Healthcare Experiences Over Summer
Summer is the perfect time to participate in healthcare experiences. Many students will use the summer months to gain most, if not all, of their healthcare exposure. Below are some common experiences for pre-health students.
Healthcare Volunteering
Many healthcare facilities accept volunteers and the summer is a great time to participate in a multi-week experience. A simple google search will help you find most volunteering opportunities. Smaller facilities, such as private practices, may not have formalized volunteering programs, but you are encouraged to reach out to those locations to inquire into potential summer volunteering opportunities.
Learn More about healthcare volunteering
Non-Clinical Volunteer Opportunities
Healthcare providers are the ultimate servant leaders, so it is important that applicants can indicate tangible ways in which they help others. You can show your service orientation in many different ways outside of a hospital or clinic. Students are encouraged to review the information found below:
Non-Clinical Volunteering Options
Professional Observation ("Shadowing")
A Professional Observation Experience, commonly referred to as a “Shadowing Experience”, is an educational exploration where students can learn about a particular occupation or profession by observing or “shadowing” a practitioner in their professional environment. Learn more about shadowing.
Summer Professional Observation Programs Summer Professional Observation Programs w/ Research Finding Observation Experiences
Direct Patient Care
Unlike observing, direct patient care experiences usually incorporate physical contact with a patient and, therefore, traditionally requires a certification or on-the-job training. Most students gaining direct patient care hours will do so through a part-time job (such as a CNA, EMT, Scribe, Phlebotomist, etc.). Summer is prime time for students who want (or need) to gain direct patient care hours as most students have expanded work availability. For students who still need to obtain a certification to be eligible to secure a part-time job, summer may be a good opportunity to complete the required coursework/exams. Learn more about direct patient care.
International Opportunities
(International opportunities may require a substantial fee to participate)
International Healthcare Opportunities International Medical Volunteer Opportunities International Dental Volunteer Opportunities International Animal Volunteer Opportunities Varied International Volunteer Opportunities
Notice for all students participating in healthcare experiences abroad: You can face challenges when you travel to other countries if you don’t choose your program wisely and prepare in advance on how to react and behave in situations that may occur while abroad. Please review the following documents regarding appropriate patient care: Guidelines for Premedical and Medical Students Providing Patient Care During Clinical Experiences Abroad from the AAMC Finding an Appropriate Global Health Experience Learning Ethically While Abroad (items above provided with permission from the University of Minnesota)