Gaining meaningful experience in healthcare is a vital step in preparing for a career in the health professions. Inside, you’ll discover guidance on exploring clinical and non-clinical roles, connecting with healthcare environments, and developing the professional skills that admissions committees value. Whether you’re just beginning to look for your first experience or ready to deepen your involvement, this resource will help you navigate your options.
Hospital Volunteering
- Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Westchester
- Gracie Square Hospital, Manhattan
- Hospital For Special Surgery, Manhattan
- Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn
- Memorial Sloan Kettering, Manhattan and Westchester
- Montefiore Einstein, Bronx
- Mount Sinai Hospital, various locations
- NewYork Presbyterian, various locations
- Northwell Health, various locations
- NYC Health & Hospitals, various locations
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, various locations and programs
- NYU Langone, various locations
- US Department of Veteran Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
- Westchester Community Health Center, Westchester
- Westchester Medical Center Health Network, various locations in Westchester
- White Plains Hospital, Westchester
Health-Related Volunteer Opportunities
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Emergency Medicine SBIRT Clinical Research Associate Internship
- June through August, 4–16 hours a week
- Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- Providing dedicated students with a distinctive opportunity to gain extensive insights into diverse career paths within the healthcare industry. These pathways encompass emergency medicine, substance and alcohol use counseling, social work, and public healthcare, among others. The program consists of clinical, and when appropriate, nonclinical shifts in NYU Langone’s emergency departments (EDs).
Health Career Opportunity Program in Emergency Medicine
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- This program provides students with a hands-on observational clinical experience and exposure to the diversity and variety of health professions within emergency care. Students can expect to spend each weekday morning clinically observing in the emergency department, rotating in emergency medicine in specialties such as pharmacy, radiology, social work, and nursing. Additionally, the Health Career Opportunity Program offers its participants lectures, small groups, and MCAT preparatory classes most afternoons.
Emergency Medicine Project Healthcare (PHC) Summer Volunteer Program
- 9–10 week clinical volunteer program at NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue and NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn.
- PHC volunteers are given the opportunity to explore the reality of a career in medicine by providing patient support by carrying out such tasks as talking with patients, supporting them, making phone calls on their behalf, monitoring their length of stay, and helping their emotional and physical wellness within the purview of a volunteer.
- In addition to the Emergency Department, which includes adult and pediatric emergency departments, volunteers typically rotate through the trauma center, social work, nursing, operating room, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, EMT ambulance ride-alongs, Safety Net Clinic, psychiatry, and triage.
- Through hands-on experience in one of New York City’s Level 1 Trauma Centers, our volunteers are exposed to numerous aspects of patient care and advocacy while working closely with clinical staff.
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Exploring Health Careers Program
- An intense 4-week in-person experience designed to introduce students to career pathways in the health professions. Throughout the program, participants will engage in interactive workshops led by clinicians and scientists, complete a research project, and gain valuable service-learning and shadowing experiences.
- The program is open to all undergraduates, with preference given to freshmen and sophomores.
- Students must complete a math or science course by the time of submitting their application.
SPRINTER (Summer Program in Translational and Engaged Research)
- Hands-on, in-person summer research experience that integrates basic science and healthcare, running for 7 weeks during the summer.
- The program is open to all undergraduates, with a preference given to juniors and seniors.
- Students must complete 2 years of science courses by the beginning of the program.
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Summer Undergraduate Research Program
- Completion of junior year of college (sophomores with strong science and/or research backgrounds may be considered).
- Runs end of May through mid-July for 8 weeks
- Students are matched to a laboratory in the area of interest they indicate on their application. At the end of the program, students present their research in a poster session. Students will participate in a variety of complementary scientific activities, weekly faculty seminars, a career planning workshop, and more.
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- Various pediatric sub-specialty area positions to apply to
- Range from 6–12 weeks depending on position
- Application requirements vary, but most require students to have completed at least one year of college
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Mechanistic Biology Summer Program
- Designed for undergraduate students (sophomores and juniors) who wish to gain research experience exploring fundamental questions in biology and who are interested in pursuing a career in biomedical sciences.
