Clinical Research Interns
The PRTP Clinical Research Intern program provides undergraduate students with structured exposure to research administration and operations at Cook Children's Medical Center. Intern experiences are designed to balance learning and contribution through well-defined tasks, accessible supervision, and meaningful project work.
Note for Undergraduate Students: The current opportunity for undergraduate students within PRTP is through the Clinical Research Internship program. This page describes how that program works and what students can expect.
Position Summary
At a glance — what the Clinical Research Intern role involves.
Title
Clinical Research Intern
Reports To
Internship Program Lead / Assigned Preceptor
Hours
Part-time; typically 4–10 hours per week
Schedule
Coordinated with program needs and supervisor expectations
Location
Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX (on-site and/or hybrid)
Program
Pediatric Research Training Program (PRTP)
How the Program Is Designed
The PRTP internship is built around four core principles that guide every placement.
Clarity First
Expectations, process steps, timelines, and roles are easy to understand before day one.
Consistency with Flexibility
Core onboarding and mentorship standards are common across all interns, while project assignments vary by placement.
Learning by Participation
Interns have meaningful exposure to real workflows — not only observation.
Preceptor-Feasible Design
Tools and expectations are designed to reduce burden and fit realistic supervisory capacity.
The Intern Experience — Five Phases
Every PRTP internship moves through a structured lifecycle from recruitment through offboarding.
Recruitment
Positions are posted through school partners, the PRTP website, and faculty referrals. Candidate questions are handled through the PRTP program inbox.
Selection
Applications are reviewed for availability, interest, and baseline readiness. Final selection is made by the program lead with preceptor input.
Onboarding
Interns complete required compliance trainings, receive a Welcome Packet, meet key contacts, and establish first-week milestones before beginning project work.
Mentorship & Experience
Interns participate in real research administration workflows, hold regular check-ins with their preceptor (at minimum bi-weekly), and join cohort huddles for peer connection.
Offboarding
Final tasks are completed, end-cycle feedback is collected, and next-step guidance is offered. Interns who complete in good standing may be considered for future roles.
Examples of Intern Activities
Specific responsibilities vary based on placement, learner readiness, and supervisor guidance.
Literature review and evidence gathering
Data organization and database support
Process documentation and workflow support
Meeting support and coordination tasks
Quality improvement-related project work
Other supervised project work as assigned by preceptor
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, participants will be able to:
Describe core functions within research administration and their assigned placement area.
Demonstrate professionalism, communication, confidentiality, and follow-through in a healthcare setting.
Apply foundational skills in organization, documentation, and task management.
Participate productively in mentorship and feedback conversations.
Reflect on career interests and future development pathways in pediatric research.
Basic Qualifications
We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds who meet the following criteria.
Interest in healthcare, research, administration, or a related field
Reliable communication habits and professional demeanor
Ability to learn new systems and follow structured instructions
Alignment with the values of Cook Children's and willingness to receive feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from prospective interns.
Question
Answer
What will interns do?
Interns support defined projects and tasks while learning how research administration work is organized. Work varies by placement area.
How many hours do interns work?
Typically 4–10 hours per week. Specific expectations are communicated upfront during onboarding.
How are mentors assigned?
Matching considers intern interests, project fit, schedule compatibility, and preceptor capacity.
What happens during onboarding?
Interns complete required trainings, meet key contacts, review expectations, and begin structured first-two-week milestones.
Will interns receive feedback?
Yes — through regular check-ins with their preceptor and brief evaluation tools at mid-cycle and end-of-cycle.
Can an internship lead to a future role?
The PRTP internship is part of our talent pipeline. Interns who complete the program in good standing may be considered for future student worker, research support, or program roles.
Questions or Interest?
Students interested in a clinical research internship at Cook Children's can reach out to the PRTP team to learn more about availability, fit, and next steps.
Learn more about the full range of training opportunities available through PRTP.