15 Clinical Internships for Undergraduates

If you're planning to apply to medical school or a related graduate program, a clinical internship can give you a valuable edge. These programs offer exposure to patient care, clinical research, and healthcare settings, helping you better understand how medicine works beyond the classroom.

Clinical programs often focus on human-subject interaction, physician shadowing, and exposure to healthcare environments. Many also include structured mentorship and networking opportunities with clinicians, researchers, and current med students, giving you insight into the path ahead and helping you make informed decisions about your career.

Below, you’ll find 15 clinical internships for undergraduates, selected for their academic rigor, access to patient-facing experiences, and opportunities for research, mentorship, and professional development. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!

15 Clinical Internships for Undergraduates

1. Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship

Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY; some internships may follow a remote/hybrid work model

Stipend: Offered; housing and other expenses not covered

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: June 2 – August 8 (10 weeks); 6-week internships within this timeline are also offered in some departments (including Behavioral Health)

Application deadline: January 5

Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, high school juniors/seniors, and graduates of undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible

Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics hosts clinical science internships across 15 different specializations, ranging from epilepsy to brain development in preterm children. Placements will focus on one or more work approaches, including clinical, research, administration, and advocacy, so the structure of your internship can vary vastly based on your preferences. However, most options can engage with patients in a treatment, research, or educational setting. Patient-focused work might include shadowing and providing case management support for behavioral health treatment providers, shadowing physicians treating childhood obesity, or supporting clinical trials for children with chronic kidney disease. You’ll additionally access opportunities like contributing to literature reviews, conducting clinical research, and learning skills from data analysis to neuroimaging.

2. Harvard/MIT Early Access to Research Training (HEART) MD-PhD Summer Program 

Location: Boston and Cambridge, MA

Cost/Stipend: $5,000 stipend plus funded housing and travel

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, fewer than 10 students

Dates: June 1 to August 9

Application Deadline: February 3

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA. US citizens, permanent residents, or nationals. Demonstrated interest in science and medicine. At least one semester or one summer of prior research experience

Students in Harvard and MIT’s HEART program pursue a combination of both research and clinical experience in an internship, preparing undergraduates for MD-PhD degrees. You’ll work under the guidance of a Harvard faculty member to complete a research project in clinical science while learning skills in conference presentations and academic writing. Beyond faculty support, you’ll also have a current Harvard MD-PhD student mentor to answer questions about the research process and provide advice on preparing and applying for MD-PhD programs. Outside of research, you’ll shadow doctors at Harvard’s teaching hospitals, gaining real-life clinical experience, and complete clinical simulations and medical training workshops to prepare for practicing as a physician. You’ll finish the program by presenting your research in poster format at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium and delivering an oral presentation at the Annual Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP) Symposium.

3. Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York Internships  

Location: Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Queens, NY

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics specialization provides a housing stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective. 11 to 17 students selected across 9 specializations

Dates: 6 to 12 weeks over the summer, varies by specialty area

Application Deadline: March 2. February 16 for Nephrology specialization

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors intending to pursue an MD. Sub specializations have additional preferences or criteria

Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York offers undergraduates an opportunity to gain specialized clinical experience through its summer internship program. You’ll be accepted to work in one of 9 practice areas, including Neurology, Nephrology, Medical Genetics, and Cardiology, where you’ll engage in medical research and clinical shadowing. There is also a research component, where you collaborate with faculty on medical research projects such as clinical trials and lab work. While clinically-focused responsibilities vary based on placement area, frequent tasks include shadowing physicians in inpatient and outpatient clinics, interpreting patient charts, and observing biopsies or surgeries. You’ll additionally attend clinical lectures and educational sessions to supplement your experiential learning with formal study.  

4. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology (CHOP PCEN) Summer Scholars Program

Location: CHOP PCEN, Philadelphia, PA

Stipend: $4,500

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective, about 6 students

Dates: June 8 to July 31

Application Deadline: January 21

Eligibility: Current undergraduate, graduate, and medical students. US citizens or permanent residents

The CHOP PCEN program exposes students to clinical practice and research focused on pediatric kidney disease and nephrology. You’ll work under a faculty mentor to complete a research project in nephrology; past topics have included gut microbiomes, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and COVID-19 vaccines in relation to pediatric nephrology. You’ll supplement your research with educational workshops on medical careers and research methodologies, coursework in data analysis and epidemiology, and a weekly seminar series. Additionally, you’ll gain clinical experience through observing physicians in a nephrology clinic and attending inpatient rounds every week. You’ll finish the program by writing a research abstract or manuscript and delivering a presentation on your work to hospital faculty, physicians, and your fellow interns.

