Internships
The Direct Path to Laboratory Practice
Understand the theory, master the practice. The professional internship rounds out your education at CU University of Applied Sciences Carinthia. With a total of 1,125 hours (25% of the entire program), you’ll transition directly from the classroom to the practical world of modern laboratory medicine. Working closely with our numerous partner organizations, you’ll immediately apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve acquired in real-world professional settings at diagnostic laboratories, hospital departments, and research institutions.
On this page, you’ll find important organizational details, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and your direct contact person to ensure smooth planning. The clinical coordinator also serves as the liaison between clinical laboratories and the university.
Manuel Wiester, B.S., M.S.
University Instruction | Clinical Coordination
in Biomedical Science
Email: m.wiester(at)cuas.at
Phone: +43 5 90500-3535
Overview of Required Professional Internships
| SEMESTER | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| WORKLOAD IN HOURS (ECTS*) | 125 (5) | 125 (5) | 125 (5) | 250 (10) | 250 (10) | 250 (10) |
| equals the number of workdays in a 40-hour workweek | 16 | 16 | 16 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the internship?
The professional internship combines theoretical knowledge with practical application and prepares students for everyday work in laboratories, hospitals, and research institutions.
How many internship hours are scheduled?
In total, the practical training component comprises 1,125 hours and accounts for approximately 25 percent of the training.
When do the internships take place?
The internships are integrated into the curriculum from the 1st through the 6th semester and take place during designated internship periods.
Can I choose my own internship placement?
Yes; you choose your internship placement yourself, which gives you more flexibility in planning and organizing.
What types of organizations are suitable for an internship?
Medical laboratories, hospitals, diagnostic facilities, research institutions, and other recognized training sites in the field.
What do I need to do if I want to complete my internship at a lab that is not yet a partner of the Biomedical Science program at CU University of Applied Sciences Carinthia?
If you would like to complete your internship at a laboratory that is not yet a practice partner of the Biomedical Science program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, please contact the program’s internship coordinator first.
The internship coordination office will review whether the laboratory meets the technical and organizational requirements for an internship partnership. If the laboratory is deemed suitable, it will be added to the network of internship partners.
You can then officially apply for an internship position at that laboratory. At the same time, the internship host institution will receive all necessary information regarding the procedures and requirements for internships in the Biomedical Science program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.
Can I complete the internship in specific departments or at external specialized laboratories?
Yes, in addition to traditional clinical departments and hospitals – depending on your progress in your studies and availability – specialized departments (such as research facilities, specialized laboratories, or pathology institutes) may also be considered as internship sites.
How are the internship positions distributed among Carinthia, other Austrian provinces, and foreign countries?
Most of our internship placements are located directly in Carinthia with regional practice partners such as KABEG, hospitals, and specialized laboratories. However, it is also possible to complete internships in other Austrian provinces or abroad – provided that the facilities meet the training requirements. This should be coordinated with the internship coordinator well in advance.
Can I do an internship abroad?
Yes, professional internships can also be completed abroad, provided the internship position meets the requirements. We recommend coordinating this well in advance. You can find more information here.
Which departments will I get to know?
Depending on the internship position, for example, hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, immunohematology, histology, microbiology, molecular biology, functional diagnostics, or research.
How will I be prepared for the internship?
Through courses, skills labs, hands-on exercises, as well as organizational information and support from the internship coordination team.
Who will be my supervisor during the internship?
Both on-site internship supervisors and the internship coordination office at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences support the learning process.
Will my performance be evaluated?
Yes. Assessment is conducted in accordance with the program's guidelines and takes into account feedback, learning outcomes, and the fulfillment of the internship objectives.
What is expected of me during the internship?
Punctuality, professionalism, initiative, a sense of responsibility, attention to detail, and adherence to hygiene and quality standards.
Can I work on my own?
Depending on the trainee’s level of training and the requirements of the internship site, tasks can be taken on with increasing independence, always under professional supervision.
What should I do if I get sick during my internship?
The internship provider and CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences should be notified immediately. Absences must be properly documented, and missed work must be caught up on.
Which skills am I focusing on developing in particular?
Laboratory skills, quality management, analytical thinking, teamwork, communication, and the confident use of modern diagnostic tools.
How important are internships for starting a career?
Very important. Internships provide valuable connections, insights into potential employers, and the opportunity to gain practical work experience.
Can an internship lead to a job later on?
Yes, many employers use internships as a way to get to know potential future employees.
What tips can help me learn more effectively?
Ask questions, participate actively, seek feedback, document connections, and purposefully link theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
What documents should I have ready before my internship begins?
Depending on the facility, proof of eligibility, vaccination status, safety training, or other documents may be required.
How can I prepare for my first day of my internship?
Learn about the institution, review relevant course material, and clarify any organizational questions well in advance.
What role does quality management play during an internship?
Quality management is a central component of Biomedical Science and is actively experienced and applied in many areas of the internship.
