Health Sciences Graduate Fellowships link graduate study with an on-site practicum experience, building your professional skills and accelerating your career path.
Questions? Please contact us by email or at 978-837-3563.
Our health sciences fellowships enrich your professional qualifications and help advance your career goals. Merrimack’s fellowships provide you with:
With a Provost or Presidential Fellowship in the School of Health Sciences, you’ll graduate with a Master of Science degree in as little as one year, gain unparalleled professional experience and save 50-100% on your program tuition.
Each fellowship is led by experienced supervisors to support your learning, strengthen your impact and help mentor you. You’ll also have a faculty and professional academic career advisor to guide your career path.
You’ll have the opportunity to work at some of the most prestigious healthcare, community health, sports performance and research institutions or businesses in the Greater Boston region. Graduates have also leveraged the fellowship experience to advance their academic qualifications and required clinical experience hours for admittance to other health professions graduate schools.
Our fellowships provide a balanced schedule of part-time (15 hours per week) professional experience with a convenient course schedule. You may start in the spring or fall semesters. (To complete the program in one year, you must complete 32 credits within one academic year.)
To be considered for a graduate fellowship, apply to one of our health sciences master’s degree programs and indicate your fellowship interest within your online application. We accept applicants on a rolling basis after the priority deadline.
Acceptance into the fellowship program is a competitive process. In addition to the materials required for traditional graduate admittance, the fellowship application may require additional documents and an interview.
Please note:
Please note: The following position descriptions represent a sample of all that will be available for health sciences programs. Please check back for additional opportunities.
Athletic Trainer positions are Presidential Fellowships offering a 100% discount on your master’s degree tuition.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science, Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Merrimack College
Site Supervisor: Michaela Day, Assistant Athletic Trainer
The Graduate Student Athletic Trainer is a vital member of the sports medicine team and will work alongside staff athletic trainers, team physicians, orthopedic consultants, fellow graduate students and student athletic trainers in the Merrimack College Department of Athletics. The GraduateStudent Athletic Trainer will be assigned to specific sports based on experience and skills.
This position is responsible for providing overall athletic healthcare to assigned teams including the prevention, evaluation, management, rehabilitation and documentation of athletic injuries. In addition, this position will assist with the daily operation of the athletic training room including opening, stocking supplies, general organization and closing procedures to ensure a safe and healthy work space. The Graduate Student Athletic Trainer will work 25 hours a week and it is an expectation of the position to travel with teams as needed as well as work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Graduate fellowship placements in Strength and Conditioning are Provost Fellowships offering a 50% tuition discount.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Athletic Evolution (AE)
Site Supervisor: Daniel Thiesing
Athletic Evolution is a 15,000 square foot facility with a specialty in athletic performance for youth, middle school, high school, college, NFL combine candidates, and professional athletes. AE is also home to AE Physical Therapy led by three physical therapists and one physical therapy assistant who focus on working with youth, adult, and athletic populations. AE hosts two major programs throughout the year including our Custom Performance Training Program and Team Training. Our CPT program is our individualized training for all athletes based on an evaluation process. Our Team Training program provides a group atmosphere with a set program based on sport and age with teams in the Woburn area.
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Boston College Strength & Conditioning Department
Site Supervisor: Ryan Sullivan: Assistant Strength Coach
At Boston College Strength & Conditioning, we are committed to offering our athletes the best possible experience. We want each and every athlete to have every tool to develop physically, psychologically, technically, and tactically. This means providing a knowledgeable staff that is available to answer questions throughout the year. One way we fulfill these goals is through our strength and conditioning program. We are proud to say we have hired and trained some of the best coaches in the area, and are continuing to recruit and develop the next generation of great strength & conditioning coaches.
