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. ECU Opportunities will be listed first. This page is typically updated in January each year.

Summer 2026 & Gap Year Opportunities

Brody School of Medicine Summer Program for Future Doctors
June 1 – July 31, 2026
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Decisions will go out by April 6, 2026
The Summer Program for Future Doctors (SPFD) is a rigorous 8-week summer program designed for pre-med students to strengthen their competitiveness for medical school. Up to thirty participants are selected each summer to experience the pedagogical styles and demands of medical school. Each participant will receive a stipend to assist with lodging and travel expenses. On campus housing will be provided if needed.
Application
Contact SPFD@ECU.EDU with questions.

Brody School of Medicine Summer Biomedical Research Program
May 26 – July 31, 2026
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Decisions will go out by April 4, 2026
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 Brody_SBRP@ecu.edu with questions.

UNC SEP (Science Enrichment Preparation Program)
May 20 – July 17, 2026
Early Application Deadline: January 4, 2026 at midnight
Regular Decision Deadline: March 8, 2026 at midnight
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 Medical and Dental health care professionals based on their pathway of interest
  • Pre-Dental exposure will include a Dental Laboratory Course.
  • Pre-Medical exposure will include a Pre-Medical Course

Application
Email sepprogram@unc.edu or call 919-966-2264 with questions

UNC MED (Medical Education Development) Program
Late May – Late July, 2026
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
Notifications of Acceptance: April 3, 2026
The Medical Education Development (MED) Program is an intensive educational experience and challenging opportunity to gain insight into the realities of attending medical or dental school.

The MED Program is sponsored by the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and the State of North Carolina.

The program offers a structured summer curriculum at the level of professional education to increase the ability of advanced pre-professional candidates.

The MED Program is designed to help individuals who demonstrate educational promise and commitment to health careers compete successfully for admission to health professional schools.

Each participant will receive a stipend to assist with lodging and travel expenses. On campus housing will be provided if needed.

Application
Contact: mona_syed@med.unc.edu with questions.

Campbell University Ransdell Family Health Profession Readiness & Enrichment Program (HPREP)
TBA 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 TBA, on campus located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The application submission deadline is TBA, 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 TBA
  Please contact Shari McGuire, Assistant Dean of Admissions, with questions at smcguire@campbell.edu 

Duke PRIME Summer Research Fellowship
Program begins in July 2026

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, 2025
Application closed: February 13, 2026
Selection Notification: April 7, 2026
Apply (Coming Soon)
Contact the Office of Physician-Scientist Development (opsd@dm.duke.edu) with questions.

Duke PUMP Program
The Duke Paired Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PUMP) offers undergraduate students meaningful mentored research and professional development experiences in urology and nephrology. Led by Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development (OPSD) with support from the NIH/NIDDK, it includes an eight-week mentored summer research program followed by continued virtual development throughout the year. The program helps students build skills, confidence, and a foundation for future careers in biomedical science. Participants receive $7,000 for the 8 weeks.

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
Application Opens: December 1, 2025
Application Deadline: February 8, 2026
Award Notification: March 2025
Program beings: June 2026
Application 
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. The overall purpose of the HealthPREP is to facilitate the entry of qualified students into health-related graduate and professional schools. HealthPREP is open to undergraduate and graduate scholars interested in pursuing a career within the health professions (ex. medicine, physician assistant, anesthesiology assistant, genetic counseling, physical therapy, radiologic technologist, and public health) who identify as being from a first-generation college-attending and/or low-income background.
Application Opens: November 19, 2025
Application Deadline: January 22, 2026
Application
Contact healthprep@emory.edu with questions

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.
Program Dates: June 1 – July 17, 2026
Application

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.
Program Dates: June 8 – July 24, 2026
Application

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.
Program Dates: June 15 – June 26, 2026

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.
Application

Application Deadlines: February 20, 2026
Decision Notification: March 13, 2026
Contact jxb1458@med.miami.edu with questions.

UNC’s McAllister Heart Institute Summer Research Experience
May 18 – July 24, 2025: 10 weeks in a UNC CH lab and travel to a conference in Boston
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 previous years
Application

University of Virginia School of Medicine Summer Research Internship Program
Program Dates: May 24 – July 31, 2026
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026, 11:59 PM
Decision Notification: Early March

The Summer Research Internship Program provides an outstanding environment to learn first hand about a career in biomedical research while preparing to succeed in gaining admission to graduate school. Many of our former SRIP participants have matriculated into M.D./Ph.D. and Ph.D. programs, including at UVA.

