15 Health Science Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 12 minutes ago
- 10 min read
If you’re an undergraduate student thinking about a healthcare career, doing an internship in health sciences is a great way to see what the field is really like. These programs let you step outside your classes and spend time in real medical, research, or public health environments where professionals work every day.Â
What do health science internships entail? Why should I intern as an undergraduate student?
Health science internships can place you in hospitals, clinics, research labs, or community health organizations. You might help with lab experiments, assist with patient care, shadow doctors, or support public health programs. Each internship gives you a chance to see how different parts of the healthcare system fit together, from hands-on work with patients to behind-the-scenes research and data analysis. Doing this also helps you see what career paths match your strengths and interests.
Participating in these internships shows future employers that you are exploring your field seriously and gaining real-world experience. It gives you concrete examples to include in applications and interviews, helping demonstrate your dedication and understanding of healthcare.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 health science internships for undergraduates!
15 Health Science Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $7,304 stipend
Program Dates: June 23 – August 22Â
Deadline: Applications usually open in October/November and close in early to mid-January
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students entering the summer before the final year
The Fred Hutch Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a free, paid summer research internship held at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. You’ll spend most of your time in a real research lab, assisting with experiments, running studies, analyzing data, and learning research methods directly from experienced scientists. Weekly workshops cover key skills like reading scientific papers, writing research reports, preparing for graduate school, and giving effective presentations. The program also features guest lectures from Fred Hutch and University of Washington researchers in fields such as basic sciences, public health, human biology, and clinical research.Â
Location: Harborview Medical Center & UW Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend:Â None; $3,200 stipend
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (usually rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) who have an interest in public health, trauma psychology, mental health, injury prevention, or violence prevention research.
The Washington University INSIGHT Summer Research Program is a hands-on, full-time summer experience for undergraduates interested in injury prevention, trauma, mental health, and public health research. Hosted at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the program engages you in research projects focused on topics like violence prevention, trauma psychology, gun violence, health disparities, and community health. You’ll work closely with experienced mentors, attend weekly seminars, skills workshops, and professional development sessions that teach you how to conduct research, write abstracts, and prepare for graduate or medical school. The program also includes trauma center visits, shadowing opportunities, and career exploration across public health fields.
Location:Â Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline:Â Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).Â
Program dates:Â Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
Location: Seattle, WA (Capitol Hill neighborhood)
Cost: Paid positions may be available depending on experience; local housing and housing scholarships offered
Program Dates: Staff training: June 17 – June 28 | Camp dates: July 1 – August 2
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Human Services, or related fields
The Andy Center Clinical Summer Internship is a hands-on program for undergraduate students interested in psychology, occupational therapy, nursing, or related fields. You’ll work directly with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, gaining practical experience in clinical and educational settings. The program begins with a two-week training period, where you’ll learn about behavior analysis, social skills instruction, and data tracking. After training, you’ll join a team of psychologists, behavior analysts, and educators to deliver personalized interventions, support social development, collect and analyze behavioral data, and work with families and caregivers.
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Cost:Â No cost; internship pays Arizona's minimum wage per hour
Dates: June 4 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility:Â U.S. undergraduate students at least 18 years old
The Barrow Neurological Institute Summer Undergraduate Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time research experience for undergraduates passionate about neuroscience. You’ll work in Barrow research labs, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and techniques under the mentorship of leading scientists. You can explore fields such as translational neuroscience, neuroimaging, spine research, neuro-rehabilitation, neuroscience publications, innovation, and marketing. Beyond lab work, the program includes weekly research seminars, career exploration sessions, and culminates in the Barrow Summer Intern Research Symposium, where you’ll present your project to peers and faculty.
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Cost:Â No cost; $5,000 stipend + allowance and housing
Dates: June 1 – August 8
Application Deadline:Â February 2
Eligibility: U.S. Undergraduate students who have completed at least 4 semesters or 6 quarters of study by the start of the program
The UCSF Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) is a 10-week intensive research experience for undergraduates aiming for careers in biomedical and health sciences, including neuroscience. You’ll be paired with UCSF faculty mentors and work on hands-on lab projects that build your skills in experimental design, data analysis, and advanced research techniques. Outside the lab, the program includes professional development workshops, career panels, and graduate school prep sessions to support your academic and career goals. You’ll also attend weekly seminars led by UCSF scientists on topics like neuroscience, genetics, cancer biology, pharmacology, and health disparities research.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost:Â No cost; up to $4,000 stipend provided
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline:Â January 31
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens, or international students currently enrolled in the U.S.
The Yale Child Study Center Undergraduate Summer Internship Program is an eight-week research experience in developmental science, neuroscience, psychology, and child health. You will work on faculty-mentored projects in areas such as neuroscience, genetics, clinical studies, and community interventions. You’ll gain experience in lab work, data analysis, and clinical observation, while also joining seminars, journal clubs, and professional workshops. The program ends with a poster symposium where you present your research to faculty and peers, strengthening both your communication and research skills.
Location:Â VirtualÂ
Cost:Â Flat fee of $850; scholarships are available for eligible applicants.
Dates: 3 months (equivalent to one U.S. semester)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to Undergraduates in health, allied health, or non-health-related majors seeking to transition into public health.
The Public Health 360 (PH360) Program by Global Health and Education Projects (GHEP) is a career-focused internship for undergraduates interested in public health. You’ll work on a capstone project that takes you through the full cycle of public health practice, from needs assessment to program planning, implementation, and evaluation. You’ll also build research and communication skills through writing exercises, attend weekly sessions with public health experts, join resume and interview workshops, and receive mentorship from professionals in the field. The program ends with a final presentation where you showcase your project and the skills you’ve gained.
