About the role#
The Process Improvement Intern supports the Office of the CEO by applying Lean methodologies to optimize clinical and administrative operations. This role focuses on education and hands-on training, providing exposure to process standardization and hospital workflow analysis.
What you'll do#
- Assist in developing A3 reports to document root cause analysis and proposed countermeasures for operational challenges.
- Conduct regular Gemba walks and waste identification sessions across clinical and administrative departments.
- Perform time-and-motion studies to establish productivity baselines and identify bottlenecks in patient flow or staff workflows.
- Create current-state and future-state maps to visualize complex healthcare processes and support standardization.
- Assist in the design and implementation of visual cues, dashboards, and huddle boards to improve communication and transparency.
- Collaborate with clinical staff, therapy teams, and leadership to validate findings and ensure sustainable changes.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited program for Industrial Engineering, Industrial Operations, or Healthcare Administration.
- Strong motivation with a passion for Lean methodologies and continuous improvement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations.
- Strong interpersonal skills to navigate a multidisciplinary clinical environment with sensitivity and professionalism.
Location & details#
- Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Modality: On-site.
- Commitment: 20 to 40 hours per week for a 12 to 16 week period.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid internship, though a monthly stipend may be offered to support basic needs such as meals, transportation, or lodging.
- Note: Interns are not considered employees and should not expect employment at the completion of the program.
About Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is a non-profit rehabilitation system based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1891, the organization provides specialized medical and sports rehabilitation programs for children and adults. It operates a network that includes more than three dozen acute-care hospitals across four states. The system employs over 1,400 people and focuses on treating conditions such as brain injuries, strokes, and spinal cord injuries.
How to get in at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Securing a position at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital often requires acting quickly, as early applicants are typically reviewed before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, helping you apply among the first. This timing can be the difference between being seen and being lost in a stack of resumes. You might also consider reaching out to the recruiters managing these roles to ask about the position or a referral. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles, which allows you to reach out directly and often improves your response rates. It is a more effective approach than waiting for a response from a general application queue.
