Internships & Volunteering
The Health Department provides both internship and volunteer opportunities. We are committed to fostering the next generation of public health professionals and engaging community members in meaningful service. Whether you're a college student seeking hands-on experience or a resident looking to make a difference, our programs offer valuable opportunities to contribute to local health initiatives. Join us in promoting wellness and improving the quality of life in our community.
For questions contact us at HCHDInternships@howardcountymd.gov.
Internships
A student currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate school, an individual in a ‘gap year’ between academic programs, or a recent graduate who contributes to advancing HCHD projects and programs through supervised short-term work.
Students may qualify for academic credit for an internship.
Interns must be U.S. citizens or hold a visa permitting residence in the U.S. to be eligible for the Internship Program.
For more information or questions about internships, contact HCHDInternships@howardcountymd.gov .
| Position Title | Job Description | Application Link | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health and Community Health Initiatives Intern | Read full description here. | Apply Here | April 2, 2026 11:59pm |
| Public Health Epidemiology Intern | Read the full description here. | Apply Here | April 2, 2026 11:59pm |
For questions or more information, contact HCHDInternships@howardcountymd.gov
Volunteer Opportunities
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program was officially launched as a national, community-based movement in July 2002. It was formed in response to President Bush's State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their county and community.
As an integral component of the United States Citizen Corps the Howard County MRC is used to augment existing public health and medical staffing for flu clinics and other activities within the Health Department as well as, emergency or disaster-regardless of cause.
For more information or questions, call 410-313-6284 or email at HoCoMRC@howardcountymd.gov
Rabies Vaccination Clinics
A graduate veterinarian (experienced, retired or new) to volunteer two hours a month (several times a year) at the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center in Columbia to administer rabies vaccine to cats, dogs and ferrets. Supplies and an assistant are provided.
Requirements:
- Able to volunteer two hours of time from 1-3pm on the third Thursday of the month several times a year
- Willing to coordinate a schedule with another veterinarian to maintain clinic coverage each month of the year
- Become an MRC (Medical Reserve Corps) member
- Able to administer shots to cats, dogs and ferrets with some assistance from HCAC employees
- Able to travel to the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center in Columbia, MD (where the clinic takes place)
- Willing to be outdoors for an occasional clinic (the majority of the time, the clinics are indoors)
- Identify and communicate to staff specific needs during the clinic and for future clinics
For more information contact askhealth@howardcountymd.gov