Training the Health Care Workforce of Tomorrow
Our educational experiences emphasize real-world, community-based learning, designed to prepare health care professionals to meet the demands of communities. From our undergraduate medical education rotations, developed in collaboration with medical schools across Texas and hosted within our Transitions of Care and High-Risk Populations department, to our internally developed, robust Community Health Worker (CHW) Apprenticeship Program, we offer learners hands-on training opportunities that reflect the importance of delivering care in a diverse and evolving health care landscape. Whether working alongside care teams in the field or participating in structured curriculum-based training, students and trainees gain valuable skills in clinical practice, care coordination, and culturally responsive service delivery.
We partner with a range of higher education institutions to support the development of frontline health care workers.
Our partners include The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Sam Houston School of Osteopathic Medicine, and Austin Community College.
For more information about educational opportunities and partnerships with Central Health, contact the Education and Research department (centralhealtheducation@centralhealth.net).
Clinical placement and internships
What is a Clinical Placement and who qualifies?
Clinical placement is defined as any arrangement of medical field students present in an environment that provides health care to patients or the public. It provides practical experience working with patients.
The student must attend a school that has an affiliation agreement or memorandum of understanding with Central Health. The Department of Education and Research will determine the number of students the clinic can accommodate. Available placement programs include:
- Nursing
- Sonography
- Medical Assistants
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physician
Opportunities are limited due to preceptor availability and clinic capacity.
An affiliation agreement/MOU and a request do not guarantee a clinical placement in a Central Health clinic.
How do I apply?
Students seeking clinical placement rotations will submit a completed online application for consideration, linked below.
If approved by our department directly, students must provide all of the supplementary paperwork required at least 30 calendar days prior to your start date.
The Department of Education and Research will evaluate each application on a case-by-case basis to determine candidates appropriately. Deadlines are critical in meeting the follow-up requirements in the event the student’s rotation request is approved. A completed form does not guarantee placement.
Observerships
What is an observership experience, who qualifies, and how do I apply?
An observer is a student who is involved in health care education through a formal officially recognized, educational program who requests approval to observe patient care in a Central Health clinic in a strictly non-medical capacity (i.e., this is a one-way experience with absolutely no physical contact with the patients). The student must attend a school/university and be enrolled in courses toward a degree. An example of an observer is a premedical college student, or any student interested in pursuing a medical profession in the future.
Observation is limited to 24 hours. It does not need to be three consecutive days and can be spread over multiple days (within one month) but cannot exceed 24 hours. Observers must be 16 or older. Observers will not assist in any procedures or take part in any action other than passive observation. Stipends are not offered.
Who is NOT an Observer?
- 1. Clinicians with a Texas medical license who expect to practice medicine or engage in education.
- 2. Visiting fourth-year medical school students.
- 3. Individuals who are observing patient care at the request of a patient or a patient’s legal representative.
- 4. Media or vendors.
- 5. Central Health associates observing patient care in a manner related to their job duties.
Opportunities are limited due to preceptor availability and clinic capacity.
How do I apply?
The Department of Education and Research at Central Health has deadlines for each applicable term for accepting requests.
If approved by our department directly, students must provide all of the supplementary paperwork required at least 30 calendar days prior to your start date.
The Department of Education and Research will evaluate each application on a case-by-case basis to determine candidates appropriately. Deadlines are critical in meeting the follow-up requirements in the event the student’s rotation request is approved. A completed form does not guarantee placement.
Be sure to send a copy to yourself for your own records.
Teaching physician
What is a teaching physician?
A teaching physician is referred to as a preceptor or attending physician. The teaching physician supervises and educates resident doctors in delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient patient care, identifying the best care plans and treatment for each patient. The teaching physician is ultimately responsible for every patient.