- Runs June through August
- Requirements include
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completed college-level general biology and introductory chemistry
- Completion of some advanced science courses
- Previous research experience recommended
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Feinstein Summer Research Internship Program
- Runs for 8 weeks, end of May through end of July
- A mentored program designed to provide current matriculated undergraduate college students with hands-on experience and familiarize them with career opportunities in disease-oriented research. Interns are matched with research faculty according to their stated institute of interest and work on an ongoing research project in one of the expert programs. In addition to conducting research, Feinstein interns attend a series of specially designed workshops and seminars. At the end of the 8-week internship, students present an academic poster summarizing their research to faculty and other students.
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Undergraduate Research Program for Underserved Scholars (SURP4US)
- Juniors and seniors
- Interested in the biomedical sciences who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and/or have limited access to hands-on research opportunities.
- Runs for ten weeks from June to August
- Future PhD and MD-PhD graduate applicants only
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Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
- Students work with leading scientists in a broad range of areas including biochemistry; structural biology and chemistry; molecular, cell and developmental biology; immunology; virology and microbiology; neuroscience; physics; and mathematical biology.
- Sophomore and juniors
- Runs early June through mid-August
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Tri-Institutional Gateways Laboratory Summer Program
- Collaboration between Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Runs for 9 weeks starting on June 1
- Students work on a research project, receive mentoring from a current MD-PhD student, participate in clinical skills workshops, shadow physicians at NYP, and learn about being a physician-scientist
- Must have minimum 3.0 GPA
- Designed to provide premedical students with experiential research training, meaningful insights into the field of medicine, and enhanced knowledge of the conditions and policies impacting the health of traditionally underserved populations
- Juniors and seniors
- Runs mid-June through early August
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- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Offering paid internships for college students in science to grow the life sciences industry in NYC
- Both academic year and summer internships
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RISE at Rutgers Summer Research
- 10 week in-person residential program (late May through early August)
- Scholars participate in cutting-edge research in the biological, physical, and social/ behavioral sciences, math, engineering, and exciting interdisciplinary areas under the guidance of carefully matched faculty mentors. A robust professional development component, including optional GRE preparation, complements the research.
- Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Gateway to Dentistry Pathway Program
- 5-day program during first full week of January
- The program introduces college students to a wide range of career options associated with the dental profession. Participants are engaged in challenging and informative hands-on dental experiences. Gateway to Dentistry is a five-day interactive internship that affords each participant exposure to the various aspects of dentistry.
- The program is open to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students and qualified recent graduates.
- New Jersey residents
- Freshmen and sophomores
- Three-year summer commitment, 6 weeks each summer
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- MedPrep is a three-year summer commitment designed to give students an opportunity to develop key skills and competencies important to success on the MCAT and in medical school. During the first summer, the scholar is immersed in an intensive academic program consisting of the development of verbal reasoning skills, biological and physical sciences, study strategies, and communication skills. During phase 2, scholars have an opportunity to experience the clinical setting and complete an intensive MCAT prep course designed to maximize their performance. Phase 2 takes place at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. During phase 3, scholars gain an understanding of how research impacts medical care.
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- Residents of New York City, Long Island, or Westchester County
- Freshmen and sophomores
- Three-year summer commitment, 6 weeks each summer
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- MedPrep is a three-year summer commitment designed to give students an opportunity to develop key skills and competencies important to success on the MCAT and in medical school. During the first summer, the scholar is immersed in an intensive academic program consisting of the development of verbal reasoning skills, biological and physical sciences, study strategies, and communication skills. During phase 2, scholars have an opportunity to experience the clinical setting and complete an intensive MCAT prep course designed to maximize their performance. Phase 2 takes place at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. During phase 3, scholars gain an understanding of how research impacts medical care.
Summer Health Professions Education Program
- 6-week summer enrichment program
- Freshmen and sophomores (60 credits or less)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- The Columbia University Irving Medical Center site supports students who are interested in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and physical therapy professions.
- Students will engage in intense coursework, labs, and career development courses during the six weeks of the program while participating in practical experiences and seminars.
