Volunteering, employment and gap year resources

Working or volunteering in medically related areas will help you gain a better understanding of medicine and healthcare practice, while demonstrating that you not only have a passion for your chosen health profession, but also have a concern for your community. Volunteering is an indication of your ability to give of yourself to other individuals, especially those who might be educationally or economically disadvantaged. Community service will also increase your cultural competence, a definite asset in our diverse (global) medical practice environment.

Depending on your healthcare field of choice, there may be specific requirements for the type and number of hours of patient care experience that prospective students should acquire prior to applying.  Be sure to research the issue thoroughly and to connect with your schools and programs of choice for details.  Physician Assistant programs, for example,  have particularly stringent expectations for what "counts" toward direct patient care hours.  See how one schools does it.

When you apply to any health profession school, admission officers will assess your experiences according to various criteria, including length of time, depth of experience and lessons learned.  We recommend that you keep a journal of your experiences and reflections.

In general, quality is more important than quantity.  Although useful, short-term experiences such as day-long blood drives or fund raising activities for a worthy cause may be considered less enlightening than semester-long commitments.  Similarly, if you are planning to go abroad for a short-term international service trip, be sure to balance that experience with sustained involvement with local organizations here in the U.S.  One week on an alternative spring break is no replacement for one or more semesters spent volunteering in a local free clinic, hospital, hospice, rehabilitation center or nursing home. If you are contemplating participating in clinical and patient-oriented experiences abroad, please refer to this information on international service trips. NOTE: Engaging in clinical, hands-on activities for which no appropriate training or supervision is provided not only is neither ethical nor legal, but it may also jeopardize your candidacy at health profession schools since your ethics and judgment will be questioned.

The following resources are provided to help you identify medically-related experiences (both on a volunteer and employment basis) in the Ann Arbor area and beyond.  The list is not comprehensive but is meant to help you think more broadly about the range of opportunities available to you.  Keep in mind that the organizations listed below may not necessarily need volunteers at this particular time even though occasionally they do.  It is up to you to contact these organizations and ascertain their current needs and application modalities as appropriate.  You may wish to discuss your approach with your general and/or pre-health advisor and members of the University Career Center staff.

NOTE:  During the pandemic, many "typical" opportunities were severely restricted. The links below were resources we shared to give students ideas on how to stay involved during that time. These resources are still useful for that purpose, so please take a look as they may still help you:

Here is a sampling of options typically available to pre-med and pre-PA students--by category, followed by additional specific resources for other health professions such as dentistry, pharmacy, etc.:

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University of Michigan Resources

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Local Emergency Medical Services

  • Huron Valley Ambulance                             
    Huron Valley Ambulance is a group that has EMS, Paramedic, and Medical First Responder training.

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Local (and beyond) Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician & Phlebotomist Programs

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Local Doula Resources

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Local Hospice Services

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Local Hospitals

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Local Assisted Living Centers

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Local Non-Profit Organizations

  • Walking Distance from Central Campus
    • U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center                             
      Our mission is the conquest of cancer through innovation and collaboration.
    • Center for Eating Disorders (Ann Arbor)                             
      Mission: To provide educational information, treatment, prevention and referral information, counseling and support to sufferers of eating disorders as well as the general community.
    • The Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor)                             
      Mission: To provide families of children experiencing a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization or treatment on an outpatient basis, a “home away from home” that assists in alleviating families’ emotional and financial stress.
    • Women’s Health Resource Center (Ann Arbor)                             
      Mission: To offer information on a variety of health related topics to women and their families.
  • Bus Accessible
    • National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor)                             
      Mission: To give individual and group support to families with a relative who is mentally ill.
    • American Cancer Society, Washtenaw County Unit (Ann Arbor)                             
      Mission: To help adults and children cope with the effects of cancer through education, research, and service.
    • Chelsea Arbor Treatment Center (Ann Arbor)                            
      It is a facility exclusively for treatment, research, and training related to alcohol and drug problems.
    • C.L.E.A.R. House (Ann Arbor)                            
      Mission: To offer a chemical dependency program with four phases of outpatient treatment.
    • Community Residence Corporation (Ypsilanti)                             
      Mission: To provide community based residential services to persons with developmental disabilities.
    • Full Circle Community Center (Ypsilanti)                             
      Mission: A psychological rehabilitation clubhouse reintegrating adults recovering from mental illness into the community.
    • HIV/AIDS Resource Center (Ypsilanti)                             
      Mission: To provide HIV related services to our community through compassionate direct care, prevention, and outreach activities.
    • March of Dimes (Ann Arbor)                             
      Mission: To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality through community service, advocacy, research and education.
    • National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (Ann Arbor)                             
      Mission: To prevent and eliminate diseases of the kidney and urinary tract and to enhance the quality of life of renal consumers through public and professional education, consumer services and advocacy, and sponsored research.
    • Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan                             
      Mission: To ensure broad public access to reproductive health care through direct service, education, and advocacy.
    • Family Life Services Clinic (Ypsilanti)                            
      Mission: To help young mothers with unplanned pregnancies acquire accurate information about all of their options and support them once those decisions are made.
    • Washtenaw County Public Health Services (Ypsilanti)                             
      Mission: To ensure the citizens of Washtenaw County enjoy the best possible state of health, free from avoidable diseases, disability, and the threat of premature death in a healthful and healthy environment.
  • Requires Car

