ATHENS, Ohio -- Cardinal Health, Inc. and the Ohio University College of Business kicked off the Cardinal Health Virtual Internship Program (VIP) last Friday in Nelson Commons. The Virtual Internship Program provides a breakthrough opportunity for College of Business students who will use the Internet to continue to learn and actively participate in internships begun at Cardinal Health during the summer.

The company has set up five well-equipped computers in Ohio University's Haning Hall that are linked to the computer network at Cardinal Health's headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. The students, who are paid for the internships, will work 10 to 15 hours a week while carrying a full class load.

Cardinal Health is a leading provider of products and services supporting the health-care industry. It employs more than 49,000 people on five continents and produces annual revenue of more than $40 billion, making it 23rd on the list of Fortune-ranked companies.

"The College of Business is very fortunate to have developed such a great internship program with Cardinal Health," said Angela Anderson, assistant dean for career resources in the College of Business.

"The idea for the Virtual Internship Program originated with Kathy White and has now become a reality. We are very excited about the program and its future. Many people from Cardinal Health and Ohio University have worked hard to make this happen."

The Ohio University College of Business provides a learning environment that enables individuals to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed for success in the complex, global business community of the 21st century.