Respiratory Care Practitioner Internship
“It was a privilege to be a part of this respiratory internship. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow throughout the summer. I now feel prepared to jump into the workforce with confidence.” – Linda Fernandez, Summer 2025 participant
The Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) Internship is a paid, educational program that bridges classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Designed for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care, the internship offers mentorship, skill development, and exposure to Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model. This unique summer program helps future RCPs transition into professional practice while building meaningful connections with experienced clinicians and leaders.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: Up to 10 weeks/240 hours
- Timing: Summer semester or quarter
- Schedule: Day shifts aligned with Kaiser Permanente’s clinical teams
- Compensation: Paid internship (~25/hour, subject to union agreement)
- Required Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Note: This is an educational internship with modest pay designed to support learning and career development.
Who should apply?
This internship is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care program, typically completing their second year. Applicants must be eligible to apply for licensure during or after the internship.
This program might be for you if you’re interested in:
- Learning directly from Kaiser Permanente RCP mentors
- Building professional readiness and confidence
- Networking across one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems
- Gaining insight into Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model
How to Apply:
- Recruitment begins in January
- Discuss your interest with your school’s Respiratory Care Program Director
- Application details will be shared through participating schools
What former interns have to say:
A special thank you to our inaugural class of RCP interns for helping shape the program. Their experiences continue to inspire the future of respiratory care at Kaiser Permanente.
