Pre-Professional Opportunities

There are many opportunities and special programs available to pre-professional students. At times, we receive so many that it is difficult to share the information in a quick and effective way via e-mail. We will post all opportunities with extensive information here and share this page link in e-mail and social media. Opportunities are posted chronologically in order of application deadline. This page is typically updated in January each year.

Summer 2025 & Gap Year Opportunities

Brody School of Medicine Summer Biomedical Research Program
May 27 – July 25, 2025
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
Application

Selected applicants will be paired with a faculty mentor to do research which will be presented at the conclusion of the program
Participants will receive a stipend of $3500 to cover living expenses and will be offered free, dormitory housing (if needed)
Contact Dr. Sriramula: Brody_SBRP@ecu.edu with questions.

 

UNC SEP (Science Enrichment Preparation Program)
May 21 – July 18, 2025
Gain the competitive edge with S.E.P.! Held each summer on the UNC Chapel Hill campus, the S.E.P. Program is an eight-week, honors-level academic enrichment program that targets first-generation, underrepresented minority, rural, and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged undergraduate students (rising sophomores and juniors) who seek admission into Medical School or Dental School. Additionally, Scholars will receive educational supplies, lodging on the UNC Chapel Hill campus, limited travel expenses (contingent upon funding) and a competitive stipend. During the program, S.E.P. Scholars:

    • Engage in more than 150 hours of classroom instruction in Physics, Organic Chemistry, Human Physiology and Quantitative Skills/Biostatistics.
    • Attend classes and seminars in reading speed and comprehension, test-taking strategies, essay writing, and interview techniques.
    • Visit local health facilities and network with health care professionals.
    • Shadow a working professional in their health field of interest.
    • Pre-Dental exposure will include a Dental Laboratory Course.
    • Pre-Medical exposure will include Suturing Workshops, Simulation Laboratory Experiences, etc.
    • Kaplan DAT and DAT Prep
    • Suturing workshops and simulation labs

Application Deadline: February 5, 2025

Campbell University Ransdell Family Health Profession Readiness & Enrichment Program (HPREP)
May 18-22, 2025 at Campbell in Buies Creek, NC
A transformative experience for students interested in pursuing a health professional career. HPREP has been making a positive impact in participants’ lives for 20 years, equipping aspiring healthcare professionals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to begin their journey to thrive in their chosen careers.

HPREP is offered by Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and the School of Osteopathic Medicine and will be held in-person May 18-22, 2025, on campus located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The application submission deadline is April 11, 2025, at 11:59pm Eastern Time.

Participants interested in pursuing a profession in pharmacy, physical therapy, osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, public health, or biomedical sciences are encouraged to apply.

HPREP participants will benefit from:

  • Housing, meals, and travel assistance.
  • A free week-long summer capstone that is designed to help participants become a more competitive applicant, experience interprofessional health science professional paths through hands-on workshops, simulation labs, and team building.
  • Connecting with and learning from faculty, staff, and current students within their program of interest.
  • Building meaningful relationships and gaining support in pursuit of their professional career.
  • Professional development sessions focusing on the admissions process, one-on-one advising and mock interview, and building an effective LinkedIn profile.
    Apply by April 11, 2025
    Please contact Shari McGuire, Assistant Dean of Admissions, with questions at smcguire@campbell.edu 

 

UNC’s McAllister Heart Institute Summer Research Experience
May 19 – July 26, 2025: 10 weeks in a UNC CH lab and travel to a conference in Baltimore
Open to rising Juniors and up, $6000 stipend & $3000 travel allowance for the conference

Apply by February 10, 2025
For more information on the program, visit this link: https://tarheels.live/mhisummer/
Photo Gallery from 2024 & 2023
Application

 

Duke PRIME Summer Research Fellowship
Program begins in July 7, 2025

Duke’s Office of Physician Scientist Development is offering in-depth summer research training experiences as part of the Preparing Research scholars In bioMEdical sciences (PRIME) pathway program for student from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.  Participating medical students will pursue mentored training in one of three funded research programs in non-malignant Hematology (sickle cell disease, bleeding/clotting disorders), Ophthalmology, or Radiation Oncology.