Location:Â Hybrid
Dates: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline:Â 23 February
Eligibility:Â Open to undergraduate pre-med students
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) is a hybrid program for high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate pre-med students who want to explore clinical medicine. You’ll take part in medical simulations and practice skills like suturing, giving injections, and other clinical techniques. The program includes interactive workshops across medical specialties, mentorship from Stanford faculty and physicians, and weekly check-ins with study groups for peer support. By the end, you’ll have direct clinical exposure, professional guidance, and a foundation for future medical training.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $745, $1,195, or $1,495 depending on duration and pace
Program Dates: Rolling
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates and diverse applicants, with no strict prerequisites
The GVI Global Public Health Virtual Internship is an online internship program designed for students, including undergraduates, who want to gain hands-on experience in global health. You will work on real projects such as creating health education materials, supporting disease prevention campaigns, and researching public health strategies in different communities. The program includes two preparatory online courses, masterclass lectures, weekly mentorship sessions, and career coaching to help you build professional skills and confidence. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate from GVI, a recommendation letter, and the option to apply for a grant toward a future in-country GVI program.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: You will receive a $5,000 stipend and free housing; there’s no cost to participate.
Program Dates: 10 weeks, from June 2 to August 8
Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: You must be a sophomore, junior, or senior in college (graduating the upcoming spring), currently enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited college or university; have a minimum 3.3 overall GPA; have an interest in child health and wellness research; and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP) is a 10-week, full-time research internship in pediatric science. You’ll work 40–50 hours a week with a mentor, learning how to design studies, use research tools, and analyze data. Based on your interests, you can take part in lab research, patient-centered clinical studies, or projects on social and behavioral health. Each week, you’ll also join lunch sessions focused on career goals, mentorship, and presentation practice. The program ends with a poster session where you share your research with peers and faculty.
Location: Boston, MA
Cost:Â None
Program Dates: Academic Track: September – May (9 months) and Summer Track: May – August (12 weeks)
Deadline: Varies by track and year
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students interested in healthcare with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Pediatric Anesthesia Clinical and Research Internship is designed for students interested in healthcare and anesthesiology. You’ll start with two weeks of training as an assistant anesthesia technician, building basic clinical support skills. After that, you’ll spend one day a week in the operating room, observing and assisting with pediatric procedures. The program also includes workshops and talks on medical practice, a research project that may lead to publication, and guidance on college and graduate school applications with practice interviews.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost:Â Free; no stipend provided
Program Dates: Academic Track: September – May (9 months) and Summer Track: May – August (12 weeks)
Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students who are at least 16 years old by the program start and can commit to the full eight weeks; no prior research experience required
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Summer Research Volunteer Program at Georgetown University is an eight-week, full-time research experience for high school and college students interested in cancer and biomedical science. You’ll join a lab team, carry out an independent project, and learn how research is done in a professional setting. You’ll gain hands-on experience with lab tools, data collection, and analysis while working with scientists, graduate students, and postdocs. The program also includes seminars and discussions on biology, medicine, and oncology that help you strengthen your technical skills and understanding of cancer research.
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, or San Diego, California
Cost:Â None. Paid at a wage competitive with local internship wages
Program Dates:10 weeks
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least three semesters or four quarters at a U.S. college, and be enrolled in a U.S. state or territory. A GPA of 3.4 or higher is required, along with eligibility to work in the U.S.
The Novartis Summer of Science Internship is a full-time research program for undergraduates interested in biomedical science and drug development. You’ll join a research team and work with a mentor on projects focused on new treatments and drug discovery. During the internship, you’ll design and run experiments, analyze data, and apply biomedical concepts to real-world challenges. You’ll also see how research connects to patient care, present your findings to the Novartis research community, and join group activities that build teamwork and professional networks.
Location:  Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
Cost:Â Free; a stipend is available
Program Dates: Approximately 12 weeks, anticipated start mid‑May
Deadline: Â February 28
Eligibility: You must be a graduate-level student currently enrolled in a degree-granting program focused on health, global health, international development, communications, public policy, non-profit management, business administration, education, or other relevant areas of study before the start of the internship
The Texas Children’s Hospital Global Health Summer Internship at Baylor College of Medicine gives undergraduates hands-on experience in global health operations and program management. You’ll take on tasks like tracking project progress, creating social media content, drafting updates, and developing training materials while learning how programs run in resource-limited settings. You’ll also help with planning and communication for health initiatives, build research skills, and practice fundraising through proposal writing. The internship highlights interdisciplinary teamwork, showing you how professionals from different fields work together to deliver care.
Location: Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; or Scottsdale, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: Free; $6,000 stipend provided
Program Dates: May 26 – July 31 (with alternative June 16 – August 21 for quarter-system students)
Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Current second- or third-year undergraduate students (rising juniors or seniors) enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and serious consideration of a biomedical research career as Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. International students attending U.S. institutions are eligible with proper documentation.
The Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a 10-week, full-time research program for undergraduates interested in biomedical science. You’ll work with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students on projects in areas such as biochemistry, neuroscience, immunology, clinical sciences, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, regenerative science, and virology. You’ll spend at least 40 hours per week on hands-on lab work with a mentor who designs a project for you. The program includes weekly seminars, collaboration with scientists, and access to advanced research facilities. Many students earn recognition or co-authorship in publications, and the internship ends with a poster symposium where you present your research.
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.
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 PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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