Graduate Administrative Intern (ACHE Summer Enrichment Program)

Position Overview

The Surgical Institute of Reading is proud to participate as a host site for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Summer Enrichment Program, a competitive 10-week paid internship designed for graduate students pursuing careers in healthcare leadership.

This immersive program provides interns with hands-on experience in hospital administration, direct exposure to executive leadership, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to organizational priorities through a structured capstone project. Interns will gain a comprehensive understanding of surgical hospital operations while developing leadership, analytical, and strategic planning skills.

Program Structure

• Duration: 10 weeks (summer)
• Compensation: Paid internship (internal rate applies)
• Curriculum: Participation in ACHE’s virtual educational series (~1.5 hours/week over 8 weeks)
• Experience Model: Project-based work, executive shadowing, and departmental rotations

Key Responsibilities

Capstone Project & Project Management

• Design and execute a high-impact capstone project aligned with organizational priorities at the Surgical Institute of Reading
• Focus areas may include:
• Health equity initiatives
• Population health strategies
• Operational efficiency and throughput
• Quality and patient safety improvement
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership at the conclusion of the internship

Department Rotations & Leadership Exposure

• Rotate through key administrative and clinical departments (e.g., Perioperative Services, Finance, Quality, Nursing Administration, Supply Chain)
• Shadow executive leadership, including the CEO and senior management team
• Participate in leadership meetings and operational discussions to gain insight into hospital decision-making

Operational & Strategic Support

• Assist with:
• Strategic planning initiatives
• Process improvement projects (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma concepts where applicable)
• Financial and operational data analysis
• Performance improvement and quality metrics tracking
• Support cross-functional initiatives that enhance patient care delivery and operational performance

Educational Engagement

• Actively engage in ACHE’s structured virtual curriculum, covering:
• Healthcare leadership and governance
• Financial management
• Data analytics and informatics
• Health policy and regulatory environment
• Integrate learned concepts into project work and daily responsibilities

Qualifications & Eligibility

Education

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate program such as:
• Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with healthcare focus
• Or a closely related field

Professional Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical thinking with the ability to interpret data and present insights
• High level of professionalism, initiative, and adaptability
• Demonstrated commitment to a career in healthcare leadership

Preferred Attributes

• Interest in surgical or acute care hospital operations
• Experience with data analysis tools or quality improvement methodologies
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Who We Are

At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and health care systems to provide first class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.

USPI is committed to, and proud of our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.