Understandable. I don't think we should be debating your decision here as you asked specifically for alternatives to internship, not for feedback on whether you should do internship.
I think this type of degree certainly wouldn't hurt if you're interested in administration. EM is very friendly with disciplines like public health, healthcare administration, and public policy, because honestly, we're just on the front lines and familiar with so many areas of the system. A lot of people do research to kill time before re-applying, but if it were me, I would find doing straight research for a year incredibly boring and would opt for the master's, even though it costs money instead of paying you.
One other suggestion is to check out the MPH forum on online degree programs - such programs could allow you to have a lot of spare time to work as well and be able to pay down some of the additional loans you'll have to take.
