15 Medical Internships for Undergraduates in NYC
If you're an undergraduate student looking for ways to stand out in a highly competitive job market, pursuing an internship can be a valuable step. Completing an internship can help you strengthen your academic profile, build a competitive resume, and gain exposure to work environments. By working alongside professionals, you will develop practical skills, expand your professional network, and gain clarity about your long-term career goals. If you’re interested in medicine, internships allow you to explore different specialties, research areas, and healthcare roles while understanding how theoretical concepts apply in clinical and research settings.
Why should I do a medical internship in college?
Medical internships are one of the best ways to figure out if a healthcare career is the right fit for you. They help you build technical, research, and communication skills that are highly valued by medical schools and healthcare employers. These experiences often allow you to work with physicians, researchers, and healthcare teams, helping you understand patient care, medical research methods, and healthcare operations. Completing an internship also demonstrates initiative and commitment to the field, which can strengthen your applications for graduate programs or entry-level healthcare roles. Additionally, internships help you develop professional connections and references that can improve your employment prospects after graduation.
To help you identify meaningful opportunities, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 medical internships for undergraduates in New York City, focusing on programs that provide strong mentorship, practical learning, and exposure to professional medical environments.
1. Undergraduate Summer Program – Gateways to the Laboratory
Location: New York City
Stipend: $5,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~7.5% acceptance; 15 students
Dates: Nine-week program beginning June 1
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen or sophomores; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 18+ by the program’s start
This summer program allows you to explore the clinician-scientist pathway through immersive research and professional development experiences. You work independently on a research project at either Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center while receiving mentorship from a current MD-PhD student. You will participate in journal clubs, clinical skills training, and professional workshops designed to strengthen your research, communication, and analytical skills. You also gain exposure to clinical environments through limited shadowing opportunities at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and contribute to community outreach initiatives. The program focuses on collaboration with researchers and peers.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Stipend: Costs vary depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Through this internship program, you collaborate with a high-growth startup on professional, project-based work across fields such as technology, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting. Throughout the internship, you work closely with a company manager and receive additional mentorship from a Ladder Coach who supports your learning and professional development. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, where you complete real-world deliverables and present your final work directly to the company. You also gain exposure to collaboration in professional team settings and develop workplace readiness skills such as time management and project coordination. The virtual format allows you to engage with global startups while maintaining a structured internship experience.
3. HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program
Location: New York City
Stipend: Funding available for most placements; an unpaid volunteer option is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 200–300 students across the entire Health Department
Dates: Summer (June–August); Fall (September–December); Winter/Spring (January–May)
Application Deadline: Summer: February 15; Fall: August 15; Spring: November 15
Eligibility: Enrolled as a matriculated undergraduate, graduate, or professional student in a degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university, be in good academic standing, and meet NYC residency requirements for Fall and Winter/Spring sessions
In this internship, you work on current public health issues while applying classroom learning to practical challenges through a supervised practicum. You gain exposure to public health planning, research, administration, and evaluation while working under the mentorship of experienced professionals. During the program, you will participate in work assignments and engage in seminars, workshops, and activities that broaden your understanding of public health practices. The internship focuses on helping you understand the needs, challenges, and career opportunities within the field of public health. You also contribute to initiatives that support public health efforts and organizational operations.
4. Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) – Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences
Location: NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City
Stipend: $5,000 + round-trip travel reimbursement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 30 students
Dates: 9 weeks between Late May and early August
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have completed their sophomore or junior year of college and at least one full semester of bench laboratory research
In this program, you conduct hands-on biomedical research in a laboratory matched to your preferred research area at NYU Langone Health under the supervision of a research mentor. You will perform lab-based research while participating in journal clubs, weekly seminars, and “Conversations with a Scientist/Physician” lunch sessions that provide professional insight into biomedical careers. The program introduces you to a range of biomedical disciplines, allowing you to build technical research, analytical, and scientific communication skills. You also engage with the academic research community through structured presentations and discussions with faculty and peers. At the end of the program, you present your research through a poster presentation.
