The healthcare and social care sector is one of the largest internship industries in Sweden. Hospitals, home care services, elderly care and primary care centres host thousands of interns every year, from upper secondary students to future nurses.
An internship in healthcare and social care is workplace-based learning where the student works under supervision at a healthcare or care unit, often as part of a program training future assistant nurses, registered nurses, physiotherapists, social workers or midwives. The internship is called APL in upper secondary school, LIA at vocational universities (YH) and VFU at higher education institutions.
Why internships in healthcare and social care matter#
Care is a profession you cannot fully learn in a classroom. The internship is where the student meets:
- real patients and care recipients
- the team's routines and collaboration
- ethical and difficult situations
- documentation, hygiene routines and safety
For employers, the internship is also an important recruitment tool in a sector with high competence needs.
Different internship forms in healthcare and social care#
| Education | Internship form | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Health and social care program (upper secondary) | APL | 15 weeks total |
| Assistant nurse (YH or adult education) | APL or LIA | 8–20 weeks |
| Registered nurse (university) | VFU | About 30 weeks across the program |
| Physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social worker | VFU | Varies per term |
| Specialist programs | VFU/LIA | Depends on focus |
Different programs have different requirements for learning objectives, attendance and assessment.
Where can you do your internship?#
Internship placements exist in both the public and private sector:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Primary care centres
- Elderly care homes and short-term care
- Home care and home healthcare
- LSS services and daily activities
- Psychiatry and addiction care
- School health services
- Private healthcare providers and staffing agencies
Note that some placements require previous practice or completed coursework before you can be placed.
Common requirements before starting#
Before you can start an internship in healthcare and social care you often need:
- Extract from the criminal record – for many placements involving children, elderly or patients.
- Completed hygiene training – often a web course from the regional healthcare authority.
- Documented vaccinations – measles, hepatitis B and others, depending on placement.
- Confidentiality agreement – patient information must never be shared.
- Correct attire – the employer normally provides workwear.
Check the requirements with your school and placement well in advance. Some certificates take weeks to obtain.
How to find the right placement#
1. Start with the school's process#
Many programs distribute placements centrally. Check with your APL, LIA or VFU coordinator before you start searching on your own.
2. Consider commute and schedules#
Healthcare works in shifts. Check how long a commute you can handle in combination with evenings or weekends.
3. Choose a focus that suits you#
- Want to work with the elderly? Look at home care or special housing.
- Want to work in an emergency setting? Apply to emergency departments or ambulance services.
- Interested in mental health? Apply to psychiatry or rehabilitation.
4. Prepare a strong application#
Write a short cover letter and an updated CV. Explain why this particular workplace fits your goals. For tips, read our guide on how to write an internship CV that stands out.
5. Be ready for an interview or visit#
Many healthcare workplaces want to meet the intern before placement, both to introduce the work and to assess suitability.
What do you learn during the internship?#
It varies between programs, but common learning objectives include:
- patient safety and hygiene
- communication and care
- documentation in medical record systems
- medication handling (for some programs)
- teamwork with doctors, nurses and assistant nurses
- ethics and care in difficult situations
Reflect continuously on your learning objectives, ideally in an internship journal.
Tips for a strong internship in healthcare and social care#
- Be on time every day. Healthcare is schedule-driven and a late intern is noticed immediately.
- Ask, ask, ask. It is better to ask one too many times than too few.
- Note new terms. Healthcare is full of acronyms and terminology.
- Show interest also in the "boring" parts. Documentation, cleaning and hygiene are central.
- Manage emotions. Healthcare can be heavy. Talk with your supervisor and classmates.
How Prakto can help#
For schools and care providers handling many APL and LIA periods at the same time, it becomes easier to gather matching, agreements and follow-up in one place using a digital internship platform like Prakto. As a student you then know clearly where to register, who your supervisor is and what documents are needed before starting.
Frequently asked questions about internships in healthcare#
Do I need a criminal record extract to do my internship in healthcare?#
Often yes, especially when working with children, elderly or care recipients. Check the requirement with your school and placement well in advance.
Do I get paid during the internship?#
No, internships within education are unpaid. You complete it as part of your education. Some employers offer a summer job after a successful internship.
How long is the internship in the registered nurse program?#
VFU during the registered nurse program typically covers about 30 weeks across the three-year program.
Can I do my internship at the same place where I work part-time?#
It varies. Some schools allow it if the tasks are clearly separated from regular work, while others do not allow it at all. Check with your coordinator.
What do I do if the internship is not working?#
Talk to your supervisor first. If the issue continues, contact your teacher or LIA coordinator. It is better to raise problems early than to wait until the end of the period.
Conclusion#
An internship in healthcare and social care is where education becomes real. Prepare your certificates in time, choose a placement that matches your goals and be active from day one – that is how you both learn the most and build a network for the future.
