Internships with UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM) train student leaders in developing and delivering arts in health programming. AIM interns work 10-15 hours a week and receive ongoing training in leadership skills, community engagement, and integrating arts programming into health care settings. Interns also attend bi-monthly artist rounds meetings in addition to shadowing opportunities. The rate of compensation is $15/hour. UAB AIM can work with the applicant’s school or program to make the internship fit the criteria for academic credit or field placement experience.
Internship semesters
- Spring internships (applications accepted October 1 through November 15)
- Semester runs January–April
- Summer internships (applications accepted February 1 through March 15)
- Semester runs May–August
- Fall internships (applications accepted June 1 through July 15)
- Semester runs September–December
Eligibility and requirements
- Enrollment as a college student (undergraduate or graduate) in good academic standing
- High level of responsibility, good communication skills, and ability to collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and community partners
- Completion of all required hospital orientation sessions, health screenings, and background check, as needed for on-site hospital work by internship start date
- Willingness to abide by all regulations required of those working within the health care environment and to put safety above all else
- Flexibility, patience, and ability to take direction in a rapidly changing environment with an everchanging schedule
- A sincere interest in learning about the impact of the arts on health outcomes
During the application window, email UAB AIM Program Coordinator Lauren Edwards at laurenme@uab.edu regarding your interest in the program and include the following required documents:
- CV/resume
- Personal statement addressing the following:
- Why are you interested in an internship with UAB AIM?
- How will this experience support your education or career goals?
- What experience do you have that will support or inform your work in this internship?
- What are your specific goals for the internship?
- Requirements of internship from educational institution if seeking school credit
Application review and interviews
Program leadership reviews applications upon submission. Based on application quality, selected students will be asked to participate in a phone or Zoom interview that lasts 10-15 minutes.
Program administration intern: This internship supports UAB AIM by assisting with all administrative duties. The intern gains skills in program administration to support the full life cycle of an arts in health program through:
- Assisting with scheduling in-hospital performances, including providing day-of support
- Coordinating the scheduling of bi-weekly artist rounds and other weekly programming; managing program calendar
- Monitoring staff and patient feedback and preparing reports for the AIM team as requested
- Preparing program information for marketing and communications
- Inventorying materials and assisting with ordering new supplies as needed
- Communicating with the UAB Medicine Volunteer Services Department
- Updating policies and procedures documents as needed
- Assisting with special programs, including summer camps, hospital-based events, and Aging Creatively showcases
- Other duties as assigned
Research intern: This internship supports UAB AIM by assisting with new and ongoing research studies that add to the growing evidence base by:
- Collaborating with our research team on ongoing arts in health projects, through duties that may include literature reviews, data collection, and/or data analysis
- Organizing and maintaining research data and ensuring its accuracy and confidentiality
- Assisting in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and scholarly publications
- Working closely with health care professionals, artists in residence, creative arts therapists, and patients to gather insights and contribute to the research process
- Other duties as assigned
Artist intern: This internship supports UAB AIM by shadowing and co-facilitating alongside a veteran artist in residence or creative arts therapist. The intern gains skills in bringing the arts into the health care setting, working with diverse populations, and enhancing health and wellness through the arts. Specific duties may include:
- Assisting with workshops, co-facilitating or leading if appropriate
- Attending AIM team rounds
- Completing AIM referrals at the bedside
- Hosting pop-up activities in the hospital
- Sharing AIM information and resources with clinical staff
- Helping develop and implement programming for patients, families, and/or clinical staff
- Other duties as assigned