Experiential Learning

Willamette’s Public Health faculty value the kinds of experiential practices that build and solidify classroom learning through pre-professional training. For this reason, the PHEAL program requires all PHEAL majors to volunteer or work as interns at least one time during their undergraduate career.

Willamette is ideally situated for such experiences, in close proximity to Marion County Health and Human Services, multiple community-based organizations, and across the street from Salem’s two largest employers–Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics and the Oregon State Capitol and Administrative Agencies.

PHEAL students have volunteered and interned in these and many other organizations:  

• Center for Hope and Safety
• Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Marion County
• Center 50+ City of Salem
• Community Health Improvement Partnership of Marion County
• HIV Alliance 
• Marion County Health and Human Services 
• Marion and Polk County Food Share
• Oregon Governor’s Office
• Oregon Health Authority 
• Oregon Office of Health Policy
• Salem for Refugees
• Salem Free Clinic
• Samaritan Health
• Shangri-La House for Individuals with Disabilities 
• Trauma-Informed Oregon 
• Willamette Health Council
• YMCA