Internship, Research & Professional Growth Opportunities
Whether you're planning to go to medical school or dentistry school, or something else, gaining hands on experience in your undergraduate years is key. Not only is gaining meaningful longitudinal experience necessary as part of your application, it can also provide insight and clarity for you in terms of your goals and your "why".
Certificate & Training Programs
Medical Scribe Specialized Training
Prepare for a career in healthcare with our Medical Scribe Specialized Training Certificate Program. Gain a comprehensive understanding of medical scribe responsibilities and develop the skills needed to work in various clinical settings.
Offered year-round; check UC Merced Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) for enrollment dates.
Community Health Worker Program
Earn a Community Health Worker Specialized Training Certificate and help community members access healthcare services. This online entry-level training focuses on connecting clinical services with community programs and social services.
Offered year-round; rolling admission.
Spanish Community Health Worker Specialized Training Certificate
Earn a Spanish-Speaking Community Health Worker Specialized Training Certificate and help community members access healthcare services. This online entry-level training focuses on connecting clinical services with community programs and social services.
Offered year-round; rolling admission.
Job & Internship Portals
UC Merced Handshake
UC Merced's platform for off-campus jobs and internships. Opportunities are added regularly.
Deadlines vary by employer—check postings weekly.
Career Services & Pre-Health Advising Resources
Workshops, resume reviews, and networking opportunities to prepare for applications and interviews.
Offered throughout the academic year.
Summer Programs
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
Free six-week summer enrichment program for first- and second-year college students. Includes tuition, housing, and meals. Offers academic support, medical and dental school preparation, and mentoring.
Applications open November; deadline early February.
UCSF Summer Student Research Program
A 9-week summer program for high school or college undergraduate students, provides pairing with a research mentor on a clinical or basic science related research project. Students present their reserach at the end of the summer at the Research Symposium. Stipend included. Applications due February.
A 10-week paid internship that runs June to August. Through this educational experience interns gain valuable hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and hone their professional skills.
Workshops & Conferences
UC Berkeley Opto-Camp
A three-day “in-residence” program to explore optometry, learn about admissions, and connect with professionals in the field.
Applications open March; deadline mid-May; program in July.
UC Davis Pre-Health Conference
One of the largest student-run pre-health conferences in the U.S. Features admissions officers, faculty, and healthcare professionals. Offers workshops on medical school applications, financial aid, and public health careers.
Registration opens in summer; event in October.
UCSF Pharmacy Information Sessions
Learn about pharmacy as a profession, training requirements, and UCSF’s Doctor of Pharmacy program. Includes panels with students and faculty. Link to upcoming schedule of sessions.
See link for upcoming sessions.
Northern California Pre-Pharmacy Symposium (NCPPS)
Annual event showcasing career opportunities in pharmacy through workshops, panels, and networking sessions.
Registration opens early spring; event in April.
Stanford Pre-Medical Conference
Student-run event with physician panels, medical school admissions advice, and networking opportunities.
Registration opens winter; event in February/spring.
Research Opportunities
UC Merced Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC)
Provides fellowships, workshops, and mentoring for students interested in research.
Deadlines vary by program (summer deadlines usually January–March).
Tip: Many of these programs are competitive and have early deadlines. Start preparing your applications at least 3–6 months in advance.
Volunteering Opportunities
UC Merced Community Engagement Center
The CEC connects UC Merced students with both one-time and long-term service projects like tutoring, mentorship, food distribution, and campus-community events, while also offering tools such as public service pathways, service hours tracking, and remote volunteering options to help you get involved meaningfully.