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Summer Camps/Summer Programs

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Research Opportunities

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Work and Volunteering Abroad

If you are contemplating participating in clinical and patient-oriented experiences abroad, see the following resource. Remember that engaging in clinical, hands-on activities for which no appropriate training or supervision is provided not only is not ethical nor legal, but it may also jeopardize your candidacy at health profession schools since your ethics and judgment will be questioned:

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Gap Year Options

Looking for something to do between graduation and medical, dental, or graduate school? There are many opportunities available ranging in length from summer to one to two years. Some opportunities may be directly related to medicine or healthcare, while others may be a chance to explore another side of working with people, such as teaching or community organizing. You may consider fellowships, internships, research, volunteering, part-time employment, etc. Whether you are looking to improve your candidacy to medical school or experience something new before entering your program or the world of work, there is an opportunity out there for you!  Be mindful of implications on loan repayment if you take one or more gap years.

This is only a sampling of the many opportunities available. If you wish to explore additional resources or learn more about what to do upon graduation before entering a graduate or professional program, consider scheduling an appointment with a pre-health counselor at The University Career Center.

Internships

  • American Public Health Association Internships (3 months-1 year)                             
    The American Public Health Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. A variety of internships for undergrad and grad students are available.
  • AYUDA Internship (Summer)                             
    American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc. (AYUDA) is a grassroots organization seeking interns who are dedicated, hard working and self-motivated. The interns will experience how a small non-profit organization works from the everyday operations to the delivery of essential medical support and resources to Latin America.
  • Church Health Center Internship Program (3 months-1 year)                             
    Dr. Scott Morris founded the Church Health Center in 1987 to provide quality, affordable healthcare for working, uninsured people and their families. Over the years, Dr. Morris has hired pre-medical students in their gap year to intern in what has become the country’s largest faith-based clinic.
  • NCI Communications Fellowship (6 months-1 year)                             
    The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research and training. The NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.
  • Internship/Co-Ops for Pre-Medical Students (Summer)                             
    List of internship postings compiled by Rochester Institute of Technology for pre-medical students.
  • MHealthy Intern (Summer or Semester)                             
    MHealthy has internship possibilities for currently enrolled and recent college students in the areas of fitness center management, corporate health promotion, health education, community health promotion, nutrition, tobacco cessation, employee wellness, and marketing.
  • Pfizer Lab Internships (Summer)                             
    Pfizer, the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company is offering several laboratory internships in fields of chemistry, microbiology, and physical sciences.
  • Washtenaw County Department of Public Health Internships (8-12 weeks)                             
    The Washtenaw County Health Services Departments, Public Health and Mental Health need students to assist with various projects. Public Health and Mental Health offer student internships and volunteer opportunities.

