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 2024 & Gap Year Opportunities

Brody School of Medicine Summer Biomedical Research Program
2025 TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
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 $3400 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)
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.

    Please review our application instructions below and contact us at sepprogram@unc.edu with any questions you may have.

    Eligibility Requirements
    Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    • Have in interest in attending Medical School or Dental School.
    • Be enrolled in a College/University, Community College or Early College Program.
    • Be classified as a rising sophomore or rising junior (current first-year or second-year) student at the time of application (or graduating senior in Early College).
    • Identify as one or more of the following: first generation, financially disadvantaged, underrepresented minority, permanent resident in a rural county in NC.
    • Have completed a minimum of three college-level credit hours each in math, biology and chemistry by Summer 2023.
    • Hold a science/overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
    • Be a US citizen or Permanent US Resident (North Carolina residents receive preference).

      Deadlines
      Early Application Deadline: TBA

      Regular Decision Application Deadline: TBA

      Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. The sooner your application is completed, the greater your likelihood of acceptance.

      If you experience any technical difficulties when submitting your application or supplemental materials, please email us at sepprogram@unc.edu or call us at 919-966-2264.

       

      UNC MED Program (Medical Education Development)
      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 was established in 1974 and is designed to increase opportunities in the health professions for individuals who demonstrate educational promise and commitment to a health career but who have lacked opportunities in the past in moving toward their professional goals. The MED Program is sponsored by the University of North Carolina Schools of Medicine and Adams School of Dentistry, 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, especially those who are underrepresented, to compete successfully for admission to health professional schools.

      MED serves three types of students: those seeking confirmation, re-confirmation, or affirmation in their academic abilities.

      MED has two goals: to break down students processes (thinking, learning, studying & testing skills) to build up better foundations.

      MED desires one outcome: to develop each student into a more compassionate human being, a more skilled scholar, and more insightful healthcare professional.

      Application Info

      Deadline: TBA

       

      SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program)

      Students who participate in SHPEP will receive:

      • Housing, meals, a stipend, and travel assistance.
      • Guidance from current admissions deans, health professionals, students, and SHPEP alumni about how to pursue their profession of interest.

      To be eligible for SHPEP, students must:

      • Be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college.
      • Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5.
      • Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
      • Not have previously participated in SHPEP.

      Although curricula and program dates vary by program site, each program participant will have the opportunity to spend the summer exploring a range of health careers, including dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and public health. SHPEP offers students a variety of academic and career experiences, including:

      • Academic enrichment in the basic sciences and quantitative topics.
      • Learning and study skills development, including methods of individual and group learning.
      • Clinical exposure through small-group rotations in health care settings, simulation experiences, and seminars.
      • Career development sessions exploring the health professions and the health professions school admissions process, as well as the development of an individualized education plan.
      • A financial literacy and planning workshop that teaches financial principles and management strategies.
      • A health policy seminar series, exposing scholars to current health policy issues, the policymaking process and analysis, health care financing, and the social determinants of health.
      • An introduction to interprofessional education that addresses effective collaboration across health professions.

      Please visit our website to learn more about the program. If you have additional questions, please contact shpep@aamc.org or 1 (866) 587- 6337 (toll-free).

       

      UNC’s McAllister Heart Institute Summer Research Experience
      May 20 – July 25, 10 weeks in a UNC CH lab and travel to a conference in Chicago
      Open to rising Juniors and up, $6000 stipend

      Apply by February 2, 2024
      For more information on the program, visit this link: https://tarheels.live/mhisummer/
      Application

       

      Duke PRIME Summer Research Fellowship
      Program begins in June 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.

      If interested, please complete the following online application (http://bit.ly/myresearchproposal) which includes a request for CV, undergraduate, medical school transcripts and one letter of support.

      Application open: December 1, 2024
      Application closed: February 1, 2025
      Selection Notification: TBA
      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 9, 2024

      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.  

      Application will be available: January 2025
      Virtual Info Session: TBA
      Application deadline: February 15, 2025
      Contact Vanessa Fleites: vanessa.caridad.fleites@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.

      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 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.

      May 30 – July 28, 2023. Participants will receive a $5000 stipend
      Rising juniors and up are eligible to apply. Underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply
      Link to application

      Virtual Info Sessions to learn more
      Session #1 – Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023, 3-4 pm
      Session #2 – Friday, Jan 5, 2024, 1-2pm
      Session #3 – Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024, 2-3pm

      Register for a Q&A session here

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

       

      University of Michigan Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
      The University of Michigan Samuel & Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center (F-CVC) is pleased to announce the dates for the 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program!

      This program is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students interested in research, especially those interested in pursuing biomedical research as a part of their long-term career plans.

      To learn more about F-CVC SURF, please visit our website at https://tinyurl.com/fcvcsurf. 

       

      Michigan Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (M-SURE)
      The 2024 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 2024 will be $7200, pre-tax, for twelve weeks of full-time work from May 28 through August 16. 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 this website:

      https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/molecular-integrative-physiology/education/undergraduate-opportunities/michigan-summer-undergraduate-research-experience-diabetes-metabolic-diseases-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 January 22, 2024

       

      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