• An immersive, ten-week, hands-on research experience investigating current problems in biomedical research under the guidance of a faculty member.
• A professional development series highlighting the opportunities that exist for careers in biomedical sciences.
• Presentations by our faculty and panel discussions from our graduate students about the graduate school application process.
• A research lecture series presented by internationally recognized scientists & physician scientists.
• “Communicating Science” workshops teaching strategies for communicating complex scientific topics in clear and engaging ways.
• Several opportunities to present your research.
• Regular office hours and mentoring with the SRIP Program Director.

Application
Contact: srip@virginia.edu or call 434.924.1757 with questions.

Virginia Commonwealth University SAEP (Summer Academic Enrichment Program)
Program Dates: May 19 – June 26, 2026
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). All applicants must have U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status.

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 modest stipend is provided to participants.

Michigan Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (M-SURE)
The 2026 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 2026 will be $7200, pre-tax, for twelve weeks of full-time work from May 26 through August 14. The start and/or end date of the fellowship may be shifted slightly to accommodate overlap with the academic year at home institutions.

Students enrolled at any degree-granting university or college are eligible to apply, with preference given to those interested in a research career. While NIH funding is limited to US citizens or permanent residents, a few slots are available for well-qualified international candidates.

M-SURE welcomes all eligible applicants and strives to support diversity and inclusion in biomedical research.

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 1, 2026

Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (Frankel CVC SURF)
Program Dates: May 26 – July 31, 2026
The Samuel and Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center (Frankel CVC) is pleased to offer a 10-week summer undergraduate research fellowship program to engage undergraduate students in basic, cardiovascular research at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. 

Fellows are matched to a laboratory led by a Frankel CVC faculty member conducting research in areas such as atherosclerosis, genetic cardiomyopathies, blood clotting disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, vascular biology, and heart failure. In addition to working as a laboratory assistant within their mentor’s lab, fellows will attend weekly scientific seminars, participate in organized social events, and close the summer with an oral presentation of their research findings to faculty, staff, and peers at the End of Summer Symposium. 

The fellowship stipend is paid via bi-weekly paychecks (direct deposit available) at a rate of $15 per hour (pre-tax) for ten weeks of full-time work (40 hours per week).

Apply by January 9, 2026

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

Clinical Research Technician for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology
This is a full-time job for pre-med and pre-PA students interested in conducting research in Anesthesia, Pain medicine, Anesthesia Subspecialties, Critical Care medicine, and perioperative medicine across different hospital settings. We are looking for individuals with great communication skills who are interested in direct patient care.

This position provides valuable experience for pre-medical and pre-PA students, including:

• Direct patient interaction through study recruitment, obtaining informed consent, and data collection
• Exposure to a wide range of medical specialties and hospital settings
• Opportunities for research publications and conference presentations

If interested, please email Timothy Mosher, Lead Clinical Research Technician, at Timothy.Mosher@advocatehealth.org  with the subject line “WFBH Anesthesiology CRT Application” by December 31, 2025 to begin the application process
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Timothy.Mosher@advocatehealth.org.

Duke BIGGER Gap Year Program (will be updated in December)
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.

MedServe
This is a great, immersive clinical experience for gap years. MedServe places future healthcare providers in “rock star” primary care clinics across rural and other medically underserved communities to serve in both a clinical and community role.  Currently MedServe is recruiting for their 11^th class of Fellows who receive a $24,000/year living stipend and $7,395/year education award, 2 week training at Chapel Hill, and more.  Early bird applications open October 1^st and close December 1st.  Apply at www.med-serve.org.

Post-Bac Research Program: PRIME-PREP (Application Available December 1)
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 2026-2027 Cohort through April 30^th! 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.

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. Mentorship series for application and medical school prep
5. MCAT tutoring
6. Experiences in state-of-the-art simulation lab workshops
7. In person and virtual clinical workshops
8. Access to Cleveland Clinic Residency Grand Rounds
9. Medical school site visits and interview prep
10. Ability for paid part time opportunities within the Cleveland Clinic
11. Letters of recommendation
12. Application Support
13. End of the year Stanford University-Cleveland Clinic Research Symposium

MOST Fellowship Overview Video

To learn more, visit the MOST Fellowships website here: MOST Fellowship Website, or Email MOSTFellowship@ccf.org.