medical mission trips for nursing students

Signed in as:

[email protected]

• 2024 Missions
• 2025 Missions
• Members Portal
• Nursing Divisions Abroad
• Let's get social

Medical Missions for Nurses ~ Who we are

Our Background

Established in 2017, Nurses with Purpose is a registered 501(c)(3) volunteer organization that focuses & promotes preventative healthcare outreach during medical missions abroad. Our program is the first of its kind to be nurse focused, nurse driven and nurse created. With care, compassion, skill and expert knowledge, nurses are the hands

Established in 2017, Nurses with Purpose is a registered 501(c)(3) volunteer organization that focuses & promotes preventative healthcare outreach during medical missions abroad. Our program is the first of its kind to be nurse focused, nurse driven and nurse created. With care, compassion, skill and expert knowledge, nurses are the hands & feet of our organization. Nurses with Purpose encourages medical professionals to make volunteering a necessary component in their career. By doing so allows a refreshed outlook on one's initial love for the nursing field through meaningful experiences of humanitarian services. 

  Nurses with Purpose aims to provide continual preventative and primary healthcare to underserved communities. We partner with local organizations that are aligned with our mission and vision. We aim for long term partnerships were we aim for measurable outcomes in continuity in care. We also aspire to have a strong network of volunteers

  Nurses with Purpose aims to provide continual preventative and primary healthcare to underserved communities. We partner with local organizations that are aligned with our mission and vision. We aim for long term partnerships were we aim for measurable outcomes in continuity in care. We also aspire to have a strong network of volunteers in all specialties of nursing.  Partnering with individuals and groups who share a common vision, belief, and willingness to take action towards a common goal, that leads to success. Geographically, we are always looking to expand our horizons wherever medical outreach is necessary but conducting in such a way that it improves conditions versus crippling an already fragile system. We believe that outreach is the key to hope and vitality of life.  

Our Mission

Our mission is to create sustainable solutions along with our partners through long term commitment. We assess the need and work towards the development of improving communities through the realistic outcomes. Through various events that focuses on preventative healthcare, addressing the needs of living environments and conditions, and ou

Our mission is to create sustainable solutions along with our partners through long term commitment. We assess the need and work towards the development of improving communities through the realistic outcomes. Through various events that focuses on preventative healthcare, addressing the needs of living environments and conditions, and our children's enrichment programs, it is essential that we create overall improvements for generations to come.

 We do not impose our personal ideals or beliefs. Rather, we serve as a  vessel for the improvement of existing processes our partners have established.  

 Mission Statement:

To enrich the lives of others, 

as we enrich the lives of ourselves through meaningful experiences created through the power of giving back

Don't worry, we won't overcrowd your email.

Medical Missions for Nurses ~What We Do

Assessments, consultation, home visits, youth programs, on-going enrichment programs, refresher courses, feeding schemes, nurse focused | nurse driven | nurse created, transcending lives~ making impact.

We believe in creating sustainability serving in areas with limited to no access of healthcare on a continual basis. During medical mission season, our teams provide free healthcare every 2 weeks which creates continuity of care. This is the key to hope and vitality of life!

Nurses volunteer in various settings: 

• Local Clinics 
• Pop up Clinics (Daily Travel to remote areas to provide care)
• Rural Settlements/Villages/Shanties
• Primary schools 

Projects Include but not limited to:

• Community outreach, screenings and assessments
• Primary Health Care at a comprehensive healthcare facility
• Patient Education and Interaction 
• Restoration and Revitalization Projects 
• Mentorship to youth, local staff, and local nursing students 

Questions? Get in touch!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Nurses with Purpose, INC.

U.S.A Headquarters | PO BOX 1264 | FT MILL SC 29715

South Africa Headquarters | 2 Huntingdon Rd | Morningside Sandton | 2075 CALL or TEXT +1(704) 907-8901

Hours of Operation

Our partners.

Copyright © 2024 NURSES WITH PURPOSE INC. - All Rights Reserved 

REGISTERED NON PROFIT 501(c)(3) ORGANIZATION

Want to join our FREE info session?