From weekly professional development seminars, to one-on-one program design guidance, to the responsibility of taking over one of our varsity teams, the Boston College Strength & Conditioning Fellowship Program is a rare opportunity in this field for young, aspiring coaches to get real hands-on experience with national-caliber athletes and coaches.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred as is attendance at team games.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Boston College Strength & Conditioning Department
Site Supervisor: Jay Mendoza, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
This graduate fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience as a member of the Brandeis University strength & conditioning staff. The fellow will acquire valuable coaching experience in small group and large team settings. They will also learn how to test and collect data in our human performance lab, implement various training methods, and utilize the department’s TeamBuildr account. Additionally, the individual will have the chance to develop as a coach through participation in educational sessions, coaches’ meetings, and testing protocols. The goal of this program is to provide the fellow with the necessary skills and qualities to advance in the field of strength and conditioning.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred as is attendance at team games. Possess CPR/first aid certification.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: College of the Holy Cross Athletics Department
Site Supervisor: Jeff Oliver, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
The strength and conditioning program at College of the Holy Cross is designed to enhance each athlete’s success and in turn enhance the teams’ success. Crusader student-athletes have the opportunity to work with two full-time certified strength and conditioning coaches who design training programs to improve performance. In today’s athletics, the foundation of any student-athlete’s success is their year round preparation.
Each student-athlete is given their own individualized program that is designed to improve movement skills, core strength, power, speed, strength, balance and flexibility. The strength and conditioning staff makes sure that all areas of performance enhancement are covered and that the training is balanced among all components.
Possibility to obtain housing near campus at a reduced cost.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred as is attendance at team games. CPR/first aid certification recommended.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Compete Strength & Conditioning
Site Supervisor: Rick Smith
The CompeteSC Fellowship-Development Program provides a full overview into the world of sports performance coaching inside the private training industry while providing an opportunity to work hands-on with hundreds of athletes per week. There are three main components to the curriculum:
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Fitchburg State University
Site Supervisor: Jim McGuire, Head Strength Coach
Each candidate will be assigned 2-3 varsity athletic teams for which to design and implement year-round strength and conditioning programs. Each candidate will also be responsible for communication and scheduling with the assigned sport head coach. There will be direct mentoring from the director and assistant strength and conditioning coach via daily and weekly staff meetings and performance reviews that will cover an extensive education curriculum and professional development activities. The expected outcome of this assignment is that each candidate gains the necessary competencies and is prepared to excel as a successful strength and conditioning coach.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred as is attendance at team games. Have CPR/first aid certification.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Harvard University Strength & Conditioning Department
Site Supervisor: Tim Mullen: Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning
At Harvard University Strength & Conditioning, we are committed to offering our athletes the best possible experience. We want each and every athlete to have every tool to develop physically, psychologically, technically, and tactically. This means providing a knowledgeable staff that is available to answer questions throughout the year. One way we fulfill these goals is through our strength and conditioning program. We are proud to say we have hired and trained some of the best coaches in the area, and are continuing to recruit and develop the next generation of great strength & conditioning coaches.
From weekly professional development seminars, to one-on-one program design guidance, to the responsibility of taking over one of our varsity teams, the Harvard Strength & Conditioning Fellowship Program is a rare opportunity in this field for young, aspiring coaches to get real hands-on experience with national-caliber athletes and coaches.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred as is attendance at team games. Have CPR/first aid certification.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning
Site Supervisor: Patrick Stefanski
Each candidate will have the opportunity to learn and implement the Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning strength training system. By the end of the fellowship, the student will have increased their knowledge in resistance training programming, exercise technique, biomechanics, and overall strength and conditioning. This fellowship is a great opportunity for any student wishing to pursue a career in exercise science or strength and conditioning.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold a bachelor of science degree in exercise science. Prior strength and conditioning training is preferred.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Merrimack College
Site Supervisor: Mike Kamal, Assistant Athletic Director for Strength & Conditioning
Each candidate will be assigned multiple varsity athletic teams to design and implement year-round strength and conditioning programs. Each candidate will also be responsible for communication and scheduling with the assigned sport head coach. There will be direct mentoring from the director and assistant strength & conditioning coach via daily and weekly staff meetings and performance reviews that will cover an extensive education curriculum and professional development activities. The expected outcome of this assignment is that each candidate gains the necessary competencies and be prepared to excel as a successful strength and conditioning coach.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred as is attendance at team games. CPR/first aid certification is required.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Southern New Hampshire University
Site Supervisor: Sean Ferguson, Head Strength Coach
Each candidate will assist with designing and implementing year-round strength and conditioning programs for all varsity teams. There will be direct mentoring from the director and assistant strength & conditioning coach via daily and weekly staff meetings and performance reviews that will cover an extensive education curriculum and professional development activities. The expected outcome of this assignment is that each candidate gains the necessary competencies and be prepared to excel as a successful strength and conditioning coach.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold or be working toward a CSCS. CPR/first aid certification is recommended. Prior strength and conditioning internship preferred.