5. Penn Medicine Pre-Health Professional College Experiential Learning Program 

Location: Penn Medicine Princeton Health, Princeton, NJCost/Stipend: UnpaidAcceptance rate/cohort size: SelectiveDates: 10 weeks in June – AugustApplication Deadline: January 1Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled in a pre-professional health-related program or planning to pursue a health science degree / medical career | Students must obtain a CPR card for healthcare providers (BCLS) before the start of the program

Penn Medicine’s College Experiential Learning Program gives undergraduates a look into healthcare professions through a combination of clinical training and hands-on work. You’ll be placed into a specialized clinical area like cancer, neurosurgery, or orthopedics, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe practicing Penn Medicine physicians and interact with patients. You’ll also attend a weekly speaker series, learning about health care professions and practice areas from Penn Medicine physicians and researchers. The program aims to prepare you for medical school or other healthcare-focused graduate degrees, providing guidance on developing your future career path and planning your next educational steps.  

6. Medical Career Exploration Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital  

Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Varies. Students complete 140 or more hours over at least 12 months

Application Deadline: N/A

Eligibility: Current freshman, sophomore, junior, or rising senior undergraduates through July between junior and senior year, or enrolled post bacc students. Must commit to the full program term and attend school in the Boston area

The Medical Career Exploration Program is a three-stage internship focused on preparing students for a career in medicine through practical work. In the introductory stage, you’ll support administrative operations at the hospital's welcome desk, building initial experience in patient interaction. In the second stage, you’ll be placed into a specific medical department to participate in clinical practice through supporting patients and providing assistance to nurses and technicians. The final stage is a one-day experience where you’ll shadow a physician as they complete their rounds. Through the program, you can build connections with hospital staff across careers and receive a letter of recommendation for future internships or medical school applications from a Brigham physician.

7. Columbia Neurology Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STAR U) 

Location: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY

Stipend: $4,000 plus fully funded travel, housing, meals, transit, and activities

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, 10 to 12 students each year

Dates: June 9 to August 8

Application Deadline: January 10

Eligibility: Rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors from underrepresented groups, such as racial minorities, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds

The STAR U internship program introduces students to research and clinical practice in the field of neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease. You’ll be mentored by a Columbia University faculty member on a neuroscience research project related to aging and/or neurodegenerative diseases. To build clinical experience, you’ll shadow doctors at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, learning how your research translates to health care. You’ll attend a seminar and lecture series from faculty and guest speakers on topics across neurology and aging, and collaborate with other interns on research development through an ongoing journal club. Other features include networking events, social activities, and continued mentorship from your faculty advisor after the program ends.

8. Emergency Medicine Project Healthcare Summer Volunteer Program at NYU Langone Health  

Location: Bellevue Hospital, New York, NY or NYU Langone Hospital, Brooklyn, NY

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective. 10 to 15 students in the Brooklyn placement. Cohort size not provided for NYC

Dates: June 1 to August 7 for NYC. June 8 to August 7 for Brooklyn

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors considering a career in medicine

In the Emergency Medicine Project Healthcare internship program, undergraduate students will build direct clinical experience at NYU Langone; a comprehensive program is offered at the Manhattan campus, while the Brooklyn campus hosts a shorter internship. The program begins with a one-week orientation, including touring the hospital, attending training on rotation areas, and attending lectures from emergency medicine service chiefs. You’ll also be assigned a project on health promotion initiatives that you’ll work on throughout the summer.  You’ll then rotate through Langone’s emergency department clinical areas, including pediatrics, operating rooms, and triage, to gain a comprehensive picture of emergency medicine. Alongside your clinical work, you’ll attend weekly meetings and lectures developed from medical school curricula to prepare for your next educational steps. In the final week of the internship, you’ll present your health promotion project to Langone staff and your peers. 

9. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Lurie Center for Autism Summer Internship

Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington and Charlestown, MA

Cost/Stipend: Free. Hourly wage or transferable academic credit available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 2 to August 1

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Rising college juniors and seniors. High performing sophomores considered. Typical majors include biology, neuroscience, psychology, pre med, or related fields

MGH’s Lurie Center for Autism hosts undergraduates for a dual experience in clinical research and practice focused on neuroscience and psychology. You’ll pursue a research project related to the Lurie Center’s study of autism under a faculty mentor, with additional group guidance through weekly check-in discussions. To supplement your knowledge of the field, you’ll attend educational programming on clinical trial design, conducting research with human subjects, data analysis for clinical science, and translational medicine. You’ll shadow Lurie Center clinicians across the specializations of neurology, psychology, and psychiatry, learning how your research can be put into practice to support individuals with autism. The internship ends with a program-wide event, where you’ll present your research to your peers, mentor, and Lurie Center researchers and clinicians.

10. NYU Langone Health Career Opportunity Program in Emergency Medicine

Location: The Home Depot Emergency Department at NYU Langone Health, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, NY

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid. Option to receive NYU housing available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective

Dates: 4 weeks, July to August

Application Deadline: December 21

Eligibility: Current undergraduate students with a minimum 3.2 GPA

The Health Career Opportunity Program in Emergency Medicine places undergraduates into a hands-on clinical experience across practice areas. You’ll complete rotations in pharmacy, social work, nursing, and other emergency medical services, observing physicians and providing support to hospital operations. Alongside your practical experience, you'll engage in daily MCAT preparation and participate in lectures and small group workshops focused on various healthcare topics, all designed to support your educational journey toward medical school. You’ll collaborate with NYU Langone staff from fellows to nurses to physicians, providing the opportunity to learn about diverse health care careers and build a professional network in the medical field. 