The OPSD PRIME Academy is an enrichment program that exposes participants to research and to career paths for physician-scientists. The mission of the OPSD PRIME Academy program is to enhance innovation in biomedical science and promote health equity by developing a diverse cohort of successful biomedical research scientists. The program is currently open to medical students (matriculated or enrolled) who are seeking research opportunities.  We particularly encourage applications from students with limited exposure and/or experience in medical research.

The PRIME Academy consists of a mentored research training in the group or lab of a participating Duke faculty member and a 6-8 week didactic/networking curriculum. Selected students will work in a faculty member’s research group/lab, gain clinical exposure and benefit from the planned curriculum, discussion sessions and collaborations with other student participants.

Application open: December 1, 2024
Application closed: February 21, 2025
Selection Notification: April 7, 2025
Apply

Contact the Office of Physician-Scientist Development (opsd@dm.duke.edu) with questions.

 

Duke PUMP Program
The Paired Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PUMP) in Uronephrology provides undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors,and seniors) with exposure to research, skills-building and mentored research experiences in urology and nephrology. PUMP provides a paid summer research internship followed by10months of virtual and in-person professional development activities. College students receive $7,000 for the 8 weeks summer program.

Program Details
The program focuses on the following:

  • Implementing a mentored summer research enrichment program to develop interest in uronephrology research careers among a diverse cohort of rising sophomore, junior and senior undergraduates.
  • Preparing next-generation uronephrology investigators to mentor a diverse biomedical workforce by training graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and junior Faculty in mentorship and providing them critical experience leading student research projects.
  • Preparing a diverse cohort of undergraduates for post-graduate training and entry into uronephrology research careers through sustained engagement that extends and enriches the summer research program experience.

You can find complete details here: Duke Prime PUMP
Apply by February 24, 2025
Award Notification: March 2025
Program beings: June 2025

For all questions, contact the Office of Physician-Scientist Development: opsd@dm.duke.edu

 

Emory University HealthPREP
HealthPREP is an 8-week program facilitated by Emory School of Medicine & the Rollins Public Health at Emory University for undergraduate and graduate scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in health- related graduate and professional schools to enhance their skills for competitive admissions.  Apply by January 30, 2025
Contact healthprep@emory.edu with questions

 

UMASS Chan Medical School Summer Undergraduate Research Program
May 25 – August 1, 2025
$6000 Stipend, plus housing and travel expenses
A non-credit
, ten-week, structured research experience. The program consists of “hands-on” laboratory research with an investigator serving as a mentor, role model and advisor.
Apply by March 3, 2025

 

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Medical Scholars Pathway Programs
The MCAT Preparation Program is offered in a virtual format. The program provides pre-medical students the opportunity for medical career exploration, MCAT preparation in collaboration with Kaplan, and support in preparing for medical school applications and interviews. The program also offers mentorship provided by Miller School of Medicine faculty, residents, and medical students.

The Summer Training in Research Program is a seven-week residential program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Medical Campus.  The program is designed to give pre-medical students a deeper insight into the field of medicine and research. Participants will learn how to pursue a specific research problem under the supervision of a Miller School of Medicine faculty member and will present their research findings at a research symposium at the Miller School of Medicine.

The Health Careers Motivation Program is a one-week residential program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Medical Campus. Students will explore the physician profession by obtaining a better understanding of the importance of research, problem-based learning, academic preparation, and applying to medical school.

All program costs are fully covered by the UM Miller School of Medicine Office of the Dean. Please visit our website to learn more about the programs, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

UMMSM Medical Scholars Pathway Programs website: https://med.miami.edu/offices/diversity/programs

The deadline to apply is February 21, 2025. Contact jxb1458@med.miami.edu with questions.