Fellowships

  • Emerging Leaders Program (2 years)                             
    The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a competitive, two-year, paid, federal internship with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The program provides a unique opportunity to develop analytical and critical leadership skills in one of the largest federal agencies in the nation.
  • Global Health Corps                            
    Global Health Corps is a non-profit organization committed to health equity.  GHC pairs talented young professionals from the United States and abroad, from a variety of backgrounds, to work in year-long fellowships with organizations serving poor communities in the United States and beyond.
  • Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities- Various Fellowships (Varies)                             
    The OMHD supports training opportunities for qualified students at all levels of their education. Many of the opportunities involve working with the Federal Government or the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
  • Presidential Management Fellows Program (1 year)                             
    The purpose of the Program is to attract to the Federal service outstanding men and women from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs.
  • Project Horseshoe Farm Fellowship                            
    Horseshoe Farm intensive 13 month community-based fellowship is geared to recent college graduates interested in community health and education, non-profit and organizational management, social entrepreneurship, and community service leadership.  HSF is located in Greensboro, AL.
  • U.S. Schweitzer Fellows Programs (1 year)                             
    The U.S. Schweitzer Fellows Programs provide community service fellowships for graduate students in health-related professional fields who are dedicated to addressing unmet health needs in their local areas.
  • More STEM and Medically-Related Fellowships (a compilation)

Employment (full and part-time)

  • Department of Veterans Affairs (Varies)                             
    The VA’s goal is to provide excellence to the over 25 million veterans currently alive in patient care, veterans’ benefits, and customer satisfaction. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer or be employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the health care setting or in other settings relating to the care of our country’s veterans.
  • Greater Flint Health Coalition Project Manager Positions (Full-time)                             
    Greater Flint Health Coalition is a non-profit coalition comprised of providers of health care, insurers, purchasers, government, labor, and consumers. GFHC’s mission is to improve the health status of the residents of Genesee County, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare delivery system in Genesee County.
  • Michigan Medicine Job Postings                            
    Use this searchable job board to identify healthcare related opportunities with Michigan Medicine.  Search for Certified Nurse Assistant, Phlebomist, Medical Assistant, Medical Scribe, Patient Care Assistant, EMT, Translator, etc.
  • Planned Parenthood Clinic Assistant (Full or Part-time depending on location)                             
    Job descriptions of Planned Parenthood Clinic Assistants vary depending on location, but generally the position involves clerical duties, basic patient care, or both.
  • HealthCorps                            
    HealthCorps is a comprehensive health education program founded by Dr. Mehmet Oz.  HealthCorps Coordinators commit to two years of service to work full-time in a designated high school and community.
  • GVSU Scribe Academy                            
    This free program (with classroom, online and clinical components) trains individuals to assist healthcare providers by documenting patient care in the electronic medical record. Students that successfully complete the program are hired as hourly employees of Helix Scribe Solutions.  Great gap year option for pre-med/pre-PA students interested in working in the Grand Rapids, Lansing, Owosso, Big Rapids and Kalamazoo areas.
  • ScribeAmerica                            
    Scribes provide real-time charting for physicians by shadowing them throughout their shifts and performing a variety of tasks including recording patients’ history and chief complaints, transcribing the physical exam, ordering x-rays, recording diagnostic test results, and preparing plans for follow-up care.
  • Elite Medical Scribes                            
    Based in Minnesota, Elite Medical Scribes has recently expanded their services to Ann Arbor by partnering with the University of Michigan Health System.  Scribes work side-by-side with physicians throughout their entire shift and have the opportunity to observe how the physician interacts with patients.
  • iScribeMD                            
    As a scribe, you’ll earn income as you learn the ins and outs of what it takes to succeed in an ER, a hospital or a physician’s office.
  • Medical Interpreter                            
    UMHS Interpreter Services provides interpretation and translation to patients of all languages throughout the University of Michigan Health System.
  • Standardized Patient Instructor                            
    Standardized Patient Instructors are trained extensively to portray a specific case for which medical students will do a brief medical interview and/or a focused physical examination. The program is offered through UM Medical School.

Research

A good way to get involved with research is to network with current and past professors or to get in touch with faculty members within various academic departments. There may be opportunities here at the University of Michigan or the departments may know of grant money available for temporary research positions in your field after graduation.