The Dr. June Jackson Christmas College Enrichment Program
- Runs through spring semester (end of January through early May)
- Only open to students enrolled in a university in New York City
- Current juniors or seniors with pre-medical interests
- Minimum 3.2 GPA
- With an emphasis on community psychiatry, students will be exposed to multiple aspects of mental health treatment through rotations in a community outpatient clinic and the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). Along with engagement in clinical experiences, students will visit community mental health sites and attend didactics.
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Public Health Internship Program
- Various sessions offered during fall and spring semesters, as well as summer
- By working on current relevant public health issues under the close supervision and mentorship of experienced professionals, students apply classroom learning to practical problems in a closely matched practicum. In the process, they learn critical skills needed to excel in the field.
- During the summer, in addition to direct hands-on experience, interns are exposed to a rigorous curriculum of seminars, workshops, and other activities to broaden their understanding of how we promote the health of New Yorkers.
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ORISE Research Participation Program
- Students must be pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) major
- Collaborate with HHS scientists and professionals to address the nation’s current challenges and establish long-term relationships and connections, while developing critical skills and contribute to mission-related research activities under the guidance of medicine, public health, and social services experts.
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Participation Program – Medical Research
- Students must be pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) major
- Conduct hands-on scientific research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) fields relevant to the mission of NIH. You will be mentored by renowned experts in their fields on projects relevant to their fields and career paths.
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A CNA provides hands-on care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. Duties range from taking patient vitals, helping with basic medical tasks, assisting patients with daily tasks, communicating with the patient’s healthcare team, and contributing to the patient’s wellbeing. CNA’s most commonly work in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care.
To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved program, which includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice. These programs typically last 12–16 weeks or 120–130 hours and can be completed while you are completing your semester coursework. Visit the The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions Nurse Aide Programs for a list of approved training programs. Students must pass a certification exam after they complete the program.
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An EMT provides immediate emergency care to critically ill or injured patients in pre-hospital settings, typically in ambulances. EMTs respond to emergency calls to 911 and assess a person’s injuries or illness and provide immediate care such as basic life support, oxygen, controlling bleeding, and more. EMTs are often the first to arrive at emergency situations and stabilize patients while transporting them to hospitals.
To become an EMT, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam. More information about state-approved training programs and becoming an EMT can be found at the New York State Department of Health Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) Save Lives! webpage.
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A medical scribe assists a medical professional, usually a doctor or physician assistant, and documents the physician-patient interaction. They take notes for the physician, document symptoms and treatment plans, enter information into electronic health records, and assist with other administrative duties. It exposes you to how physicians conduct appointments, make clinical decisions, learn medical terminology, and work directly with physicians. Medical scribes typically work in private practices, urgent cares, emergency rooms, and specialty clinics.
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A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who is certified to draw blood from patients. To become a phlebotomist, you must take a training course. Many local community colleges offer these certification courses. Some places may require you to take the national certification exam. Phlebotomists typically work in medical labs, doctor’s offices, and hospitals.
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Shadowing is a great way to discover if a health profession is right for you. You will follow the health professional (doctor, dentist, PA, nurse, etc.) around while they are working and see what their day is like. You may observe patient interactions, patient assessment, charting, administrative duties, and how they interact with other healthcare providers. It allows you to gain knowledge and insight into different specialties and medical environments. Shadowing opportunities can be for just one day or several hours a week over several weeks.
Finding a health professional to shadow can take time. These opportunities are typically not posted online, so students need to contact medical professionals and offices individually about shadowing. You can contact hospitals through their volunteer offices or search online for local doctors with specialties that interest you. You can also ask your own physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professionals that you see annually.
When contacting medical professionals and offices, ensure you are using a professional tone. Explain why you want to shadow this person specifically and why their field is of interest to you. Let them know where you go to school and what your future goals are in the healthcare field. If you are referred to this person or office, let them know about this. You will not hear back from every health professional, but do not get discouraged. Continue reaching out to various people and places and be patient.
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Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honors Society
The purpose of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (Tribeta) is to function as a professional honor society for the students of the biological sciences.
Email: Eh05942n@pace.edu
Follow Tribeta on Instagram.Chemistry Club
We are the Chemistry Club and Pace University Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society. We sponsor social events, community events, and informative events, that hope to engage more members of the Pace community in chemistry and the sciences.
