Radiology High School Mentoring Program
The Radiology High School Mentoring Program is a free, semester-long community health program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, designed to introduce high school students to a full range of careers in healthcare, with a focus on radiology.
Program Overview
The program is an excellent opportunity for students contemplating a career in healthcare who want exposure to a hospital and academic medical center environment. You will meet a range of healthcare professionals—including radiologists, surgeons, technologists, nurses, and administrators—and get hands-on experience with many of their jobs.
Students attend weekly in-person group sessions on Fridays and commit to one additional day per week for volunteer work and mentorship. Throughout the semester, students engage in projects that address college and careers, physical health, mental health, and health disparities. Community service hours are earned for all hours spent in the program.
The program is offered once a year during the spring semester at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. We begin in mid-January for 12 Fridays (excluding DOE school holidays). Students have the option to continue their additional volunteer days until the end of the school year.
Through the Radiology High School Mentoring Program, students will:
- Meet a range of healthcare workers, from physicians to technologists to administrators.
- Participate in hands-on activities, facilities tours, and research projects.
- Learn how to build a resume and ace a job interview.
- Work in small groups to complete community service hours.
- Work with mentors according to interest, with opportunities to shadow.
- Learn about and apply to other high school programs offered at Columbia.
- Maintain a reflections journal throughout the semester.
- Make new friends and build lasting student-mentor relationships.
Eligibility
The Radiology High School Mentoring Program is open to all high school students in the New York City area. The program is free for all participants.
- Applicants must be enrolled in high school at the time of the program.
- Applicants must be 16 years old or older at the start of the program.
- Applicants must be able attend all in person sessions from 3 PM to 5 PM on Fridays.
- Applicants must be able commit to one additional afternoon per week in person.
How to Apply
To apply for the Radiology High School Mentoring Program, submit our short application form by the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t know anything about radiology. Can I still apply?
Yes! We encourage all interested high school students to apply.
Do I need a letter of recommendation?
No, you do not need a letter of recommendation to apply or participate.
When do I find out if I was selected?
Decisions are rolling. We will let you know within a few weeks of your submission.
Where does the program take place?
Students meet at the Department of Radiology Administration offices on West 168th Street, New York City. We are on the A, C, and 1 trains as well as several bus lines.
Who is considered a strong candidate for the Radiology High School Mentoring Program?
Anyone who expresses an interest in learning about careers in healthcare is a strong candidate. You do not need experience or prior knowledge.
What if I can’t make all the Fridays?
Please reach out to us if you think you will miss more than two Fridays. The program depends on group participation, so we require participants to come to all Friday sessions on time. We are happy to discuss your specific situation.