  • Summer Research at the University of Michigan (Summer)                             
    Listing of summer research opportunities at UM
  • Graduate Research, Education, and Training (GREAT) Group (Summer)                             
    The GREAT Group is an AAMC Group established quality education in the biomedical sciences. They have a link to Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (by school) at their website.
  • Health Sciences Research Opportunities (Summer)                             
    This website from Swarthmore College provides a list of links to summer research programs available to undergrads and recent grads in the U.S.
  • Michigan Cardiovascular Outcomes Research and Reporting Program (MCORRP)                            
    MCORRP studies common cardiovascular conditions and procedures among large populations; develops modern mathematical tools to assess risk and outcomes; promotes evidence-based care models which incorporate best science into care itself by targeting physicians, nurses, and patients.
  • National Alliance of Research Associates Programs (NARAP)                             
    NARAP is a consortium of emergency departments and colleges joined to generate research and quality improvement projects utilizing Research Associates (RAs) to enroll large numbers of participants over short time frames. RAs are pre-health professional college and post-baccalaureate students who volunteer in the emergency department enrolling participants in clinical research and providing service based on that research.
  • Research Associates Program at St. Vincent’s Medical Center (Summer)                             
    The Dept. of Emergency Medicine at St. Vincent's Medical Center recruits college students and graduates to join research efforts in the emergency department (ED). With both the research and service protocols, each RA will have direct interactions with well over 100 patients and visitors during the summer semester.
  • Student Programs at the National Institutes of Health (varies)                            
    The NIH provides a plethora of opportunities for students at all levels. In particular, see the Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA), a biomedical research program that enables eligible recent college graduates who are planning to apply to graduate or professional school to spend one or two years working with investigators at the NIH.
  • Summer Research Fellowship Program at WSU SOM (Summer)                             
    Expand your research skills at one of the largest medical centers in the world. Summer fellowships are available in molecular biology and biochemistry.

Service opportunities

  • AmeriCorps State and National (9-12 months)        
    The largest of AmeriCorps programs, AmeriCorps State and National provides funds to local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. Members serve full- or part-time over a 9- to 12-month period. 
  • AmeriCorps NCCC (10 months)           
    AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18–24. Members live on one of five campuses, located in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; Perry Point, Maryland; Vicksburg, MS; and Vinton, Iowa. AmeriCorps NCCC requires an intensive, 10-month commitment. 
  • AmeriCorps VISTA (1 year)        
    AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more.
  • City Year (1 year)        
    City Year corps member serve full-time as tutors and mentors in schools, running after-school programs, leading and developing youth leadership programs, and vacation camps to make a difference in the lives of children and their communities.
  • Citizen School (2 years)        
    The Citizen Schools National Teaching Fellowship is a service program offering a two-year, leadership development experience, including service as a team leader at a Citizen Schools campus, professional development with a partner organization in the community, and the opportunity for optional enrollment in a pioneering Master's program in out-of-school learning.
  • FoodCorps (1 year)        
    FoodCorps is part of the AmeriCorps Service Network, which connects kids to healthy food in schools.  Serving with FoodCorps is a paid, full time 11.5 month commitment beginning each August.  The majority of time will be spent teaching school age children to grow, cook and taste new foods.  Contact Ana Cristina Cujar, Michigan Program Coordinator, at [email protected].  Apply at:  foodcorps.org/apply
  • Teach for America (2 years)        
    Teach For America aims to end educational inequity. TFA corps members serve in high-need schools for two-year commitments.

Overseas opportunities

This is just a small sample of overseas opportunities. The International Center is a great place to find more in-depth information and postings regarding work, volunteer, and internship opportunities abroad.

  • AIESEC (Varies)        
    AIESEC is a global, non-political, independent, not-for-profit organization run by students and recent graduates. Its members are interested in world issues, leadership and management. AIESEC provides its members with an integrated development experience comprised of leadership opportunities, international internships and participation in a global learning environment.
  • BUNAC (Varies)        
    BUNAC offers a range of work abroad, volunteer abroad, and teaching overseas programs to destinations such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, South Africa, Ghana, China, and Peru.
  • ChildVoice International (10-12 weeks in spring, summer, and fall)        
    ChildVoice International is quickly expanding in northern Uganda. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, adult and child education, psycho-social rehabilitation, community health, spiritual leadership and development, income generating projects, microfinance, art, physical and occupational therapy, administrative and organizational tasks, and agriculture.
  • Global Healing HEAL Internship (1-3 Months)        
    Health Education & Advocacy Liaisons (HEAL) internships give undergraduate and medical students the chance to work with physicians at the Roatan Volunteer Pediatric Clinic (RVPC) in Honduras.
  • Peace Corps (2 years)        
    Peace Corps Volunteers serve in 74 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Collaborating with local community members, volunteers work in areas like education, youth outreach and community development, health, and information technology.

