About the Patient Support Corps (PSC)
The Patient Support Corps is an unpaid service-learning internship that offers undergraduate and graduate students rare access to meaningful clinical roles within Dartmouth Health. Students become part of care teams, supporting patients and providers in real-time, and gaining invaluable experience in the clinical environment.
Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of compassionate, well-rounded health professionals through hands-on service, reflective learning, and inclusive mentorship.
Who Should Apply
This internship is ideal for students who are:
- Passionate about healthcare—not just medicine, but also public health, nursing, psychology, social work, population health, and more.
- Still exploring their path in healthcare and seeking a growth-oriented, supportive environment.
- Mission-driven, curious, and patient-centered.
- Open to real-world challenges, flexibility, and collaborative learning.
We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, especially those who may be unsure of their next steps or who are unsure of their place in healthcare.
Few programs place early-stage undergraduates in such meaningful roles. That’s why we seek students who are:
- Adaptable and resilient
- Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity
- Motivated to solve problems as they arise
You’ll face real-world challenges—technology hiccups, evolving duties, patient outreach issues—and you’ll grow through them. If you’re looking for a plug-and-play internship with fixed hours and routine tasks, PSC may not be the right fit. But if you’re excited by experiential learning and real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Program Timeline
We are currently accepting applications on a bi-annual basis (Winter cohort and Summer cohort). Early application is encouraged due to limited spots and the depth of onboarding required.
| Winter cohort | Summer cohort | |
| Application Deadline | August 31st | January 31st |
| Application Screening & Interviews | September – October | February – March |
| Onboarding & Training | November – December | April – May |
| Independent Start | January | July |
How to Apply
Interested students should prepare to:
- Attend an in-person interview (required)
- Complete Center for Career Development onboarding and complete PSC-program-specific training within one month of being cleared as an intern
- Provide information on availability and tech setup
Ready to apply?
- Complete a Statement of Interest and then click here to apply.
The Patient Support Corps is not just an internship—it’s a professional experience that empowers you to make real contributions to healthcare while exploring your place within it. Whether you’re on the path to becoming a physician, public health leader, or mental health advocate, PSC is a launchpad for your journey.
Patient Support Corps (PSC) gave me an opportunity to see healthcare from the patients’ side… it helped me engage more directly with patient concerns, and provided lots of time to get comfortable talking to patients in a lower-stakes environment.
- Former Patient Support Corps Member
Who Thrives in PSC
- Undergraduate and graduate students interested in healthcare
- Students exploring diverse healthcare career paths
- Service-driven and patient-centered individuals
- Curious, collaborative, and growth-oriented learners
- Compassionate teammates who value peer support and reflection
What You’ll Gain
- Meaningful, hands-on patient care experience
- Mentorship, training, and professional development
- Confidence, career clarity, and real-world skills
- Exposure to clinical teams and healthcare systems
- Opportunities to support innovative care initiatives
- A collaborative learning community focused on growth, not perfection
Program Expectations
- Multi-year, year-round participation highly preferred/encouraged
- PSC should be your primary service/clinical commitment
- Consistent engagement during academic breaks and summers
- Willingness to learn, reflect, and step outside your comfort zone
- Strong time management and commitment to teamwork
- Respect for patient privacy, professionalism, and documentation standards
Questions?
- We strive to operate consistently, but we also understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique. If any part of our process presents a challenge for you, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]. We’re committed to being thoughtful and flexible wherever possible.