Key Takeaways

• Cantex Continuing Care Network launched the Cantex Internship Program in the summer of 2026.
• The internship class includes 8 interns across multiple departments.
• Cantex leadership will work directly with interns to help mentor students and recent graduates.
• Cantex aims to prepare college students for post-acute careers by guiding them through hands-on exposure to post-acute operations.
• Cantex is committed to continuing the Cantex Internship Program to help develop future healthcare leaders and provide workforce development opportunities.

Introduction

The Cantex Internship Program is for college students and recent graduates interested in healthcare operations, administration, or corporate support roles. It provides hands-on experience in healthcare operations through mentorship, real-world projects, and direct collaboration with organizational leaders. Designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, the Cantex Internship Program offers students an opportunity to explore careers while building practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Why Did Cantex Launch an Internship Program?

As the healthcare industry continues to grow across the U.S., so does the demand for skilled healthcare professionals and future leaders, especially in post-acute care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 23% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Figure 1: AR Intern Priyanka Vishnoi

At the same time, more college students are seeking internships that provide meaningful, hands-on experience in their field of study. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Business-Higher Education Forum, approximately 8.2 million students wanted internships, but only 3.6 million were able to secure one. Of those students, only 2.5 million reported having a "high-quality experience."

To help address both the growing workforce needs within healthcare and the increasing demand for meaningful internships, Cantex expanded its internship program. Designed for students and recent graduates, the program gives interns the opportunity to build professional skills, explore healthcare career paths, and gain real-world experience in a healthcare setting.

Through mentorship, collaboration, and exposure to day-to-day healthcare operations, interns can learn directly from experienced professionals while developing confidence in their future careers. The program also allows interns to gain a deeper understanding of the leadership, communication, and teamwork required to support quality care across healthcare environments.

For Cantex, the internship program is more than a professional development initiative. It is an investment in the future of healthcare leadership. By helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, Cantex continues its commitment to supporting strong teams, meaningful career growth, and excellence in care for patients and residents alike.

Inside the Internship Experience: Building Future Healthcare Leaders Through Mentorship

Figure 2: CEO Robin F. Underhill meeting and presenting to the interns.

On June 5^th, 2026, Cantex kicked off the program with "Internship Day" where the 8 interns were introduced to each other, their mentors, and senior team members. This gave them the chance to build community early and feel supported as they start this chapter.

There are 7 departments participating in this year of the internship program: Communications, Compliance, HR, Legal, AR, IT, and ProCare. Interns in these departments work directly with leadership to gain skills in professional communication, teamwork, and career development.

Gaining hands-on experience in healthcare operations is vital for success in this industry. "Our goal is to help students walk away from this internship with projects they can add to their resume that will help them stand out from their competition once they graduate," says Gary Navarro, Communications and Digital Media Manager.

Each department has developed specific projects for their interns to complete during their time at Cantex. These projects reflect real organizational work the students would encounter in a professional setting.

For students still exploring their long-term career goals, the internship offers valuable exposure to different paths within healthcare and healthcare administration. Cantex's goal isn't to find the "perfect student," but to develop students who are curious and looking to grow. "In school, I wasn't sure exactly what industry I wanted to work in, but I'm really excited to explore how I can apply what I've been learning to healthcare," says Rhea, the Communications and Social Media Intern.

Figure 3: From left to right: Rhea Batitang (Communications Intern), Fatima Khan (ProCare Intern), and Brittany Wright (ProCare Manager of Provider Contracting)

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Cantex Internship Program

 

The demand for strong healthcare leadership is on the rise, so we plan to continue providing these opportunities for college students to gain real-world experience. Cantex values this internship program because it is an investment in not only the success of the students, but also the success of future healthcare teams everywhere.

"Our goal in the Cantex Internship Program is to partner with universities in our area," says Elizabeth George, Vice President of Human Resources. "This way we can mentor and develop future leaders in our industry and hopefully even be able to help them start their career with a position at Cantex."

Conclusion

Cantex is invested in the future of healthcare. By pouring into students today, we provide them with a strong foundation that they can carry into their future careers through our commitment to innovation, mentorship, and quality care.

Want to be the first to know about future internship opportunities? Find all our open positions on our LinkedIn: Cantex: Jobs | LinkedIn

About Cantex Continuing Care Network

Cantex Continuing Care Network offers a continuum of post-acute services through 38 Skilled Nursing Facilities, 10 Home Health agencies, 5 Hospice agencies, 3 closed door Pharmacies, Rehabilitation company, Medical Practice and an ISNP. We are committed to providing the highest level of innovative, compassionate, and quality healthcare services at the ideal setting for the patient's needs. We are equally committed to providing growth and development opportunities for our team members within the multiple service lines we operate.

Sources

• Medical and Health Services Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Expanding Internships - Harnessing Employer Insights to Boost Opportunity and Enhance Learning
• Cantex: Jobs | LinkedIn