Prepares You for a Career(s) In
Program: Exercise & Sport Science
Company/Institution: Tufts University Strength & Conditioning Department
Site Supervisor: Daniel Kopcso, Director of Sports Performance
At Tufts University “Jumbo” Strength and Conditioning we offer a full experience where fellowship candidates will be exposed to all aspects of collegiate athletics strength and conditioning. Fellows will gain valuable coaching experience as well as take part in our education curriculum focused on programming and planning training, and will have the opportunity to work directly with varsity teams.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Experience in training or coaching in a structured environment along with a willingness to self educate, with direction, is preferred as is attendance at team games.
The following graduate fellowship opportunities are also Provost Fellowships offering a 50% tuition discount.
Program: Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education, Exercise Sport Science
Company/Institution: Lowell High School
Site Supervisor: David Lezenski, Lowell High School Athletic Director
This opportunity is geared for those interested in working behind the scenes in the Lowell High School Department of Athletics. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of an athletic department and what it takes to run an athletics department successfully. The commitment includes both office work and game day event management. This weekly commitment will consist of time in the office and staffing numerous Red Raider sporting events.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Candidates should be in a related field of study and have strong verbal communication and customer service skills. Flexible schedule and ability to work in a time sensitive environment is required.
Program: Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education, Exercise Sport Science
Company/Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Medical
Site Supervisor:
Elizabeth Carbone
Community wellness at MIT Medical provides resources, services and programs with MIT’s unique culture in mind. The community wellness fellow will support the Step Your Way and getfit programs from researching to planning to implementation.
The getfit challenge is a 12-week, team-oriented fitness challenge open to the entire MIT community. The goal of getfit is to help make MIT a healthier community by encouraging participants to exercise regularly. During the challenge, which typically runs from early February through April, teams of five to eight people can qualify for prize drawings based on the average number of minutes exercised each week.
Step Your Way is a 10-week challenge that takes place in the fall as a lead-up to getfit. The goal is to help individuals become more active by taking 10,000 steps a day.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Candidates should be able to work independently, take initiative, analyze data, demonstrate good oral and written communication, and be flexible and adaptive. Proficient use of social media and Microsoft Office is needed.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science, Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Merrimack College
Site Supervisor: Diane Metcalf, Deputy Director of Athletics
The graduate fellow in the Office of Campus Fitness and Recreation will be primarily responsible for the oversight, administration, and management of the Club Sports program, which includes 22 programs and over 360 student-athletes. More specifically, the candidate will assist with budgeting, operations, student engagement, and marketing. The candidate will work collaboratively with athletic administrative staff to focus on retention efforts and improving the overall club sport experience through increased programming, improved organization and collaboration, and enhanced publicity. This position has responsibilities related to student leader and student staff development, risk management, financial oversight, travel and program development and assessment.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should have knowledge of best practices and standards in collegiate recreation, and possess strong organization, communication and time management skills. Experience working with recreational sports programs is preferred along with the ability to motivate student staff. Candidates should be proficient in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science, Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Merrimack College
Site Supervisor: Jeremy Blake-Johnson, Manager of Marketing
The graduate fellow in the Office of Campus Fitness and Recreation will be primarily responsible for the programming, scheduling, and advertising for the fitness center and the group exercise programs. The graduate fellow will learn how to plan, implement, and evaluate all aspects of their responsibilities.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should possess strong organization and time management skills, strong communication skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science, Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Merrimack College
Site Supervisor: Jeremy Blake-Johnson, Manager of Marketing
The graduate fellow in the Office of Campus Fitness and Recreation will be primarily responsible for the programming, scheduling, and advertising for the intramural and recreation programs. The graduate fellow will learn how to plan, implement, and evaluate all aspects of their responsibilities.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should possess strong organization and time management skills, strong communication skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