General job and internship resources

  • CareerOneStop       
    Great website for the job searcher with job search resources as well.
  • CoolWorks        
    Cool Works is about finding a seasonal job or career in some of the greatest places on Earth. Get a summer job in Yellowstone, Yosemite, or another national park. Find a summer job as a camp counselor. Ski resorts, ranches, theme parks, tour companies and more are waiting for you.
  • Idealist        
    Resource for nonprofit jobs, internships, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Indeed          
    Indeed.com offers the ability to look for jobs and internships using many search engines. Always research each opportunity before applying.
  • MedHunters        
    MedHunters is the world's largest healthcare job board.
  • Medzilla        
    Job posting site in the biotechnology, medicine and health care industries. Extensive list of related links also available.
  • One Day, One Job        
    The insider’s guide to unique and exciting entry level job and career opportunities for recent college graduates. The daily employer profiles highlight the best entry-level jobs and offer innovative job search tips.
  • One Small Planet        
    A site for worldwide travel and adventures. Includes international work, study, volunteer, and travel resources.
  • ServeNet        
    Includes links to grants and other resources for volunteer work.

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Pre-Dent Resources

As summer approaches, take advantage of the ADEA Enrichment Programs Calendar--designed around enrichment programs and experiences in the United States that focus on the dental professions.

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Pre-Genetic Counseling Resources

Gain relevant experience by engaging in crisis counseling, advocacy, research, and shadowing:

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Pre-Optometry Resources

  • Local Optometry Offices
  • Internships, Summer Programs, and Other Opportunities
    • Check off the box on the right of the search page of the Optometry Programs Admissions Directory for national listings of summer programs
    • Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) @ State University of New York                            
      The program is designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented minority students in CSTEP-targeted professions, most particularly in optometry.
    • Focus on Your Future @ Illinois College of Optometry                            
      Includes sample lectures from real ICO courses, an overview of the admissions process, career and leadership development, clinical exposure, and student and OD panels. 
    • Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC) @ Ohio State University                            
      Provides hands-on activities in optics, ocular anatomy, and clinical optometry. Participants learn about vision technology, eye diseases, and the impact of systemic health on the eye. They learn the fundamentals of eye and vision, and they gain a better understanding of the importance of diversity in health care. 
    • International Service Learning                            
      The World Health Organization has determined that lack of eye-care is one of the most crucial needs in developing countries. 
    • Opto-Camp @ UC Berkeley School of Optometry                            
      Open to all, the goal of Berkeley Optometry’s Opto-Camp is to provide pre-health science/pre-optometry majors, especially those who are underrepresented in the profession and/or first-generation college students, with in-depth information about Optometry.
    • Scribe Opportunities with Vision Specialists of Michigan                            
      Busy Bloomfield Hills specialty optometric practice occasionally seeks scribes to work with their optometrists. Positions typically require 25-40 hrs/wk of work and the ideal candidate is a pre-health student who has excellent typing and writing skills and plans to take a gap year prior to enrolling in graduate school. 
    • Ophthalmic Assistant Training and Positions available through KEC                            
      Gap year opportunities for ophthalmic assistants are occasionally available through the UM W.K. Kellogg Eye Center Ann Arbor or in one of their satellite offices in Michigan upon successful completion of their traning program. 
  • Student Organizations
    • Pre-Optometry Club                            
      Our purpose is to guide you in your journey towards Optometry School through support from peers, presentations from accredited optometry programs, meetings with the pre-health advisors, and much more! 
  • American Optometry Association

