15 Excellent Pre-Med Internships
Participating in internships as a pre-med student is a great way to fill the gaps in your resume and enhance your professional profile. Internships also give you the chance to nurture networks within the professional world and gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field while still in college. Some of the work you will do in a pre-med internship includes shadowing practicing physicians, helping carry out basic procedures, or conducting research.
With a myriad of opportunities, we have compiled a carefully selected list of the top 15 pre-med internships for college students, from programs that provide excellent clinical exposure, research opportunities, to mentorship.
Location: Various college campuses across the U.S.
Cohort Size: 10 Amgen Scholars per institution; 140 Amgen Scholars overall per year
Stipend: Varies by school; typically $2,000 – –$3,000
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer; Dates vary by location
Eligibility: U.S. collegiate sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an average GPA of 3.2+
The Amgen Scholars Program offers undergrad students from any four-year college or university a chance to do research at 25 host institutions. It is open to students of different academic backgrounds who may not have previous research experience or may not be enrolled at a host institution. As a participant, you will work full-time on independent research projects under the mentorship of professors, with opportunities to receive hands-on experience in fields related to biotechnology, biomedical science, or human therapeutics.
The program also provides interactions with other peers, professional development, and some financial support; however, the details vary from institution to institution. You’ll also get to participate in a regional symposium during which you can present your research, meet peers, and exchange experiences with scientists from industry and academia. The symposium takes place in California for U.S. and Canadian participants. This event deepens your understanding of drug discovery and development and promotes collaboration in the research community.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Starting at $1,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 5-10 hours per week for 8 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program offers selective internships to college students interested in working with start-ups. These internships cover a wide range of industries, including health tech, AI/ML, and more. As an intern, you will work on real-world projects that you will present to the company at the end of your internship. You’ll also be guided by a start-up manager as well as a Ladder Coach. Many of Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise around a million dollars. Some of the host companies you’ll get to work with are JuneBrain, Sooth.fyi, Fair Opportunity Project, and so on. You can apply here!
3. UCSF: Summer Research Training Program (SRTP)
Location: UCSF
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Stipend: $5,000 stipend; $500 travel stipend
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 1
Program Dates: June 1 – August 8
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed 4 semesters or 6 quarters by the beginning of the program; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; More details here
The UCSF Summer Research Training Program offers pre-med students interested in pursuing research in health sciences a chance to participate in a ten-week research project while being mentored by UCSF faculty members. Throughout the summer, you will attend seminars, lectures, and fun social events, all designed to foster a supportive and collaborative environment. At the end of the program, you will give an oral presentation on your research and receive feedback from faculty, postdocs, and students in the program.
4. Baylor College of Medicine Summer Medical and Research Training Program (SMART)
Location: Houston, TX
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Stipend: $5,400
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates attending university in the U.S.; Minimum GPA of 3.0; More details can be found in the FAQs
The SMART Program provides a paid nine-week research experience in biomedical fields at Baylor College of Medicine. The program is open to students from science, mathematics, and related disciplines, and also to non-science majors who have adequate backgrounds. Research opportunities in areas such as bioengineering and computational biology are available.
You will gain hands-on experience in the collaborative research environment and get to participate in professional development seminars, career-focused activities, and daily discussions at the Texas Medical Center. At the end of the program, you will present your work in front of faculty and peers. The SMART Program has built a reputation as a highly valuable stepping stone for undergraduates pursuing careers in biomedical research.
5. MagLab's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL; University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Stipend: $6,500 stipend + $800 travel support
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: May 27 – August 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Must be 18+ by program start
Supported by the National Science Foundation, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the MagLab gives undergraduate students a unique chance to perform scientific research in broad areas of science. As a participant, you will conduct your independent research under the guidance of MagLab scientists while attending weekly seminars and colloquia that discuss various aspects of the research performed at the MagLab and many career opportunities. This program covers a diverse area of disciplines, ranging from physics, chemistry, and biological sciences to geochemistry, materials science, and magnet science and engineering.
6. Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STARU)
Location: Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)
Cohort Size: 10-12 students per year
Stipend: $4,000
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: June 9 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as recently graduated seniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; More details here
The program STAR U lasts eight weeks, providing you with the opportunity to carry out original neuroscience research supervised by faculty. You’ll also get to participate in the STAR U Final Research Symposium and Networking and present your work. Other types of academic enrichment may include seminars, skill labs, and journal clubs.
The emphasis of this program will allow you to consolidate your interests while developing further other scientific and professional competencies. Beyond research, there will be networking opportunities with participants with lab officials, and researchers, further increasing the social and cultural opportunities of New York City.
7. Drexel University College of Medicine: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Location: Drexel University College of Medicine
Acceptance Rate: Relatively selective
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors; Priority is given to the former two; More details here
The Drexel University College of Medicine Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is a nine-week-long fellowship for undergraduates interested in biomedical research. As a participant, you will work full-time in assigned laboratories, gaining hands-on training in various fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, microbiology, and pharmacology.
Mentors from the faculty will supervise a daily research activity, conduct various laboratory meetings, plan experiments, and more. As a SURF fellow, you will present your research at the end of the summer in a formal, conference-like setting to faculty and students. You may also have the chance to come back in the fall to make a research poster presentation on Drexel’s Discovery Day.
8. UIC’s Summer Research Opportunities Program for Undergraduates
Location: The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Stipend: $4,000
Application Deadline: August 30 – November 22
Program Dates: May 29 – July 25
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 2.75 or higher; More info here
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at UIC is designed to give underrepresented sophomores and juniors in college an intro to academic research. Initiated in 1986, it has benefited well over a thousand students, greatly enhancing their chances of retention, graduation, and post-baccalaureate enrollment. In this program, one-on-one sessions between a faculty mentor and a student are arranged to allow first-hand experience in research and life as it is in grad school. You can either enter with a specific research project and mentor or just a general research interest, in which case program staff will help facilitate a match.
During SROP, you will participate in educational enrichment activities, workshops on grad school admissions and financial aid, faculty-led seminars, and social events focused on mentorship and networking. At the end of the program, you will present your research at the Illinois Summer Research Symposium and subsequently at a final UIC-sponsored symposium. The program calls for a full-time commitment of 30 to 40 hours a week and does not allow any outside employment, internships, or coursework.
9. Case Western Reserve University: Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Location: Case Western Reserve University
Acceptance Rate: Low to medium selectivity
Cost/Stipend: Not listed
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 15
Program Dates: May 27 – July 30
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors
Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Pharmacology offers a ten-week Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) that aims to introduce students to the foundations of laboratory research. Sponsored by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), the program is for students in biomedical science areas, such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering. SURP is designed to provide you with research training and knowledge that will help you in advanced studies in PhD, PharmD, or MD/PhD programs.
10. Augusta University STAR Program
Location: Augusta University
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Stipend: $4,500
Application Deadline: September 1 – February 17
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: Rsing juniors and seniors; Minimum overall GPA of 3.0; More info here
The STAR program at Augusta University offers a hands-on experience in biomedical sciences, nursing, or biostatistics for undergraduate students. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor and research team, you will gain practical skills and foundational knowledge that will serve you well during your ensuing PhD.
Besides preparing students for a research career, it is also a pathway for the recruitment of Augusta University graduate programs. Workshops are planned besides research to enlighten the STARS on various scientific techniques and interdisciplinary approaches. It involves networking, professional development opportunities, and guidance on applying for a PhD. Finally, there is a poster session where you will present your research findings.