5. LFKRI Summer Undergraduate Research Program – New York Blood Center Enterprises
Location: Rye, NY
Stipend: Up to $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 10–15 students
Dates: 10 weeks, early June through August
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university, including international students studying at a U.S. degree-granting institution, and have completed at least one full semester of bench laboratory research
In this program, you participate in biomedical research projects focused on areas such as transfusion medicine, hematology and immunology, infectious diseases, and epidemiology. You are matched with a laboratory based on your research interests and work under the direct supervision of faculty members and postdoctoral fellows. The internship focuses on research, allowing you to develop laboratory, analytical, and scientific communication skills while collaborating with professional researchers. Throughout the program, you contribute to ongoing research initiatives connected to biomedical science and public health. At the end of the program, you present your research findings in a formal seminar at the institute.
6. ACCESS Summer Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY (Weill Cornell Medicine / Sloan Kettering Institute)
Stipend: $6,000 + up to $500 for travel expenses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–15 students
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or its territories, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; Have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The ACCESS Summer Internship Program is a nine-week biomedical research experience designed to prepare you for a PhD track in the sciences. You will explore disciplines including biochemistry and structural biology, cell and developmental biology, immunology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology and biophysics, and computational biology. During the summer, you will conduct laboratory experiments, analyze peer-reviewed literature in weekly journal clubs, attend professional development workshops, and present your research at a symposium. The program intentionally focuses on inclusivity, providing specialized mentorship specifically for first-generation and underrepresented students.
7. Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
Location: 12 partner university institutions nationwide (e.g., Columbia University, Howard University, UW)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 80 scholars per site
Dates: 6 weeks (Typically running June – July; exact dates vary slightly by site)
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: College freshmen, sophomores, and juniors; minimum 2.5 overall GPA; U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA status; from an underrepresented or disadvantaged background; zero prior SHPEP participation
The Summer Health Professions Education Program is a six-week enrichment experience designed to help you explore careers in medicine, dentistry, and nursing. During the program, you will study core science topics like organic chemistry, physics, and public health policy. You will engage in clinical simulations, shadow healthcare professionals in small-group rotations, and attend career development workshops. The program distinctly focuses on empowering historically underrepresented students while connecting you to an active national network of over 32,000 alumni. Ultimately, you will learn essential study strategies, clinical communication techniques, and how to effectively collaborate within interprofessional medical teams.
8. Project AHEAD Internships – Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Location: Lower Manhattan
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 6–10 interns
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year; must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents
Through this program, you gain firsthand experience in community health by working within a federally qualified health center and exploring areas such as primary care, social work, health education, programming, and research. The internship focuses on helping you understand how different components of community healthcare systems operate and collaborate to address public health needs. You participate in training activities and practical experiences designed to introduce you to healthcare service delivery and outreach initiatives. Throughout the internship, you engage with professionals and community-based programs that address health disparities and support historically excluded communities. The program aims to build awareness of community health leadership and collaborative public health efforts.
9. Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) – SUNY College of Optometry
Location: SUNY College of Optometry
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 15 students for the Internship; 30 students for the Summer Academic Program
Dates: Summer Academic Program: June 9 – August 4; Spring Internship: June 1–12
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: New York State residents, full-time college or graduate students who are at least 18 years old, meet economic disadvantage eligibility requirements, and are pursuing a licensed profession, health-related profession, or career in STEM
In this program, you receive academic and career development support designed to help you pursue professional licensure and careers in science, technology, and health-related fields, particularly optometry. You will participate in internship and academic enrichment opportunities that include scientific research experiences and academic skill-building in subjects such as science and mathematics. The program also provides career counseling and preparation support for professional school applications, including guidance for entrance exams such as the Optometry Admission Test. You engage in enrichment activities focused on study strategies, time management, and professional readiness. The program also offers opportunities to participate in symposiums and special academic events that encourage collaboration and professional networking.
10. Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program
Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25–27 students
Dates: June 15 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising seniors (must have completed junior year); U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents; must be from an underrepresented group or socioeconomically disadvantaged background
The Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program gives you a realistic, hands-on look into the world of medicine and biomedical research. You will explore vital healthcare topics, specifically focusing on cardiovascular physiology and health disparities affecting underserved communities. During the program, you will conduct supervised laboratory or clinical research, shadow physicians during hospital rounds, and attend seminars on medical school admissions. The program has had a decades-long, targeted commitment to building a pipeline of underrepresented physicians by providing rent-free housing alongside dedicated clinical mentorship.
11. Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship – Weill Cornell Medicine
Location: Weill Cornell Medicine
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 20–30 total interns across all education levels
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Current university students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this internship, you gain exposure to pediatric medicine and related research, clinical, administrative, education, and advocacy fields. You will work within specialized pediatric programs focused on areas such as neonatal infections, pediatric asthma, epilepsy research, behavioral health, patient safety, and health policy initiatives. The program provides faculty and staff mentorship aligned with your interests while offering structured supervision and hands-on learning experiences. You collaborate across divisional programs and participate in projects that support research, clinical quality improvement, patient education, or administrative operations. You may apply to participate in up to two pediatric program tracks during the internship.
12. Pediatric Research Internship – Cohen Children's Medical Center
Location: New Hyde Park
Stipend: Housing stipend of $300 per week available for interns residing outside the immediate metro area
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 15–25 students
Dates: 8–10 weeks between early June and mid-August
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates who have completed at least one year of study
Through this internship at Northwell Health, you gain hands-on experience in pediatric research across specialties such as neurology, cardiology, nephrology, genetics, and emergency medicine. You will work alongside faculty mentors on clinical research activities that include data analysis and literature reviews. The program also provides opportunities to shadow clinicians to understand patient care and clinical decision-making processes. You participate in seminars and professional development sessions designed to strengthen research and healthcare skills. Throughout the internship, you collaborate with medical professionals and research teams while gaining exposure to pediatric healthcare environments. At the conclusion of the program, you present your research findings at a formal research forum.
13. Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Location: New York, NY
Stipend: $6,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~25 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors majoring in life or physical sciences
The Chemers Neustein SURF program places you in a dedicated laboratory to conduct hands-on research in fields like immunology, neuroscience, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Over 10 weeks, you will execute an individualized project under expert mentorship, analyze publications in weekly journal clubs, and attend a faculty lecture series. At the end of the summer, you will also present your findings to peers and mentors at a culminating poster session. The program directly integrates you into Rockefeller University's exclusive, graduate-level scientific environment without competing with other undergraduate populations. Through these experiences, you will learn how to communicate complex science professionally.
14. Rehabilitation Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP) – Rusk Rehabilitation
Location: NYU Langone Health, New York City
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 150–200 interns per summer
Dates: Session One: May 26 – June 19; Session Two: June 22 – July 17; Session Three: July 20 – August 14
Application Deadline: Late December
Eligibility: College students, recent college graduates, and high school seniors who are at least 18 years old with a minimum cumulative 3.2 GPA
In this program, you will observe healthcare professionals and learn about their roles while participating in structured lectures, seminars, and professional panels. The internship begins with an orientation that introduces you to workplace expectations, safety procedures, and professional conduct. You also attend daily group learning sessions and weekly conferences that focus on medical ethics and challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations. Upon completing the program, you receive a certificate recognizing at least 140 hours of observation and instruction completed during the internship.
15. Project Healthcare Summer Volunteer Program (Bellevue Hospital)
Location: Bellevue Hospital (NYC Health + Hospitals), New York City, NY
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 65 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates who have completed at least one year of college
Project Healthcare is an intensive 10-week summer program where you volunteer directly in Bellevue Hospital's busy emergency department. You will cover topics like emergency medicine, trauma care, public health, and social determinants of health. During your shifts, you will act as a patient advocate by providing meals and comfort, assisting with patient transport, observing operating room procedures, and keeping patients company. The program blends clinical exposure at a Level 1 trauma center with a weekly medical curriculum and a collaborative health equity research project. Ultimately, you will walk away with highly practical skills like compassionate communication, clinical adaptability, and patient advocacy.
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