Healthcare careers are not shaped in classrooms alone. They are formed through real patient interactions, exposure to diverse communities, and hands-on experience in environments where care truly matters. At Health And Life Organization (HALO), Inc., developing future healthcare professionals is part of our mission to serve Sacramento’s most underserved populations with dignity, compassion, and excellence.

Founded in 2003, HALO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to providing comprehensive primary healthcare services to low-income and ethnically diverse communities throughout the City of Sacramento. In 2008, HALO was designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LA), reinforcing its commitment to accessible, high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services for individuals and families who often face barriers to care.

As a community-based healthcare organization, HALO understands that strengthening access to care also requires investing in the people who deliver it. That belief is the foundation of the HALO Externship Program, a structured, hands-on learning experience designed to help students transition from education to employment while serving the community in a meaningful way.

A Mission-Driven Externship Experience

The HALO Externship Program is more than a required step toward graduation. It is an opportunity for students to experience the realities of community healthcare, gain confidence in their skills, and understand what it truly means to care for patients from all walks of life.

HALO clinics are fast-paced environments, often serving between 100 and 200 patients per day. This setting gives externs exposure to real clinical and administrative workflows, patient interactions, and professional expectations that cannot be replicated in a classroom. Under the guidance of experienced staff, externs learn how healthcare teams collaborate, adapt, and deliver care efficiently while maintaining empathy and professionalism.

Externship opportunities are available in several high-demand healthcare roles, including medical assisting, medical administration and front desk operations, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and registered dental assisting. These pathways reflect HALO’s integrated approach to care, where clinical services, administrative support, and patient coordination work together to create better health outcomes.

Learning by Doing in a Real Healthcare Setting

Students accepted into the HALO Externship Program receive an orientation and training period designed to familiarize them with clinic policies, procedures, and workflows. During this time, externs work closely with skilled staff members who provide guidance, instruction, and mentorship.

After the training period, externs begin performing duties aligned with their field of study under supervision. This hands-on approach allows students to apply what they have learned in school while continuing to develop practical skills, professional judgment, and workplace confidence.

Throughout the externship, HALO provides evaluations and constructive feedback to help students improve their performance and deepen their understanding of healthcare operations. The goal is not only to help externs complete their required hours, but to prepare them for employment and long-term success in the healthcare field.

Professionalism, Accountability, and Inclusion

Healthcare is built on trust, and professionalism is essential in every role, whether clinical or administrative. The HALO Externship Program emphasizes professional conduct, accountability, and respect for patients, coworkers, and the community.

Externs are expected to adhere to attendance requirements, dress code standards, and workplace policies that mirror professional healthcare environments. These expectations help students develop habits and behaviors that will serve them throughout their careers. From maintaining proper hygiene and dress standards to communicating respectfully and responsibly, externs gain experience in what it means to be part of a professional healthcare organization.

Equally important is HALO’s commitment to inclusion. HALO clinics serve individuals of diverse backgrounds, identities, cultures, and life experiences. Externs are expected to approach their work with respect, openness, and cultural awareness. This inclusive environment helps students develop the interpersonal skills necessary to provide compassionate care in today’s diverse healthcare landscape.

Preparing Students for Employment After Externship

One of the primary goals of the HALO Externship Program is to support students as they prepare to enter the workforce. By the time externs complete their program, they have gained real-world experience in a busy healthcare setting, developed practical skills, and learned how to navigate professional expectations.

Externs leave the program with a clearer understanding of their chosen field, greater confidence in their abilities, and experience that can help them stand out to future employers. Exposure to high-volume clinics, interdisciplinary teams, and community-focused care provides a strong foundation for career growth in healthcare.

For many students, this experience also reinforces the value of working in mission-driven organizations where care extends beyond clinical outcomes to address social and economic barriers to health.

Who Should Apply to the HALO Externship Program

The HALO Externship Program is ideal for students who are enrolled in accredited healthcare training programs and are required to complete externship hours as part of their education. It is particularly well suited for individuals who are interested in community health, patient-centered care, and working with diverse populations.

Students who thrive in fast-paced environments, are eager to learn, and are willing to take responsibility for their professional development will benefit most from this experience. HALO seeks externs who are motivated, respectful, and committed to learning both the technical and human aspects of healthcare.

How to Apply

Students interested in applying to the HALO Externship Program can review the full program expectations and application requirements by downloading the official externship application.

Download the HALO Externship Application (PDF):

Click here to download the application. The application includes instructions for submitting required documentation, such as immunization records, clearance information, and a resume. All materials should be completed thoroughly to ensure timely review.

A Commitment to Community and Career Growth

HALO’s investment in externship opportunities reflects a broader commitment to community health and workforce development. By supporting students during this critical stage of their education, HALO helps ensure that future healthcare professionals are not only skilled, but also grounded in compassion, accountability, and service.

Externs who train at HALO gain more than experience. They gain perspective on the challenges faced by underserved populations and the importance of accessible, culturally responsive healthcare. These lessons stay with them long after the externship ends and shape how they serve patients throughout their careers.

For students seeking meaningful hands-on experience in a mission-driven healthcare organization, the HALO Externship Program offers an opportunity to grow professionally while making a real difference in the Sacramento community.