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Pre-Pharmacy Resources

  • Local Pharmacies
    • CVS Pharmacy                            
      Locations:                            
      --Industrial Hwy.                             
      --S. Main St.                             
      --S. State St.                             
      --W. Stadium Blvd.                             
      --W. Waters Rd. 
    • HealthPlus Pharmacy of Ann Arbor
    • Kroger Pharmacy                            
      Locations:                            
      --S. Maple Rd.                            
      --Plymouth Rd.                             
      --Carpenter Rd.
    • Meijer Pharmacy                            
      Locations:                            
      --Ann Arbor-Saline                            
      --Jackson Rd.                            
      --Carpenter Rd.
    • Trinity Health Michigan Pharmacy
    • Walgreens Pharmacy                            
      Locations:                            
      --Jackson Ave.                             
      --S. State St.                            
      --Washtenaw Ave. 
    • VA Hospital Pharmacy
  • Student Organizations
    • American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists                            
      The AAPS student chapter strives to provide its members with an opportunity to interact with people in academia and industry and thus help them learn more about the function and organization of industry and academia as well as make useful contacts.
    • Multicultural Pharmacy Student Organization                            
      The Multicultural Pharmacy Student Organization of the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy (COP) aspires to:
      • Promote a climate within the COP that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.
      • Educate the COP community on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
      • Provide an environment that serves as a platform for COP students (PharmD, PhD, BS, etc.) to express their identities and cultures in a safe and inclusive space.
      • Advocate for the awareness and appreciation of different cultures, ethnicities, and identities of students, faculty, staff, and all members of the COP community.
      • Empower the expression of diverse groups within our local community and beyond.
    • Pharmacy Christian Fellowship                            
      PCF strives to provide activities for the refreshment and encouragement of members, prayer and meditation on Scripture, education and discussion of current issues in pharmacy, service and missions, and networking with Christian health professionals. PCF is open to people of all religious backgrounds.
    • Student Michigan Pharmacists Association                            
      University of Michigan members of the SMPA represent the will of the students to the MPA through the Student Pharmacist Executive Council. The University of Michigan chapter of SMPA offers networking and mentorship opportunities with leaders in pharmacy and provides a platform for involvement in legislative affairs at the state and national level. At U-M, SMPA holds financial, ethics, legislative, and community service events.
    • Student National Pharmaceutical Association                            
      SNPhA is an educational service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about pharmacy and healthcare related issues, and the poor minority representation in pharmacy and other health-related professions. Our mission is to improve healthcare outcomes and help provide care to underserved communities and address healthcare disparities.
  • Summer Programs
    • UM Pharmacy Scholars Program (PSP)                            
      Participants will live on campus during the six-week program, which prepares students to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), to be confident in the interview process, and introduces them to faculty and administrators in the College. It also exposes participants to the variety of career options one has with a PharmD degree. PSP is open to college juniors, seniors, recent graduates.
    • Advanced College Summer Enrichment Program - Howard University                            
      The Center of Excellence Advanced College Summer Enrichment Program (ACSEP) is one of the many support programs offered through the COE to facilitate entry to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at Howard University. ACSEP is a five-week summer enrichment program for undergraduate level students.
    • Engage Chicago - Northwestern University                            
      Engage Chicago is an exciting program component for students interested in careers or further study in health and medicine. The Engage Chicago: Health & Medicine Concentration consists of a series of weekly seminars and field experiences that help students explore contemporary issues and prospective careers in medicine, public health, health policy, and other related fields. 
    • ExRx: Experience Pharmacy Summer Boot Camp                            
      This event hosted by the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy is designed for undergraduates interested in a career in pharmacy.  
    • Pre-Pharmacy Enrichment Summer Program                            
      The five-day Pre-Pharmacy Enrichment Summer Program (PrEP) at KGI is designed for prospective students interested in a career in pharmacy.  There is no tuition fee. The program will include all classes, activities, lunch, and snacks for five days. Limited scholarships may be available for students who need financial support to attend.
    • Summer Academic Enrichment Program - Virginia Commonwealth University                             
      SAEP is an intensive, six-week inter-professional academic enrichment program located on the VCU Health Campus in Richmond, Va. The primary focus of SAEP is to provide students with an academically rigorous experience that simulates the first year of health professional school. Students may choose a concentration from among four disciplines: dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy.
    • Summer Health Professions Education Program                            
      The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools.
    • Summer Pharmacy Institute - University Illinois at Chicago                            
      The Summer Pharmacy Institute (SPI) allows students to explore different areas of the pharmacy profession, including a full day workshop devoted to current trends, research, and activities in each of the following focus areas:  Hospital, Ambulatory Care, Industry/Research & Development, Community, and Professionalism in the Field.
    • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program - Rutgers University                            
      The program is intended for highly motivated undergraduates interested in a research career in the pharmaceutical and environmental sciences. Students are provided with an opportunity to conduct full-time research in areas related to Pharmacology and Toxicology, Environmental Health Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Clinical Pharmacy.
    • UM Profile For Success Pharmacy Program                            
      The goal of this six-week residential program is to provide students with essential tools and information to help with the application process for pharmacy school.
  • General Resources

