Clinical Laboratory Intern Program - Summer 2026

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Clinical Laboratory Intern reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Performs specimen processing, and clerical functions in one or more sections of the laboratory.
• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance. Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments.
• Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others. Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Assists with stocking department supplies and putting supplies away.
• Performs transport, receipt and loading of specimens.
• Assists with packaging of specimens to reference labs.
• Assists with order QA cross-checking.
• Reviews/Records refrigerator temperature(s) and QC/QA records. Areas of concern are recorded through the Corrective Action Log and reported to maintenance for repair. Findings are reported to supervisor or manager.
• Answers the main lab phone and transfers calls appropriately to the lab departments.
• Performs daily disinfection of surfaces.
• Follows lab procedures carefully. Follows up with all outstanding orders on Order Monitor, and communicates all timed, completed or uncompleted draws/charges, tasks, missing phones through shift reporting to the next shift prior to clocking out and performs other duties as assigned.
• Follows JCAHO National Patient Safety goals in regard to two patient identifiers and hand washing.
• Other duties as assigned.

See what our staff have to say about working in this department and at Northwestern Medicine! Be Part of Better: What It’s Like to Work at Northwestern Medicine

Application Due Date: 1/16/2025

Program Dates: 6/10/2026 

Qualifications

Required:

• Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level degree program and have completed at least one semester of classes or have recently completed such a program. Applicants must be legally eligible for employment in the United States.
• Applicants generally must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, although exceptions are made based upon qualifications and experience.
• Zero (0) to two (2) years’ experience in a relevant role.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Inter