11. Campbell University: Ransdell Family HPREP
Location: Campbell University’s main campus
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Cost: Not listed
Application Deadline: January 13 – April 11
Program Dates: June 2 – 6
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in college with an interest in pharmacy, public health, clinical research, and pharmaceutical sciences
Campbell University offers a week-long interdisciplinary experience—the Ransdell Family Health Professions Readiness & Enrichment Program (HPREP). The program is meant for health-bound students considering careers in pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, public health, and biomedical sciences. As a participant, you will engage in interactive labs, workshops, and case studies, and network with healthcare professionals. The program gives preference to underrepresented minorities, first-generation college students, and those with financial need.
12. W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Location: The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), Michigan State University
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost: $7,000 stipend + $650 for transportation + $250 for research
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: May 18 – July 26
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students who do not attend R1 universities; Applicants from underrepresented groups in the sciences, colleges with limited research opportunities, first-generation college students, and US military veterans are encouraged to apply
The Kellogg Biological Station Research Experience for Undergraduates offers students hands-on research in various fields of ecology, evolution, and environmental science. As a participant, you will work with faculty mentors to come up with independent research projects, write research proposals, and present your findings at the KBS Summer Undergraduate Symposium. Weekly professional development seminars deal with topics from science communication to career preparation, while field trips and social activities let you see local attractions such as the Saugatuck Dunes, John Ball Zoo, and Gull Lake. You will also attend an R programming workshop, which is a chance to build data analysis experience!
The program offers research opportunities in various faculty-led labs, specializing in plant biology, microbial ecology, bioenergy, agricultural ecosystems, and climate change adaptation. You will engage in fieldwork and laboratory projects dealing with pollination, biodiversity, and conservation. The program also helps you find your career paths in STEM-related work, gain experience in research, and build up basic skills for applying to graduate school through mentoring, networking, and skill-building.
13. Boston University: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Location: Boston University
Acceptance Rate: Around 2%
Stipend: Stipend provided; amount not listed
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in college; U.S citizens or permanent residents; Student applicants from other universities preferred
Boston University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program allows undergraduate students to conduct a full-time research experience spanning ten weeks under the guidance of a BU faculty mentor. Your research will focus primarily on biological or gene expression, and ensuring you get a hands-on lab experience. SURF takes its funding from the NSF(REU) and BU to increase opportunities for students to conduct research, especially those coming from institutions that provide fewer opportunities.
While living on campus, you will also engage in weekly enrichment activities and social events. The program closes with a presentation of your research at the Boston University Undergraduate Research Symposium in October.
14. Virginia Commonwealth University’s Allied Health Career Exploration (AHCE)
Location: VCU Health Campus
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity
Cost: Some programs come with a fee, while others don’t; Limited waivers or assistance available
Application Deadline: October 15 – April 1
Program Dates: June 9 – 20
Eligibility: College freshmen, sophomores, and juniors; Students from under-represented backgrounds are preferred
The AHCE program is a two-week summer residential experience for students interested in exploring health-related careers within the nine programs at VCU College of Health Professions. Throughout the program, you will engage in interactive and hands-on activities specific to your discipline to gain practical knowledge of different healthcare fields.
You will participate in full-day sessions during weekdays that provide admissions information about degree programs, workshops on current healthcare topics, or activities that enhance your professionalism, including writing resumes and preparing for interviews. At the end of the program, you will have useful insights and resources for understanding how to apply to the College of Health Professions.
15. Rutgers Ernst School of Pharmacy: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Location: Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: May 19 – July 25
Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in careers in research in pharmaceutical and environmental sciences
Rising to its 18th edition now, SURF is open to high-achieving undergraduates from various U.S. universities. As a participant, you will conduct full-time research in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Environmental Health Sciences, Pharmaceutics, and Clinical Pharmacy under the guidance of a specified mentor.
This is a 10-week program that includes didactic lab or clinical research, plus an enhanced mentoring experience with faculty. It also features roundtable discussions and seminars on research careers, along with a series of workshops focused on professional development, all set in pharmaceutical environments. Finally, at the end of the program, you will orally present your research findings to peers and faculty.