Most NJ hospitals run formal volunteer programs. Start with volunteer services at Monmouth Medical Center (732-222-5200), Jersey Shore University Medical Center (732-775-5500), or Ocean Medical Center (732-840-2200).
For Students
Everything you need to explore a healthcare career.
Pathways, shadowing, scholarships, certifications, and application prep for NJ students.
Start here
Three steps to get going
1
Explore
Browse the pathways below and pick one. You don't need it all figured out.
2
Get experience
Join HOSA, volunteer, or ask a local hospital about shadowing.
3
Connect
Email us with the subject "Student Interest" for mentors and letters of support.
Career pathways
Real careers, mapped out.
Tap a pathway for NJ programs and next steps.
Programs to join
Internships, shadowing & volunteering
HOSA — Future Health Professionals
Competitions, leadership, scholarships for future healthcare professionals.
Visit websiteAmerican Red Cross Youth
Blood services, disaster response, and community health volunteering.
Visit websiteHospital Volunteering
NJ hospitals — including RWJBarnabas and Hackensack Meridian — run junior volunteer programs.
Visit websiteCertifications
Certifications that open doors
Employer-recognized credentials you can earn while in school.
CPR & First Aid
Offered by: American Red Cross, American Heart Association
Where in NJ: Local YMCAs, community colleges, Red Cross NJ chapters
Learn moreEMT / EMR
Offered by: NJ Office of EMS · County community colleges
Where in NJ: Brookdale, Ocean County College, Union County College
Learn moreCNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
Offered by: State-approved training programs
Where in NJ: Community colleges & healthcare-employer training
Learn moreMental Health First Aid
Offered by: National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Where in NJ: 8-hour course, available online and in-person
Learn moreScholarships & aid
Pay for it: scholarships for NJ students
NJ STARS
Free tuition at NJ community colleges for top 15% of NJ high school graduates.
Apply / learn moreTuition Aid Grant (TAG)
Need-based grants for NJ residents attending NJ colleges — up to full tuition.
Apply / learn moreGovernor's Urban Scholarship
Awards for high-achieving NJ students from designated urban areas.
Apply / learn moreHOSA Scholarships
National scholarships for HOSA members pursuing healthcare careers.
Apply / learn moreAAMC Fee Assistance Program
Reduces MCAT and medical school application costs for eligible students.
Apply / learn moreAmerican Nurses Foundation Scholarships
Grants and scholarships for nursing students at all levels.
Apply / learn moreApplication help
Resume, interview & college prep
Resume basics
- Keep it to one page for high school and early college.
- Lead each bullet with a strong action verb (led, organized, delivered).
- Quantify impact where possible — hours volunteered, patients served, funds raised.
- List certifications like CPR/First Aid up top when relevant.
Interview prep
- Prepare a 60-second "tell me about yourself" that ends with why healthcare.
- Have two stories ready: one about teamwork, one about handling difficulty.
- Bring thoughtful questions — about mentorship, day-to-day work, or the team.
- Follow up with a short thank-you email within 24 hours.
College applications
- Start your Common App account the summer before senior year.
- Ask teachers for recommendation letters at least a month in advance.
- Use the additional info section to explain any gaps or context.
- Apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools.
Student FAQ
Ready to start your healthcare journey?
Join our student volunteer team or email us to connect with mentors.