Email: ChemistryClubPace@gmail.com
Follow the Chemistry Club on Instagram.Global Brigades
Pace University is a chapter of Global Medical Brigades, an international movement of students and medical professionals working alongside local communities and staff to implement sustainable health systems.
Follow Global Brigades on Instagram.Minority Association of Pre-health Students
The initiative of the Minority Association of Pre-health Students represents future underrepresented medical students and aspiring healthcare workers. MAPS is committed to supporting current and future minority pre-health students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of culturally competent and clinically excellent healthcare workers. Our goal is to provide the resources that can empower minority pre-health students on their path to success. Pace University MAPS is partnered with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Email: ka30670n@pace.edu
Follow the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students on Instagram.Neuroscience Club
Our mission is to provide information about recent neuroscience research and to portray the multidisciplinary aspects of the subject. In addition, the Neuroscience Club strives to promote critical thinking and networking opportunities for students interested in the field. Individuals from all majors connected within this society can have exposure to professional neural physicians, experts, and neurologists who can elaborate on neuroscience principles.
Email: paceneuroscienceclub@outlook.com
Follow the Neuroscience Club on Instagram.Pre-professional Health Society
The Pre-professional Health Society encourages similarly oriented people to come together in order to promote positive, productive interaction, facilitating communication and empowering students to make better-informed decisions in pursuit of professions in healthcare.
Email: pacepphs@gmail.com
Follow the Pre-professional Health Society on Instagram.Pre-veterinary Club
The purpose of the Pre-veterinary Club is to promote interest in the field of veterinary medicine and provide members with opportunities in the veterinary medical profession. Membership is open to anyone interested in advocating the principles of veterinary medicine.
Email: paceprevetclub@gmail.com
Follow the Pre-veterinary Club on Instagram.Psi Chi Psychology Club
The Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology was founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. This society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Psychological Science (APS). Any student at Pace who is a psychology major, applied psychology major, or just has an interest in psych is welcome to join! We meet every Wednesday during common hour, 12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m.
Email: ms23258n@pace.edu
Follow the Psi Chi Psychology Club on Instagram.Queer in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
The mission of QSTEM is to provide an enriching, supportive, and safe environment for queer-identifying students pursuing a career in STEM. Pace University’s demographics indicate a strong need for an environment where LGBTQA+ students can be acknowledged and accepted while building career skills. It is important to foster a community supportive of queer identities that need the support of the STEM community now more than ever. We aim to increase the visibility and representation of queer individuals in STEM through activities that promote learning, leadership, inclusion, community-building, and well-being.
Email: qstempace@gmail.com
Follow QSTEM on Instagram. -
Beta Beta Beta, Biological Honors Society
Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is an honor society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.
Email: mz47673p@pace.edu
Follow TriBeta on Instagram.Chemistry Club
The Chemistry Club aims to provide Pace undergraduate students, faculty, and the community with exposure to opportunities within the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. We strive to participate in outreach programs at local schools, engage students with guest speakers, and foster the development of leadership and chemistry beyond what is learned within the classroom.
Email: ms05255p@pace.edu
Follow the Chemistry Club on Instagram.Colleges Against Cancer
Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is a nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff dedicated to eliminating cancer by working to implement the programs and mission of the American Cancer Society.
Follow Colleges Against Cancer on Instagram.Nursing Student Association
The Pace Nursing Student Association (PNSA) is all about supporting nursing students and helping us grow both personally and professionally. Through PNSA, you’ll have the chance to get involved on campus, connect with other nursing students, and even gain recognition for your leadership and contributions.
Follow the Nursing Student Association on Instagram.Pre-health Club
The goal of the Pace Pre-health Club is to support pre-health students such as premed, pre-dental, pre-PA, and any students who are pursing a career in healthcare. Through engagement with de-stress, social, educational, and career events, Pace Pre-health aspires to create a positively connected community of students.
Email: kg70393p@pace.edu
Follow the Pre-health Club on Instagram.Psychology Club
Our mission is to advance the science of psychology: to encourage, stimulate and maintain intelligence of the individual members in all fields.
Follow the Psychology Club on Instagram.