14 Pre-Med Internships for Undergraduates

If you’re an undergraduate looking to strengthen your path toward a medical career, an internship can be a great option. Pre-med internships offer one of the best ways for you to gain experience in the medical field, build professional skills, and test your interest in clinical work. These internships can give you access to hospital settings, patient interactions, and research labs, helping you understand what medicine truly involves beyond the textbooks.

Hosted by top universities, clinics, and organizations, these internships allow you to work with and learn from experts in the field. They can give you the exposure to learn about future careers in the field and build your own network. Whether you’re able to focus on clinical rotations, lab research, or community health work, these opportunities can help you sharpen your medical skills. We’ve selected 14 pre‑med internships for undergraduates.

14 Pre-Med Internships for Undergraduates

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies based on the selected program format; financial aid available

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort

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. 

2. Weill Cornell Medicine, Summer Research Fellowship (WCMSRF)

Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY

Cost: Free, with a $3,000 stipend provided

Dates: June 16 – August 1

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Premedical students; COVID-19 vaccination required

The Weill Cornell Medicine Summer Research Fellowship (WCMSRF) offers experiential research training, providing insight into medicine and health policies that affect underserved populations. Under faculty supervision, participants engage in laboratory or clinical research, learning to investigate a specific research question and acquiring valuable investigative techniques. The program's curriculum covers public health issues, healthcare disparities, research fundamentals, and practical guidance on the medical school application process. You’ll also interact with physicians through career panels and have an opportunity to shadow a physician. A key feature is a panel discussion with diversity and admissions deans from New York medical schools.

3. Health Career Connection (HCC) Summer Internship Program

Location: Placements available in Northern California, Central California Valley, Southern California, Coachella Valley, New England, North Carolina, Mid-Atlantic (New York, WDC, Philadelphia, Baltimore), Mid-West (Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis), and remote locations

Stipend: $4,200 – $6,000 for the 10-week program

Dates: 10 consecutive weeks, typically June through August; start dates are flexible

Application Deadline: Applications for the next cycle will open in the fall

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (including community college students) and recent graduates (up to 3 years post-graduation); freshmen and sophomores also considered; students from all academic disciplines encouraged to apply; international students attending a U.S. institution and DACA students eligible if they can legally receive a stipend in the U.S.

This paid summer internship offers a thorough 10-week, full-time placement within a health organization, providing practical experience. You will work on impactful projects with support from a dedicated preceptor, developing key professional skills such as project management and data analysis. The program provides extensive mentorship from the HCC team and a vast network of health professionals. You will also participate in mandatory career development workshops, networking events, and site tours to explore diverse health career paths.

4. Atlantic Health: Newton Summer Internship Program

Location: Atlantic Health, NJ

Cost: Free

Dates: May 31 (Orientation), June 2 – June 13

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: College students who have completed at least one year of college

In the Newton Summer Internship Program, you will explore what a career in medicine is truly like. You'll gain firsthand experience by shadowing medical professionals in various one-day rotations, including the operating room, emergency department, hospital floors, and physician offices. Each day begins with a discussion led by a professional who shares insights on their career journey, the medical school application process, and what to expect in the field. This program provides you with the opportunity to interact on a personal basis with your mentors and other healthcare professionals.

5. Columbia University Summer Public Health Scholars Program

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost: Fully funded, including tuition, housing, meal plan, and a weekly stipend

Dates: May – August 1

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have completed at least two years of college and have a demonstrated interest in public health; currently a college sophomore, junior, or senior; recent community college graduates are also eligible

The Columbia University Summer Public Health Scholars Program is a ten-week summer initiative designed to introduce undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds to the diverse field of public health. This rigorous program offers an intensive academic curriculum complemented by practical, hands-on experiences across core public health disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy. You’ll engage in public health seminars, workshops, and field trips, gaining exposure to research projects, community-based initiatives, and clinical observations. A key component of the program is mentorship from experienced public health professionals and faculty members, fostering collaboration and professional development.

6. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center - Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA

Stipend: $7,304

Dates: June 23 – August 22

Application Deadline: January 10

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are undergraduates entering the summer before their final year, semester, or quarter of study; strong background in the sciences or a related area of interest required

In this intensive, nine-week internship, you will gain research experience and mentorship in biomedical research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, you will complete an independent research project and present your findings at a competitive poster session. You will also participate in professional development workshops designed to help you prepare competitive applications for graduate or medical school. These workshops cover topics like preparing a personal statement, resume, and abstract. The program also includes social activities designed to foster interaction among interns and mentors.

7. NYU Langone Health Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Location: NYU Langone Health, New York, NY

Stipend: $5,000, free housing, and reimbursement for round-trip travel expenses

Dates: May 31 – August 1

Application Deadline: Applications open October 1

Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are college sophomores or juniors; must have completed at least one full semester of bench laboratory research and demonstrate a commitment to a career in biomedical research

In this program, you will conduct hands-on biomedical research in a lab of interest under the direction of a faculty research mentor. Your week will involve time in the lab, participation in 'Conversations with a Scientist/Physician' lunches, journal clubs, and seminars. You can also join optional social activities such as movie nights, museum tours, and concerts. This internship offers an inside glimpse into life beyond your undergraduate studies and a chance to collaborate with professionals. At the end of the summer, you have the opportunity to present your research at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium and at a poster presentation for the NYU Langone research community.

8. Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University - Pediatrics Summer Scholars

Location: Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Stipend: $2,800

Dates: June 2 – July 31

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: College seniors (rising or graduating), first- or second-year graduate or medical students, and students who have completed their senior undergraduate year and are preparing to apply to graduate or medical school

In the Summer Scholars Program, you will participate in a competitive, mentored research internship with faculty from Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) or Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU. You will conduct a pre-selected research project, gaining hands-on experience in research design, implementation, and presentation. This full-time summer experience includes didactic research training to benefit those considering a career in health-related research or clinical medicine. You will get the opportunity to present your project outcomes to the scientific community through an oral presentation, a scientific abstract, and a poster presentation. The program also features a lecture series on various aspects of conducting and presenting research.

9. Northwestern Medicine Pre-Med Internship Program

Location: Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL

Stipend: Paid internship

Dates: June 25 – August 19

Application Deadline: December 26

Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a four-year university interested in becoming physicians

In this eight-week paid summer program, you will gain experience at a premier academic medical center. You will participate in clinical observation, work on faculty-sponsored projects, and attend educational seminars led by renowned institutional leaders. You are matched with a clinical department and paired with both administrative and clinical mentors to work on a clinically oriented project. Your weekly rotating observations will expose you to a variety of clinical environments, allowing you to shadow physicians and gain an understanding of different areas of medicine. At the end of the program, you will showcase your achievements at a poster session.

10. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Injury Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

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

Cost: Free; includes a $6,000 stipend, up to $500 travel reimbursement, and free housing

Dates: June 2 – August 8

Application Deadline: To be announced

Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with at least a 3.0 GPA; must have completed one year of college and anticipate graduation after August 8; must have an interest in pursuing an advanced degree in their field (Pre-Med excluded)

In this 10-week paid summer internship, you will gain hands-on research experience at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP), sponsored by the National Science Foundation. You will work in fields like engineering, behavioral science, education, population science, and statistics to assist in developing evidence-based prevention programs and policies. With guidance from a team of pediatric researchers and peer mentors, you will conduct research to build the scientific foundation for injury interventions. Your work will involve translating these interventions into practical solutions and evaluating their success.

11. University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine - Summer Undergraduate Program for Educating Radiation Scientists (SUPERS)

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost/Stipend: Free; includes a ~$4,000 stipend and housing

Dates: June 1 – August 7

Application Deadline: February 2

Eligibility: Rising college juniors and seniors at an accredited U.S. college or university; must be Science, Math, or Engineering majors with a GPA of 3.2 or higher; research experience helpful but not required

In this 10-week summer program at the University of Pennsylvania, you will gain hands-on experience in a hypothesis-driven laboratory research setting. You will be paired with a faculty mentor from departments such as Radiation Oncology or Radiology, with your placement determined based on your academic major and research interests. This is an ideal opportunity for you to explore a career in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of cancer biology and radiation sciences. Through direct mentorship and active participation in lab work, you will develop your scientific skills and determine if graduate school is the right path for you. The program provides an individualized, science-based curriculum to help you grow as a scientist.

12. Hartford Hospital | Summer Student Pre-Med & Research Program

Location: Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT

Stipend: $4,000

Dates: June 2 – August 8

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Pre-medical college students in their junior year with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4; must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; previous research experience not required

This program offers you a unique 10-week clinical research opportunity at a large community teaching hospital. You will be introduced to research methodology, patient care, and medical ethics while working under the supervision of a senior investigator on a specific research project. Your experience will be enhanced by weekly seminars on topics such as health disparities and medical ethics, where you can engage in dialogue with your peers and experts. You will also have the chance to observe in both ambulatory and inpatient settings, interacting directly with medical students, residents, and fellows. The program concludes with you presenting your research at a poster presentation, celebrating your achievements with the hospital community.

13. Children's National Hospital | Emergency Department Clinical Research Undergraduate Internship

Location: Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC

Cost: Free; a stipend may be available

Dates: September 29 – May 8

Application Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Applicants at least 18 years old and currently a sophomore in college; both undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students encouraged to apply; strong academic performance required

In this internship, you will directly participate in clinical research at Children's National Hospital. You will develop research skills by enrolling patients in studies and engaging in research operations in departments like Emergency Medicine and Hematology. Your experience will be enhanced by professional development workshops, mentorship from physicians, and opportunities to shadow in a clinical setting. You'll gain exposure to a broad spectrum of research, from observational studies to randomized controlled trials. Motivated students may develop close mentor relationships, which could lead to an individual research project and strong letters of recommendation for graduate or professional school.

14. Atlantic Health Overlook Summer Internship Program

Location: Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ

Cost: $500 administrative fee, fully refunded if two or fewer absences

Dates: June 3 – June 26; mandatory orientation on June 2

Application Deadline: January 15

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least two years of college by the start of the program; consideration given to class level and academic standing

This program is designed to help you make an informed decision about a future career in medicine. You will shadow medical professionals in one-day rotations through various settings like the operating room, emergency department, and physician offices. Each day, from Monday to Thursday, begins with a breakfast discussion led by a professional who shares insights into their field. You will have the opportunity to interact with your assigned mentors and structure your day accordingly. On Fridays, you will participate in a half-day mentorship and a lunch session to exchange ideas with fellow interns. Upon completion, the medical director will formulate a letter of recommendation for you based on daily evaluations.

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 Ph.D. 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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