Last Updated: 2016/3/10

Healthcare Exploration Summer Institute

The Healthcare Exploration Summer Institute (HESI) is an immersive hospital internship program at Sharp Grossmont Hospital which has hosted over 200 students since its inception in 2004. Each student rotates through up to 14 different departments and gathers information about careers in healthcare to help them plan their futures as they begin to enter college. This program has such an impact on its graduates, helping them to make informed decisions about what career paths are right for them, ultimately leading to greater success in their lifetimes. 

Past HESI Programs


See the final program brochures from HESI 2014 and HESI 2015

HESI 2016 Quick Information

The application period for HESI 2016 has now closed. Applications are being processed. All applicants should have received an email confirming their application was received. All applicants will receive an email which will dictate whether they will be interviewed on March 19th. Please use the form below to contact us if any of the above information is unclear.

HESI Program Information (Summer 2016)

HESI 2016 applicants: please read the following information carefully! It contains instructions for your application and important dates you will be required to attend should you be accepted into the program. If you are ready to apply for HESI 2016, please click the link at the bottom of the page to be taken to the application page.
2016 Important Dates

February 1st: Application opens.
February 26th: Application closes by 5pm. Submissions after this time will be rejected.
March 5th: Teacher recommendation forms due to [email protected] by 5pm.
March 19th (Saturday): HESI interviews at Grossmont College at 10am (if selected for an interview).
April 16th (Saturday): Parent / Student meeting at Grossmont College at 10am (if accepted). Requirements will be detailed at this meeting and all questions regarding internship requirements will be answered.
May 27th: If accepted, all paperwork, immunizations, TB test, etc. must be submitted. Failure to do so could result in being dropped from the program. Detailed listing of requirements below.
July 5th - July 29th: Internship (final presentations the evening of the 29th).
2016 Application Process

HESI applications are submitted entirely online. Paper applications will not be accepted. The application can be found at the link at the bottom of this page and will open after the date posted above. You will not have access to this page prior to the posted date. To assist you in preparing your application, requirements and essay questions are posted below.

The application requires you to fill out a list of personal information as well as attach a separate document which contains your written essays. Failure to follow the directions posted on the application will result in your automatic rejection from the program. You can download the document to begin formulating your essays at any time.
The application also requires your Health-Pathway teacher to submit a Teacher Recommendation Form to [email protected].
2016 Program Requirements

You must be a Health-Pathways student at a Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) school in order to apply. Students must be of junior or senior standing at the time of application (Class of 2016 or 2017).

If accepted to the program, students are required to meet both district and hospital requirements in order to participate. Failure to complete the necessary requirements by the established date may result in being dropped from the program. Requirements are as follows and may change without advance notice:
  • Proof of negative TB
    • ​​2 step Mantoux PPD tuberculosis test which, if positive, follow with negative chest x-ray and Health Department’s guidelines for treatment. Returning students must have annual Mantoux PPD test and if positive follow with negative chest x-ray.
  • CPR
    • ​BLS for Healthcare Provider is required. No other CPR certification is valid. Opportunities for free or low cost CPR course may be provided ($0-$50). Further details available at student / parent meeting after acceptance.
  • Completed Vaccinations
    • ​MMR: Measles (rubella and rubeola) and Mumps: by a positive titer, physician’s diagnosis of disease; or two doses of vaccine Immunizations
    • Tdap: Tdap given in 2005 or later. (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis).
    • Varicella: Varicella immunity: by a titer, physician’s diagnosis of disease; or two doses of vaccine.
    • Hepatitis B: recommend for students. 3 shot series, or signed declination must be on file.
  • Background Check and Drug Screen: completed according to Sharp’s specific criteria. More information will be given at student / parent meeting should student be accepted.
    • To complete this requirement, students must fill out a background packet and submit a urine sample for a drug screen. Students must have a government issued ID with name, picture, and birth date in order to submit for screening. Acceptable forms of identification include: driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport. Unacceptable forms include but are not limited to: student ID, learner's permit, work badge or other form of employee ID.
  • Sharp Hospital Learning Modules
    • Completed by the assigned date and submitted to instructors for grading / verification.

If accepted into HESI 2016, the above requirements need to be completed by the date listed above in the "Important Dates" section. Students interested in applying should keep in mind that some of these requirements may take several months to complete (some vaccinations especially). It may be a good idea to check vaccination records at the time of application to make sure you will be eligible if accepted. All other requirements will be given at the student / parent meeting. If you have any questions about HESI or the internship, please ask your health pathways teachers Or use the form below. If they are unable to answer, please have them email [email protected] to resolve any questions.

    Questions about HESI?