 

Virginia Commonwealth University SAEP (Summer Academic Enrichment Program)
The VCU SAEP is a six-week program for Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-PT students. Applications are open to any current college juniors, seniors, graduates and post-baccalaureate students who are preparing to apply to a dentistry, medicine, pharmacy or physical therapy health professional school or program.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, and have completed three years of college coursework, including organic chemistry I and II, (note; organic chemistry not required for physical therapy track).

SAEP is a six-week summer program that simulates the first-year of dentistry, medicine, pharmacy or physical therapy professional school instruction. Participants take academically intensive instruction in each of their chosen tracks in addition to non-credit core-coursework in virtual anatomy (head and neck), pharmacology and physiology. SAEP participants attend learning skills and test-taking workshops, mock interviews, professionalism seminars, current health care topics, coaching and community service activities in an interprofessional framework. At the conclusion of the program, participants receive an assessment of their readiness to attend professional school.

A $1500 stipend is provided to participants. Free VCU housing is provided. Commitment to full attendance, including an orientation session and closing event, is required to participate.

Application

Early decision deadline: Feb 1, 2025

Regular decision deadline: Mar 15, 2025

Virginia Commonwealth University Allied Health Career Exploration
Allied Health Career Exploration (AHCE) is a two-week summer residential program for students interested in any of the nine health career programs offered by the VCU College of Health Professions. Participants meet throughout the week for full-day department/degree program admissions information, hands-on and immersive activities within each discipline, workshops on current healthcare topics, interviewing skills, resume development, and more. Additionally, AHCE participants receive the necessary information to pursue a VCU College of Health Professions application process. Any rising or current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are interested in patient counseling, medical laboratory sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, rehabilitation counseling, radiation sciences, health administration, and gerontology as a potential healthcare career are eligible to participate.Participants Receive:

  • A stipend of $300
  • Free VCU housing for the duration of the program*

AHCE Promotional Video
To read more about our pathway programs and/or to apply, visit VCU Diversity Paths website. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email at dsei@vcu.edu, or give us a call at (804) 827-0982.

Application

Early decision deadline: Feb 1, 2025
Regular decision deadline: Apr 1, 2025

9-week Summer Research Internship which is open to undergraduates seeking an immersive laboratory research experience in Precision Medicine. Participants will be paired with a High School Intern to gain additional mentoring and teaching experience.

June 2 – July 25, 2025. Participants will receive a $5000 stipend
Rising juniors and up are eligible to apply. Underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply
Apply by January 31, 2025

Contact Cynthia Van Horn (cvanhorn@wakehealth.edu) with questions.

 

Michigan Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (M-SURE)
The 2025 M-SURE program will support ten undergraduate trainees for a summer research experience with mentors from an outstanding pool of faculty investigators engaged in cutting-edge basic and clinical research related to diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases.

The funding amount for 2025 will be $7200, pre-tax, for twelve weeks of full-time work from May 27 through August 15. The start and/or end date of the fellowship may be shifted slightly to accommodate overlap with the academic year at home institutions, if necessary. Students who are currently enrolled at any degree granting university or college are eligible to apply. Preference is given to those students interested in a career in research. Funding is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

More information including how to apply can be found at M-SURE.

Each student is matched, based on their interests, to a laboratory participating in M-SURE, led by a faculty mentor of the Molecular & Integrative Physiology Department and/or the Caswell Diabetes Institute at the University of Michigan. Faculty are all committed to undergraduate training and use broad approaches to improve our understanding of obesity, diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases.

To enhance our M-SURE trainees’ experience, there will be a weekly lecture series highlighting the physiology of diabetes, endocrinology & metabolism. Additional presentations will focus on how to develop a career in biomedical research, and responsible conduct of research. Trainees will give a final oral presentation of their work at the end of summer Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. We are excited to provide training and mentorship opportunities in basic/foundational and translational research to help develop the next generation of highly accomplished biomedical scholars interested in biomedical research and discovery.

