nursing interns—each gaining hands-on experience and exposure to the healthcare field.
“There is statistical data that shows students who go into an internship program are more likely to stay within that career versus just going through formalized education and then entering the field—especially in healthcare,” says Dana Neemann, Nurse Director of Education and Patient Experience at CCMH. “These internships allow students to get a glimpse of their career interest, and that experience can help them determine if that focus is truly the right fit.”
Dana emphasizes that early clinical exposure helps avoid costly missteps. “It’s a chance to get them ingrained in the clinical setting and have an idea of what they’re getting themselves into. It can be devastating when students spend all of their time and effort on a program and then get to the end and realize it’s not for them. I’ve known men and women who started a nursing or med school program and felt like, ‘This is not something I actually want to do’—and then they bow out. These internships give students the opportunity to decide that earlier.”
In addition to shadowing and hands-on learning within the guidelines of Iowa Code, interns also receive valuable non-clinical instruction. They gain soft skills like emotional intelligence, as well as practical tools like financial literacy and how to evaluate a benefits package when considering future job offers.
According to Dana, these internships offer students a distinct edge in the classroom as well. “They walk away with a better perspective that applies directly to their studies. When they’re learning from a textbook, they’ll already have a frame of reference from real-world experience.”
Reflecting on this year’s intern group, Dana shared her excitement:
“This year, I have to say—the rehab and radiology interns are some of the most qualified candidates I have ever seen. That has made it a little more difficult as we began reviewing applications for our 2025 interns, but it’s also really exciting at the same time.”
What Are the Qualifications for Future Interns?
While CCMH’s 2025 Summer Internship Program is already underway, students and career-changers interested in future opportunities are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming application periods.
To qualify for a CCMH internship, candidates must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Demonstrate a strong interest in a healthcare career
- Understand that having a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification is preferred but not required
These are paid internships that offer real-world experience in a rural hospital setting. There is no upper age limit to apply. Dana encourages adults considering a career change to apply:
“If there’s an adult who wants to come in and is looking at a career change—and they’re the best candidate—they will absolutely be considered.”
Observation Opportunities for Younger or Future Applicants
For those who are not yet 18 or who were not selected as interns this year, CCMH also offers clinical observation hours in several departments. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and provide a meaningful introduction to various healthcare careers.
Dana encourages interested students to reach out and take advantage of these opportunities:
“We try to accommodate as many students as possible who are interested in observation hours. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and explore potential paths.”
Interested in Healthcare? Reach Out!
“At CCMH, we’re passionate about helping grow the next generation of healthcare leaders,” Dana says. “Helping students hone in on their interests and find the right career fit is a crucial step in that journey.”
For more information or to inquire about internship or observation opportunities, contact:
Dana Neemann
Nurse Director of Education and Patient Experience
📧 dneemann@ccmhia.com
📞 (712) 265-2795