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Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Resources

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Pre-Podiatry Resources

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Pre-Public Health

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Pre-Vet Resources

  • Local Animal Experiences
  • Local Veterinary Clinics/Hospitals
  • Summer Programs
    • Adventures in Veterinary Medicine @ Tufts                            
      Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts                            
      A fun and engaging career exploration program providing a deeper understanding of the veterinary profession and the demands of veterinary school.
    • Enrichment Summer Program @ MSU                            
      College of Veterinary Medicine
    • Veterinary Scholars Summer Research Program @ Purdue University                            
      Fellowships offer veterinary and undergraduate students the opportunity to work on independent research projects with a faculty mentor and explore non-practice careers.
  • Domestic Internships
    • ECMO Lab                            
      A collaborative program directed by Drs. Robert Bartlett and Keith Cook, the laboratory focuses on cardiac and pulmonary physiology, pulmonary pathophysiology, and bioengineering specific to extracorporeal circulation and related devices. Facilities are available for small and large animal physiology studies including acute and sterile operating rooms along with support for a variety of whole animal and biomedical engineering studies.
    • Select Sires Veterinarian Internship                            
      Open to all individuals (grad and undergrad) interested in Food Animal Medicine. Emphasis on herd health, preventative medicine heavily weighted toward export, biosecurity and individual animal health. Intern will help with sample collection, physical exams, reproductive exams, treatment of bulls and export paperwork. A broad overview of the A.I. industry will also be provided.
    • Seneca Park Zoo's Pre-Vey Internship                            
      Familiarize an academically qualified, pre-veterinary college student with exotic animal medicine and conservation by:
      • Completing a retrospective or cross-sectional research project jointly identified between the student and Dr. Wyatt (10 hours per week)
      • Assisting and observing the veterinary staff with implementation of the Zoo’s preventive medicine program including clinical rounds, chemical immobilizations, quarantine procedures, necropsies, diagnostic techniques and surgeries (20 hours per week)
      • Rotating through all of the Zoo’s animal care areas and learning husbandry practices for and normal behavior of animals including marine mammals, penguins, primates, elephants, carnivores, birds and reptiles (10 hours per week)
    • Staten Island Zoo Internship Program                            
      Provides great learning experiences for interns while continuing an exceptionally high level of care for our zoo animals.
  • Research & Study Abroad Opportunities 
    • Cheetah Experience                            
      Small project situated in central South Africa in a town called Bloemfontein where we are home to cheetahs, lions, leopards, servals, caracals, African wildcats, wolves, meerkats and a tiger.
    • Harnas Wildlife Foundation                            
      Originally established for the protection of animals, the foundation has since grown to include welfare projects and nature conservation projects. Visitors to Harnas can enjoy quality and comfortable accommodation with a range of hospitality, whilst a range of programs attracts volunteers from across the globe.
    • International Student Volunteers Wildlife Conservation Programs                            
      Opportunities Include:                            
      --Costa Rica                            
      --Thailand                            
      --South Africa                            
      Protect endangered species with hands-on research, nurture and rescue wildlife projects.
    • Plum Island Animal Disease Center Research Participation Program                            
      Qualified researchers participate in current research activities aimed at developing advanced technologies and countermeasures against foreign animal diseases. 
    • Projects Abroad                            
      Assisting professional vets and staff at clinics with routine treatments and caring for animals at specialized centers by helping with feeding, cleaning, maintenance, and behavior observation.
    • Vets in the Wild                            
      The focus areas of this course are: Sustainable resource utilization, Wildlife diseases, Animal rehabilitation, Game capture techniques and Veterinary care in rural areas.
  • Other Internship Opportunities
  • General Resources

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