Frequently Asked Questions - Students
What is the Research Training Program (RTP)?
The University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Research Training Program (RTP) is an unpaid, non-credit educational experience for high school students (age 16 and older) and undergraduate students designed to foster their interest in areas of science, medicine, and other health professions. The purpose of the program is to integrate their educational experience with practical skills development.
When does RTP start?
Most of our trainees participate in training during the summer. Undergraduates start summer research in May and high school students begin in June. We make every effort to contact our undergrad trainees by mid-April for the upcoming summer, and high school students in mid-May. High school and undergraduate students can also participate in research training throughout the year.
What days of the week will I be in training?
Specific structures (start date/end date, days per week, hours per week) will vary according to the trainee’s individual learning agreement with the mentor.
What is the duration of the program?
Most trainees participate in summer training for around 10-12 weeks. However, some local students can also participate in research during the academic year.
How are students matched with labs?
Each student in the program will have a faculty mentor. We balance many factors in matching students with labs. Available mentors will be drawn from the various research faculty members in the schools of the health sciences. We will make every effort to find interested trainees a place in a lab, but we cannot guarantee a placement.
What types of research opportunities are available?
We provide research training opportunities in a wide variety of biomedical sciences.
The Trainee will have daily direct mentoring and supervision by a faculty member and/or a staff member in his/her lab.
What are the requirements for participation?
Students must be age 16 or older, in good standing at their academic institution, and excited to learn about research.
How do I apply for the RTP?
High school students (must be at least 16 years of age) submit information online here:
Undergraduate students (current University of Pittsburgh undergraduate student or undergraduate student at another university) submit information online here:
Frequently Asked Questions - Departments
The department and faculty mentor administers the program with each research trainee by determining the training beginning and end dates, the hours and days per week, the program goals, and specific learning objectives.
The department will ensure that the required forms and liability documents have been submitted prior to the start of the experience. All forms should be completed and returned to Katie Rossi.
Where do I find the necessary forms?
High school students (must be at least 16 years of age)
Learning Agreement and Parental Consent or Learning Agreement and Consent
Research Training Program Release
Undergraduate students (current University of Pittsburgh undergraduate student or undergraduate student at another university)
Learning Agreement and Parental Consent or Learning Agreement and Consent
Research Training Program Release
Are there any requirements or restrictions I should be aware of with respect to having undergraduate students or medical students volunteer in my lab?
Clearances
Child Protection Clearances are required for employees who will have direct contact with children under 18 years of age. See University of Pittsburgh Office of Human Resources for University Requirements.
** No employees are permitted to have contact with any minor in connection with the Research Training Program until ProVerify has reviewed the required clearances and approved each such individual.
University Environmental Health and Safety
Any environmental health training that would be required for staff/faculty (for example, blood-borne pathogens) would be required of a research trainee. The department and faculty mentor will ensure the training is completed, as needed.
Can the research trainee obtain a Pitt ID?
No, if your mentee needs an ID to enter a campus building, they can obtain a Pitt Proxy Card. Please email Katie Rossi (kjr2@pitt.edu) for additional information.