11. Rowan-Virtua School of Medicine Summer Professional Training and Mentorship (PREP)  

Location: Rowan Virtua SOM Campus, Stratford, NJ

Stipend: $1,250

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: June 2 to July 3

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores and juniors attending college in New Jersey with a minimum 2.75 GPA. US citizens or permanent residents. Must receive the NJ Educational Opportunity Fund grant

Rowan-Virtua’s PREP program hosts undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds for a month-long program in clinical science and medical practice. You’ll shadow physicians across practice areas, complete clinical evaluations, and participate in ongoing medical research projects with Rowan-Virtua faculty. To help prepare for medical school, you’ll network with deans, current medical students, and former PREP interns to learn about the med school application process and life as an MD student at Rowan-Virtua SOM. You’ll also attend courses on topics like anatomy and physiology, tutoring for the MCAT, and present on your research and clinical shadowing experiences at the end of the program.

12. Overlook Atlantic Health Summer Internship Program  

Location: Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid. $500 deposit required. Refunded at program end upon successful attendance

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: June 3 to June 26

Application Deadline: January 1

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors considering applying to medical school

The Overlook Atlantic Health Summer Internship Program pairs students with medical professional mentors to build exposure to diverse clinical practice areas. You’ll complete a series of one-day shadowing rotations, including operating rooms, emergency departments, and private physician offices. Before your rotation begins, you’ll attend a daily breakfast discussion with a physician or other medical professional to learn about their area of specialization and their path into the medical field. Through this program, you’ll have the chance to network with doctors across fields and determine your preferred career path in medicine.

13. Undergraduate Summer Internship at Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health 

Location: Virtual or in-person at Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 15 interns

Dates: 8 weeks beginning in June

Application Deadline: Late December or early January

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate seniors interested in pursuing careers in mental health

Columbia-WHO’s Center for Global Mental Health is a two-month clinical internship for undergraduates looking to learn about medical practice and research on an international scale. You’ll work under the mentorship of 1-3 Columbia faculty members, contributing to research projects across health care equity, mental health treatments, and epidemiology. While you won’t directly engage in medical practice, research focuses include the opportunity to directly work with patients to collect data and conduct interviews on their mental health and treatment experiences. You’ll also attend daily seminars from researchers across psychiatry, anthropology, public health, and social work, develop a research manuscript, and receive guidance on applying to graduate programs in medicine and public health.

14. Cooper Health Academic Associate Program (AAP) 

Location: Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: 10 week sessions in fall, spring, and summer. Minimum 7 hours per week

Application Deadline: Varies by session

Eligibility: Current undergraduates and post baccalaureates following a pre med curriculum

Cooper Health’s AAP is an opportunity for undergraduates to gain both research and clinical experience with a focus on med school preparation. You’ll engage in ongoing clinical research at Cooper University Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine under the mentorship of medical school faculty and current students. You’ll also have opportunities to interact with patients alongside Cooper Health physicians. Outside of research and shadowing, you’ll network and attend lectures with Cooper University faculty and physicians to learn more about the medical field and prepare for your future educational and career goals. Before the program, you’ll complete a course in human subjects research ethics and practices through the NIH, which you can add to your resume as proof of your preparation for clinical work.

15. Injury Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) 

Location: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Stipend: $6,000 plus $500 travel reimbursement and fully funded housing

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective, fewer than 10 students

Dates: June 2 to August 8

Application Deadline: January 15

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. US citizens or permanent residents. Students planning to pursue an advanced degree in their field, including clinical Master’s or PhD programs, excluding MD degrees

Best for students interested in clinical research but not intending to practice medicine as a career, the Injury Science REU at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides a 10-week internship opportunity centered on research. You’ll work under the mentorship of professional pediatric researchers on a project related to pediatric injury interventions, developed based on your academic interests. You’ll have the chance to engage directly with patients through your research; past projects have included a human subject study on car accident injuries, drawing from patient outcomes to develop evidence-based treatments and interventions. You’ll also have support from graduate student peer mentors, who will provide support with your future planning, including discerning the best graduate program for you, crafting grad school applications, and learning how to build strong relationships with professional researchers. 

Bonus Option: Ladder University Internships

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies by program type. Financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: One to one personalized internships

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application Deadline: Varies by cohort

Eligibility: Undergraduate students

Ladder Internships’ online program for undergraduates connects students with growing startups and nonprofits to build industry experience in their field of interest. For students interested in clinical work, matching with Ladder partners in healthtech and mental health can be a strong fit. You’ll work under a company coach to pursue a project tailored to your academic and career goals, completing a series of deliverables that culminate in a final product that you’ll present to the company’s board. 

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper. 

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