Are you inspired by the idea of caring for children, families, and communities? Turn your passion for pediatrics and family medicine into purpose with hands-on experiences that bring health care learning to life. Duke University Health Professions Advising and the Duke Career Center are excited to launch an opportunity designed to prepare undergraduates for meaningful careers in health-related fields through the generosity of the Coleman Family Ventures.
Working as a CNA provides essential, hands-on patient care experience builds clinical and essential skills (like empathy and teamwork) and offers deep insights into the healthcare system’s daily operations, making applicants more competitive and better prepared for the rigors of medical, nursing or PA school. And we are making it accessible to Duke students, free-of-charge right here in Durham this Summer.
Program Highlights:
- 12-week immersive training hosted in partnership with Durham Technical Community College. Tuition and course fees included.
- 12-15 student cohort
- Discussion events with clinicians in pediatrics, family medicine, and related specialties.
- Build confidence, competence, and compassion through direct patient care
- Limited funds are available to help offset additional costs (equipment and supplies, transportation, and partial on-campus summer housing) for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Students who successfully complete the training will be invited to participate in professional development programming during the academic year and will be eligible to apply for the Coleman Family Ventures Fellow program.
Course Schedule (Summer 2026):
- Program Dates: May 25 – August 6, 2026 (145 total hours)
- Class: May 25 – July 2 (online, asynchronous)
- Lab: May 26 – July 2, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Clinicals: July 7 – July 30, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
By the end of the summer, you’ll earn your CNA certification — a valuable credential that prepares you to work in medical settings.
Eligible Students
- Due to limited space, preference will be given to Duke rising sophomores (2029); if there is space available consideration will be given to students with upper class standing. Students graduating in May 2026 are not eligible.
- All majors are welcome to apply, but students must be registered with the Heath Professions Advising.
- Students should demonstrate a commitment and interest in pediatrics or family medicine.
- Students must commit to completing the entire training program, failure to do so will result in the repayment of award.
Students interested in pursuing this opportunity for Summer 2026 must complete an application. Application deadline is March 6th by 11:59 pm EST. Selected students will then be sent information on how to register for the summer training by the end of March.
- Application Materials:
- Resume/CV*
- Responses to two short-answer questions (max 500 words each)
- What experiences or interests have inspired you to pursue a career in pediatrics, family medicine, or a related healthcare field?
- How will this training experience help you prepare for your future career, and what do you hope to do after completing it?
*If you need support with your resume/CV reach out to the Duke Career Center or check out their Resume Guide.
About the CNA Training Program
The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA I) Training Program, offered in partnership between Duke University and Durham Technical Community College, equips students with the fundamental knowledge and hands-on skills required to provide safe, compassionate patient care under the supervision of registered or licensed practical nurses.
Through a balance of classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and supervised clinical experiences, students learn essential patient care techniques such as taking vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, managing infection control, and communicating effectively with patients and care teams.
This 145-hour course, designed to meet the requirements of the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry, qualifies participants to sit for the North Carolina Nurse Aide I certification exam. In addition to technical skill-building, CFV Fellows gain mentorship opportunities, attend dinner discussions with health care professionals, and participate in reflective programming — experiences that foster both clinical proficiency and professional growth in pediatric and primary care fields.
