Health Works Co-op Program

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What is a co-op?

A co-op is a chance for you to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to a real job setting. You’ll gain hands-on experience, make professional connections, and build skills that will help you in your career. You can do all of this while still being a student.

The Experience:

The co-op experience gives students the opportunity to step into a professional role and get paid to work alongside industry experts at 35 hours a week for a 15-week period. It’s a chance to grow personally and professionally, build confidence, and gain valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Apply:

Applications close November 1st

Eligibility

• Undergraduate students who are in their junior or senior year:
• Students must possess a minimum 2.75 GPA overall. If in doubt, please check with us or a faculty advisor.
• Students must have a completed resume and cover letter.
• Students must be willing to interview with prospective employers.

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FAQ:

How do students apply?

The HUHW Co-op Application Cycle opens twice a year, in April and October. Nursing and PA students will have a separate application process that will open in March. The application process includes an information form, a cover letter, and a resume. Once the application period closes, a select group of students will be invited for an interview with the HUHW Co-op Team. After the interview, the HUHW Co-op Team will work with potential employers to identify strong matches between student candidates and employer needs. Students selected for a co-op placement will be notified shortly after the initial interview and may be asked to interview again with the employer.

Can I live on campus during my Co-op experience?

Yes, provided you follow the normal arrangements with the housing office at Hofstra University for reserving a room and making payments.

Will co-op participation delay my graduation?

This answer will be different for different students. When you accept a co-op position, you will work with your faculty advisor.

Are there any legal requirements for participating in the program?

You must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without restrictions. International students are encouraged to speak directly with the Office of International Enrollment.

• Student Statement of Understanding (PDF)

Schedule a meeting with the Co-op Program Manager:
natasha.l.rodriguez@hofstra.edu

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By partnering with the HUHW Co-op Program, employers gain access to well-prepared students who bring real value to the workplace while building a strong pipeline of future talent.

Co-op placements are temporary assignments, lasting at most 15-weeks. HUHW employer partners can select to have a placement during any semester when an opportunity is present at their organization for a placement.

• Co-op placements act like extended interviews. Nearly half of co-op students receive full-time offers from their co-op employers.
• In a recent study 84.6% of students feel highly proficient, only 50% of employers agree. Co-ops provide the workplace experience needed to build the skills employers value most.*

*Gray, K. (2024, January 16). Recruiters and students have differing perceptions of new grads’ proficiency in competencies. National Association of Colleges and Employers. https://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/31ad4621-2693-4815-bf78-8d0667ca3e46

In a recent survey conducted 84% of students say co-op experiences helped them feel highly prepared for the workforce and they are 90% likely to secure a full-time position within nine months of graduation.*

*National Association of Colleges & Employers. 2025 Internship & Co-op Report: Executive Summary. March 2025. Available at: [NACE Web]

The co-op experience and how it helps.
The Hofstra University Health Works (HUHW) Co-op program offers students a unique opportunity to gain valuable, full-time work experience in health and health care as university students while earning compensation.

Through semester-long placements at health and health care organizations, students apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world settings. They work alongside professionals, contribute meaningfully to their teams, and develop skills that position them for success after graduation. These immersive experiences help students explore their career interests, build confidence, and discover their strengths.

Support is a cornerstone of the HUHW Co-op program. Beginning with the semester before the Co-op begins, Hofstra faculty and industry professionals guide students through career preparation, professional development, and goal-setting. During the Co-op, students receive ongoing mentorship and professional development activities while also participating in check-ins to ensure they are learning and thriving. Afterward, a post-Co-op class helps students reflect on their experience and prepare for their next steps, whether these steps entail entering the workforce, attending graduate school, or further professional and personal development.

The HUHW Co-op program not only helps students build their resumes, it helps them build their futures.

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We value your support as we continue to grow this program together!