14 Summer Hospital Internships for Undergraduates
A summer hospital internship as an undergraduate allows you to see how healthcare works beyond the classroom. You can help with clinical research, review patient data, or support hospital departments. An internship helps you understand how theory connects to decision-making that affects patients and healthcare systems. These experiences strengthen your academic foundation and allow you to grow professionally. Hospital experience enhances your resume and shows aptitude in the field when applying for further studies or future jobs.
Why should I do a summer hospital internship as an undergraduate?
Several major medical centers, research hospitals, federal institutes, and university health systems across the U.S. offer structured internships for undergraduates. Programs may focus on areas such as pediatric medicine, anesthesia, behavioral science, or broader biomedical research. Depending on the program, you can learn about clinical research at hospitals, observe patient care, or work on projects within a department. Some internships pair you with a faculty mentor to complete an independent research project that ends with a poster presentation or seminar. Interning at a hospital gives you firsthand exposure to a medical career and valuable skills that can prepare you for medical school.
Below is a list of 14 summer hospital internships for undergraduates that offer meaningful experience and mentorship.
1. Vanderbilt Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship Program (UCRIP)
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 15–20 students
Dates: June–August (~8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at U.S. accredited institutions; U.S. citizens/permanent residents; GPA ≥3.5
This program places undergraduates into clinical research teams at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the summer. You will be matched with a faculty mentor and work on an active research project. Much of the work involves helping with study coordination, reviewing patient data, and supporting ongoing clinical studies. You also attend seminars about research skills and medical careers. Some clinical exposure, such as observing rounds, may be included depending on the project. The program ends with a research presentation. It’s designed for students seriously considering a career in medicine or clinical research.
2. Ladder University Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November), and Spring (January)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder’s University Internships allow undergraduate students to gain experience working in fast-paced, early-stage companies. You can choose from over 50 host organizations across various industries, including technology, healthcare, media, nonprofits, consulting, and AI/ML. Many of these companies are led by founders with ties to well-known accelerators and past roles at established tech firms, and several have experience raising early funding. During the eight-week program, you’ll work directly with a manager at your assigned company while also receiving guidance from a Ladder Coach. By the end of the internship, you’ll complete a project you can add to your portfolio. Apply now!
3. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP)
Location: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 25–30 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current undergraduate sophomores/juniors/seniors; U.S. citizens/permanent residents; GPA ≥3.3
CRISSP places you in pediatric research teams where you work on mentored research projects in basic, clinical, or behavioral science. The internship matches you with a CHOP faculty mentor to work on a real research project in clinical, translational, or basic science, where you understand how data is collected, studies are designed, and results are analyzed. You also participate in weekly seminars, career workshops, and training in ethics and research communication. Clinical shadowing and informational interviews enrich the experience, and you present your findings in the end sessions. The program integrates hospital exposure and research skill building.
4. NIH Clinical Center Summer Internship Program
Location: NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 40 students annually
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited institutions; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 18 years old by September 30
The NIH Clinical Center Summer Internship Program (CC-SIP) is a highly competitive, paid summer research experience specifically designed for students interested in clinical research. It engages you in clinical and translational research guided by NIH physicians and scientists. As an intern, you will work on research protocols, attend lectures by leading investigators, and participate in professional development activities. The experience includes exposure to biomedical research practices within the nation’s clinical research hospital. Interns often present work at NIH’s Summer Poster Day, enhancing their communication and scientific skills.
5. Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Location: Mayo Clinic campuses (Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ)
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~180 students accepted total
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore year of college prior to the program’s start; minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
The Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a highly competitive, 10-week program designed for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research. It offers a structured summer research experience working with faculty mentors on lab, clinical, or translational projects. You will strengthen laboratory and analytical skills, as well as attend professional development seminars and networking events to understand clinical research careers. The program culminates in sessions where interns present findings to peers and faculty. SURF provides robust exposure to hospital-linked science and medicine.
6. INSPIRE Future Generations Internship at Cedars-Sinai
Location: Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 interns
Dates: June 29 – August 7/September 4
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students or recent graduates who have overcome challenges or barriers such as economic hardship, language difficulties, educational limitations, physical or mental disabilities, or who are protected veterans
The INSPIRE Future Generations Internship at Cedars-Sinai is a paid summer research program for undergraduates or recent graduates who have overcome significant challenges. The program aims to increase access to biomedical and health-related research careers. You will be matched with Cedars-Sinai faculty mentors and engage in research projects that may include laboratory (bench), clinical, or translational research. Interns contribute to ongoing research activities under supervision. The program includes structured educational components such as research training sessions, professional development workshops, and seminars. You may receive instruction in topics such as research methodology, data interpretation, and scientific presentation.
7. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center – Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Location: Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & UC College of Medicine)
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150 students
Dates: 10 weeks (Late May to early August)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors; minimum 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Cincinnati Children's immerses you in clinical, translational, and basic science research within pediatric medicine. During this 10 -week program, you will conduct laboratory research, attend scientific writing classes, and participate in an ethics in research seminar. The internship provides the rare opportunity to experience introductions to surgery and pathology while networking with a strong national cohort of peers. By working full-time under the direct mentorship of world-renowned pediatric faculty, you will build a solid foundation for your future career.
8. Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program
Location: Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $3,000–$5,750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150 students across all SIP divisions
Dates: May 24 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of college; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is typically required
The Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program (SIP) is a prestigious, full-time research experience primarily hosted at the School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. It offers undergraduate students mentored research experiences within clinical and translational research teams. You will engage in biomedical research, attend seminars, and build problem-solving and analysis skills. Professional growth activities and networking events help you explore medical and science careers. The program concludes with research presentations and is ideal for students seeking exposure to hospital-linked scientific investigation and mentorship.
9. Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research Summer Internship
Location: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes, Manhasset, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; up to 25 students
Dates: May 27 – July 22
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Current matriculated undergraduate college students; 16+ at the program’s start
The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research Summer Student Internship Program is a competitive, 8-week mentored research experience located in Manhasset, New York. Hosted by the Feinstein Institutes, this internship places students into hospital-based research departments. You will work on projects in areas such as neuroscience, behavioral science, or molecular medicine, participate in lab meetings, and assist with data collection and analysis. Professional development sessions are typically included during the program. The internship concludes with a research presentation and offers experience within a large health system’s research arm.
10. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Education Program
Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Stipend: $600 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 45–55 students
Dates: 10–11 weeks starting either May 11/18/26/June 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Full‑time undergraduate students who have completed at least their sophomore year of college; U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or possess a visa permitting US residency; medical, pharmacy, and graduate students should have a minimum 3.4 GPA in science and math and a 3.4 GPA overall
The Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) program is a summer internship designed to prepare you for a career in biomedical research or medicine. Throughout the summer, you will explore advanced topics in pediatric oncology, including basic cancer biology, translational medicine, and clinical trials. During your time at St. Jude, you will conduct independent laboratory or clinical research under a faculty mentor, attend daily Lunch and Learn seminars, shadow practicing oncologists, and present your final research findings. The program seamlessly integrates a premier research facility within a working children's hospital, giving you exposure to the bench-to-bedside pipeline. By participating, you will develop technical laboratory skills, learn data analysis methods, and gain professional scientific communication.
11. Seattle Children’s Hospital Summer Scholars Program
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
Stipend: $7,100 + $400 food stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; 45–50 students
Dates: June 15 – August 14
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in college programs
The Seattle Children’s Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (SSSP) is an intensive, 9-week mentored research internship for undergraduate students interested in biomedical, clinical, or public health research. It places undergraduates in research labs affiliated with Seattle Children’s Hospital, where you work under a faculty mentor on pediatric-focused research projects. Responsibilities may include laboratory experiments, data analysis, and literature review, whereas the program includes seminars on research skills and healthcare careers. You prepare an abstract and present your findings at a final symposium, gaining hands-on research experience in a hospital-centered pediatric setting.
12. Barrow Neurological Institute Summer Undergraduate Internship
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 35–40 students
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students interested in neuroscience or clinical research
The Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Summer Undergraduate Internship is a paid, 10-week immersive program designed for undergraduate students interested in translational neuroscience research and other specialized fields. You will work in research laboratories under mentorship from Barrow scientists and contribute to neuroscience research projects using advanced technologies and methods. Your tasks can include assisting with research activities, contributing to experiments, and engaging with research staff, though specifics vary by placement and program. Roles can also be available in areas such as academic publishing, marketing, philanthropy, and neuro-rehabilitation support within the institute.
13. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) – Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY)
Stipend: $6,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies across the specific scientific research tracks
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, completed coursework in general biology/introductory chemistry, and prior research experience
The MSK Summer Undergraduate Research Program is a 10-week experience designed to give you rigorous, hands-on biomedical training at a premier cancer center. During the program, you will explore complex topics covering mechanistic biology, chemical biology, computational biology, engineering and imaging, immunology, and quantitative sciences. You will conduct independent experiments in laboratories, engage with faculty, attend weekly professional development seminars, and present your findings at a concluding poster symposium. The program's defining feature is its deep integration within a top-tier translational hospital, showing you exactly how basic bench science directly informs clinical oncology.
14. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Care Extender Program
Location: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA) and UCLA Health Santa Monica Medical Center
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round quarterly rotations (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by rotation (e.g., April 2 for the Spring cohort; June/July for the Summer cohort)
Eligibility: Undergraduates (Minimum age 16+); must commit to 1 year, complete CPR certification, provide proof of immunizations, and pass a TB screening and background check
The Care Extender Program is a clinical volunteer experience designed to give you firsthand exposure to a hospital's daily operations. During your one-year commitment, you will explore various healthcare topics and workflows by rotating through diverse clinical departments like pediatrics, surgery, and radiology. As a participant, your daily activities will involve greeting visitors, assisting medical staff with administrative duties, comforting patients at the bedside, and answering patient call lights. Through these rotations, you will develop strong interpersonal communication, learn essential patient care etiquette, and gain a realistic understanding of the hospital environment.
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