Program: Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Merrimack College
Site Supervisor: Sarah Dionne, Director of the Counseling Center
The Office of Wellness Education fosters the overall well-being of the Merrimack College community. We assist students in locating the proper resources to address any health and wellness concerns including substance abuse, sexual health choices, and managing stress. The fellow for prevention and health promotion works in conjunction with the wellness educator, the fellow for leadership & wellness education, and the wellness peer educators to develop, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs and activities on these and other health/wellness topics.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Candidates should be in a related field of study, be able to work independently, take initiative, analyze data, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate good oral and written communication, be flexible and adaptive. Graphic design is a plus.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science, Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover / No. Andover Branch
Site Supervisor: Joe Caruso- Coordinator Active Living Center
The Active Living Center at the Andover/N. Andover YMCA is a one-of-a-kind resource when it comes to promoting health and wellness for older adults. Provided through a generous donation from the Wood Family Trust, with programs made possible through the generous support of the Andover Home for Aged People, the center consists of trained staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and specialized services to ensure older adults have access to the very best resources to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Each candidate should hold a bachelor of science in a related field, possess strong organization and time management skills, and strong communication skills. CPR/first aid training is required.
Program: Exercise & Sport Science, Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Town of Andover, MA, Elder Services Division
Site Supervisor: Jane Burns, Director of Elder Services
The Town of Andover Senior Center (Robb Center) has a fitness room with ADA accessible strength training and cardiovascular endurance equipment. The Center also has a wellness room for instructor-led fitness classes and health & wellness education. The focus of the Center is to provide healthy living education, training and wellness to all residents 60+ as well as adults living with a disability.
The fellow will interact with the participants including teaching group lessons, working one-on-one with individuals, and assisting in exercise testing. The fellow will have opportunities to gain theoretical and practical experience in facility operation and planning. This will include experiences in long range planning, security, equipment maintenance, and program preparation. The fellow will adhere to and ensure all participants are complying with the Town of Andover policies and procedures related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Candidates should be in a related field of study with a background and interest in exercise physiology, neuroscience, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and health studies. Candidates should be comfortable in an exercise/gym setting, prior experience in a fitness setting is preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a team and assist in monitoring participant outcomes is required.
Program: Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education
Company/Institution: Town of Andover, MA, Health Department
Site Supervisor: Thomas Carbone, Director of Public Health
The position will assist various Health Division Staff complete their work, depending on the needs at any particular moment. A monthly Bulletin Board poster will be developed, and public health education campaigns will be developed. The Town hopes to be in the midst of completing a Comprehensive Community Health Assessment in the Fall, with work occurring on how the data collected will inform future work.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Program: Health & Wellness Management, Community Health Education, Exercise Sport Science
Company/Institution: Vinfen Organization
Site Supervisor: Ella Blythe Froggatt, Employee Wellness Program Manager
Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with disabilities. Each year Vinfen provides a comprehensive array of services to adolescents and adults with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Vinfen’s dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 268 programs throughout eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The fellow will assist in the continued assessment, development and monitoring of the Vinfen’s wellness program to create awareness, motivation and engagement for employees to help them adapt and maintain a well rounded healthy lifestyle. Alongside the Employee Wellness Program Manager, the fellow would assist with administration, participant communications and assessment of the wellness program to meet the diverse needs of staff.
Fellowship Prerequisites/Qualifications
Candidates should be able to work independently, take initiative, analyze data, demonstrate good oral and written communication, and be flexible and adaptive. Proficient use of social media and Microsoft Office is needed.
Here’s how to get more information about Merrimack College’s master’s degrees in health sciences.
