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Students and Visitors

Department of Clinical Research Informatics

The Department of Clinical Research Informatics (DCRI) offers of variety of educational and training programs for students, visitors, and NIH employees related to clinical informatics, scientific computing, and computer applications.

DCRI provides opportunities for students to explore our research environment in clinical informatics and/or scientific computing through the following:

Student Internship Program

Summer internships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD level students with an interest in clinical (medical or nursing) informatics and scientific computing. Students will work in an environment that uses a multidisciplinary team approach to develop and implement complex systems. Students will engage in activities based on their knowledge and interests with an emphasis on the research methodology.

Applications for the Summer Internship program must be submitted by March 1 of each year. View details about this program and how to apply.

Examples of past research projects include:


Informatics Nursing Graduate Practicum Program

The Informatics Nursing Graduate Practicum Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center (CC), administered by the Department of Clinical Research Informatics (DCRI), has supported numerous graduate nursing informatics students in completing practicum experiences required for their degree programs. The program provides hands-on experience in clinical informatics, project management, systems analysis, and the design, implementation, and evaluation of health information technology (HIT) solutions.

The following application timeline outlines the key dates for each practicum cycle, including the application period, interview notification, and final selection timeline.

Application Timeline

Practicum TermApplication OpenInterview NotificationSelection Made
Winter/Spring (January – May)September 1 – 30 (preceding year)by October 15by October 31
Fall (August–December)April 1 – 30 (same year)By May 15By May 31

Note: Winter/Spring practicum applications are accepted during the preceding fall (September–October). Fall practicum applications are accepted during the same calendar year (April–May).

Eligibility & Practicum Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate nursing informatics or related program.
  • Applicants must be able to complete the practicum during the designated semester.
  • An active affiliation agreement between the applicant's academic institution and the NIH Clinical Center is required prior to the start of the practicum.
  • Eligible applicants may access the practicum application form during the published application period using the link below.

Informatics Nursing Graduate Practicum Application

For questions about the Informatics Nursing Graduate Practicum Program or the application process, contact Dr. Adrienne Barrett at adrienne.barrett@nih.gov.