Student Intern Program - Summer 2026

The Summer Student Internship program is open to recent high school graduates, current college students or recent college graduates interested in exploring a career in healthcare. Positions are open to all undergraduate students unless noted otherwise. Interns must be at least 18 years old on or before May 31, 2026. This 10-week program will start June 15 and end August 21. Each Intern will develop an understanding of Cottage Health values and professional skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and accountability. Interns may be asked to participate in a variety of meetings with interdisciplinary teams (thus expanding their healthcare exposure) and will be evaluated on performance through a dedicated project identified by the host department.

Departments currently accepting applications include: Surgical Services, Volunteer Services, Population Health, Children’s Center, Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories, Employee Health & Safety, Finance, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards (Human Resources), General Council*, Advancement, Nursing Administration, Research, Pharmacy.

*= Must be a current law student to be considered for General Council. 

Resume and cover letter required at time of application. Consider writing your cover letter to indicate general interest in the internship or addressed to a specific department. Within one week of application, you will receive a follow-up questionnaire with more details about each department and the opportunity to rank order your area of interest.
 

This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Interns will be required to perform any job, with related instruction given by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
 

• Applies concepts and theories to the real-world as it relates to the host department Internship Project. (20%)
• Accepts designated, department-focused projects to research, propose ideas and solutions, and present final project during the Internship. (20%)
• Networks with other department leaders and staff, community members, and outreach as appropriate. (10%)
• Observes and participates in host department operations and decision processes. (20%)
• Meets professional role models and potential mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support. (10%)
• Develops a solid work ethic and professional demeanor, as well as a commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility. (20%)

All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.

LEVEL OF EDUCATION

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimum:

• Computer skills inclusive of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, internet

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
All knowledge, skills, and abilities listed indicate the minimum level deemed necessary to perform this job proficiently.

• Ability to appropriately organize time, coordinate various schedules, conduct basic research, create and edit presentations, and update meeting materials.
• Ability to interact with various levels of employees from senior leadership to frontline employees. Ability to provide top-level service to any number of stakeholders: patients, coworkers, and community members.
• The employee communicates effectively. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Sets the example at all times in regards to personal appearance and working habits.

Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, Ca, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.

Cottage Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottage Health applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, transgender, gender expression and identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between Cottage Health and an applicant or employee. Cottage Health is committed to upholding discrimination-free hiring practices.  We strive to cultivate an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belongi