College Clinical Research Externship

Gain direct exposure to Phase I–IV clinical trials while working alongside clinical research coordinators, nurses, recruiters, and regulatory professionals — a structured experiential program for high-achieving undergraduate students.

Program Overview

A Structured Path Into Clinical Research

The Prolato Clinical Research Center Clinical Research & Healthcare Innovation Externship is a structured experiential learning program designed for high-achieving undergraduate students interested in medicine, clinical research, healthcare administration, public health, and healthcare innovation.

Externs work directly alongside our study teams — not observing from the sidelines — gaining hands-on exposure to how a working research site actually runs, from regulatory startup through patient recruitment.

Responsibilities

What You'll Actually Do

  • Participate in daily operational and project meetings
  • Support study teams with research administration, auditing, and study material organization
  • Assist with specimen processing and laboratory workflows under supervision
  • Review participant data and eligibility criteria with recruitment teams
  • Contribute to patient recruitment and community outreach initiatives
  • Assist with data collection, reporting, and process improvement projects
  • Observe regulatory, quality assurance, and clinical trial startup activities
  • Collaborate on a capstone project addressing operational growth, patient recruitment, or healthcare innovation
Qualifications

Who Should Apply

Academic Standing

Currently enrolled full-time in an academic program.

Field of Study

Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Public Health, Business, Health Sciences, or related fields.

Skills

Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Eligibility

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Program Structure

How the Program Runs

Format
2 weeks per session, offered twice each summer
Commitment
~30 hours per week
Location
In-person at Prolato Clinical Research Center, Houston, Texas
Mentorship
From physicians, clinical research professionals, and healthcare leaders
Session A Dates TBD
Session B Dates TBD

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand clinical trial phases and the drug development process
  • Learn principles of ICH-GCP, research ethics, and patient safety
  • Gain exposure to regulatory and Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes
  • Observe patient-facing clinical research operations
  • Analyze real-world recruitment and retention challenges
  • Develop professional presentation and project management skills
  • Build relationships with physicians, sponsors, and healthcare professionals

Capstone Presentation

At the conclusion of the externship, students deliver a professional presentation to Prolato leadership summarizing findings, recommendations, and outcomes from their capstone project — demonstrating critical thinking, data analysis, and practical recommendations that support organizational growth or operational excellence.

Ready to apply?

Join our next cohort of clinical research externs.

Apply via our application form →

Questions? Email contact@prolato.org