The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences Internship Program offers students the opportunity to earn college credit through enrollment in MCB 4941, a one-credit course designed to enhance pre-professional preparation through hands-on, experiential learning in clinical settings. Students who are accepted into the program will gain exposure to real-world medical environments while fulfilling academic requirements and building a competitive application for various professional schools.
All internships through the Burnett School, including those in clinical practices, surgery, and clinical research, are acknowledged as High-Impact Practices (HIPs) at UCF. These programs fall under the “Integrative Learning Experience” and “Research Intensive” categories and are specifically designed to strengthen student engagement in healthcare through direct observation, research, and occasional patient interaction.
While most placements focus on shadowing in clinical or outpatient settings, some internships include more active roles in these environments. For example, the Surgical Internship combines traditional observation in the operating room with carefully organized patient-centered endeavors, offering direct involvement in care and professional development through case studies and educational workshops.
Participation in the internship program provides the opportunity to:
- Complete a significant amount of shadowing, clinical experience, or research.
- Engage with professionals in real healthcare settings.
- Contribute to a structured academic program recognized by UCF.
- Earn official transcript credit through MCB 4941, graded S/U.
- Fulfill requirements of a HIP-designated course for UCF students.
MCB 4941 utilizes an established framework to support students’ growth throughout the internship. Midterm evaluations, written reflections, and program-specific assignments such as surgical case reviews or research contributions are integrated into the course. These requirements cultivate meaningful learning and skill refinement for future opportunities.
Earning credit for internship work demonstrates a formal commitment to medicine while confirming completion of a university-sanctioned program aligned with UCF’s goals for high-impact education, ultimately bolstering professional school applications. The combination of guided learning and immersive experience helps students strengthen both their academic record and their readiness for medical or research training.