Apply by February 2, 2025

 

University of Missouri Kansas City STAHR Scholars Program: MCAT & DAT Prep cohort
This program is designed to provide pre-medical and pre-dental students with the resources, support, and preparation needed to excel on the MCAT or DAT and strengthen their medical or dental school applications.

Become a Dental Scholar or Medicine Scholar to get ready for professional program admissions
Progress through a test preparation program for the DAT or MCAT
Develop your application materials, like personal statements and interviewing skills
Connect with admissions staff, faculty, current students, and other professionals
Develop and improve skills like writing, networking, and leadership
Receive mentorship on your academic path

Apply by February 15, 2025

 

Gap Year Opportunities

Duke BIGGER Gap Year Program

The Bridging the Gap to Enhance Clinical Research (BIGGER) Program provides a high-quality research experience over a six-month period for students in their gap year, defined as the period after college graduation and prior to applying for or enrollment in graduate/professional school.

The program is designed to attract diverse, talented students to careers in science; to foster a better understanding of clinical research and its implications; and to provide opportunities for students to gain valuable research experience in preparation for a health professions career. The proposed immersion program will expand and complement existing NIH-sponsored training programs at Duke University and under the leadership of the co-PIs, Dr. Kevin Thomas and Dr. Vivian Chu.

The Duke CTSI BIGGER Program prioritizes participants from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds who plan to take a gap year/s before entering medical school or graduate study in healthcare-related fields. Much of the program occurs in person, and participants are required to live locally in Durham or to commute from nearby areas like Greensboro, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Cary, and RTP.

 

 

Post-Bac Research Program: PRIME-PREP
Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development is currently recruiting candidates for the PRIME Post-Baccalaureate training program. This opportunity is for recent college graduates who are interested in pursuing a doctoral-level research career. Preparing Research scholars In biomedical sciences (PRIME) post-baccalaureate program is a full-time, paid 12-month, program for students underrepresented in research and biomedical fields. The application deadline is TBA. Contact Terri Taylor (opsd@dm.duke.edu) with questions.

 

MOST Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic Foundations Clinical post-baccalaureate program is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Cohort! In partnership with Stanford, the MOST Fellowship is a 12 month program designed to give students exposure to hospital-based outpatient clinical workflows, documentation and other educational opportunities – acting as a Medical Scribe in clinic with a Physician Mentor.

Students complete at least 24 hours per week of scribing and medical observation with their assigned clinical preceptor in clinic. In their additional time, students work in research, observe other medical specialties, and also attend hands on educational workshops. MCAT tutoring and Medical School interview prep is also available to students. To learn more, visit the MOST Fellowships website here: MOST Fellowship Website, or Email MOSTFellowship@ccf.org. The deadline is April 30, 2024.

The Cleveland Clinic Foundations Clinical Post-baccalaureate program is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Cohort through April 30th! In partnership with Stanford University, the MOST Fellowship is a 12 month program designed to provide exceptional clinical experience and professional development to students while strengthening their applications to Medical school, PA school, and other health care programs. Students in our program act as a Medical Scribe in clinic with a Physician Mentor. The most recent MOST Fellowship cohort had an 88% acceptance rate into medical school.

Students complete 24 hours per week of scribing and medical observation with their assigned clinical preceptor in clinic. Other optional experiences included in the MOST fellowship are:

  1. Shadowing in other medical specialties
  2. Conducting research in any specialty of interest
  3. Multiple group volunteering projects throughout the year
  4. MCAT tutoring
  5. Experiences in state-of-the-art simulation lab workshops
  6. In person and virtual clinical workshops
  7. Access to Cleveland Clinic Residency Grand Rounds
  8. Medical school site visits and interview prep
  9. Ability for paid part time opportunities within the Cleveland Clinic
  10. Letters of recommendation
  11. Application Support
  12. End of the year Stanford University-Cleveland Clinic Research Symposium