Sign me up!

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Send us a message and one of our Volunteer Travel Specialists will be in touch.

Fill out a quick form to get personalized recommendations from our team.

Available 8am to 5pm New Zealand time.

Current time in New Zealand:

International

Best Medical Mission Trips 2024 & 2025

International Volunteer HQ offers medical mission trips abroad for aspiring and practicing medical professionals, including pre-med and medical students, doctors, nurses, dentists and other specialties.

With more than 16 years of experience organizing affordable and all-inclusive medical volunteer programs , IVHQ offers top-rated medical missions in Africa, Asia, Central America and South America.

All of IVHQ’s medical mission trips host volunteers year-round with flexible booking so you can easily make free changes to your destination, dates or duration up until 14 days before you start. Our all-inclusive medical mission programs start from only $20 per day and include accommodation, meals, airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, making them super safe and affordable!

Whether you’re looking for medical missions trips for college students, pre-medical students, undergraduates, medical professionals or medical mission trips for nurses, IVHQ’s team of Volunteer Travel Specialists can help match you with a program that aligns with your personal goals and level of experience. For expert support, you can request personalized program recommendations from our experienced team.

What are medical mission trips?

On a medical mission trip with IVHQ, you will have the opportunity to provide medical care and health education to communities where resources and services are limited or difficult to access. By shadowing local doctors and nurses, you’ll play an important role in providing essential healthcare within under-resourced clinics and hospitals.

Whether you are traveling solo or want to organize a medical mission trip for nurses, college students or professionals, IVHQ makes planning a medical mission easy and affordable. Regardless of your destination, medical mission trips are a unique opportunity to work alongside local medical professionals abroad, gain hands-on career experience you often can’t find at home and provide invaluable support to hospitals and clinics within local communities.

Our programs are fully hosted, including airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support, meaning you can leave home feeling confident that you’ll be well supported in your new home away from home. Plus, you’ll be in the company of like-minded international medical students and professionals who share a passion for developing new skills and a global medical perspective.

Explore medical mission trips

• 2024 & 2025 medical mission trips in your specialty field
• Best medical missions for pre-med students
• Best medical missions for students and professionals?
• Best medical mission trips for nurses and pre-nursing students?

How long can I go on a medical mission trip for?

• Best medical or nursing mission trips for groups

Why go on a medical mission trip?

• Best medical mission trips for 2024 & 2025

How to apply for a medical mission trip

What 2024 & 2025 medical mission trips are available in your specialty field.

IVHQ offers affordable medical mission trips for nursing students and medical students, as well as trips for qualified healthcare professionals. If you’re an aspiring healthcare professional, we also organize medical mission trips for pre-medical students and pre-nursing students .

All volunteers are supervised by local staff and work under instruction from qualified doctors, so regardless of your level of qualification or experience, you’ll be well supported to make a valuable contribution as a medical volunteer abroad.

Check out our range of specialty medical volunteer opportunities:

• Dentistry - Costa Rica , Peru - Cusco , Guatemala , India - Kerala , India - Delhi , Tanzania
• Pharmacy - Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , India (Delhi) , Zambia , Tanzania
• Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy - Guatemala , Peru (Cusco) , Costa Rica , Mexico , Vietnam , Sri Lanka , China , India (Delhi) , Nepal , Kenya , Romania
• Gynecology - Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , Sri Lanka , Nepal , Cambodia , Tanzania , Zambia
• HIV/AIDS - Costa Rica , Kenya , Zambia
• Lab Technology - Peru (Cusco) , India (Delhi and Kerala) , Nepal , Tanzania , Zambia
• Midwifery - Peru (Cusco) , Nepal , Zambia , Ghana , Tanzania
• Nutritionist - Peru (Cusco and Lima) , Guatemala
• Optometry - Peru (Cusco) , Tanzania
• Orthopedics - Sri Lanka , Vietnam
• Occupational Therapy - Costa Rica , Mexico , Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , Sri Lanka , Vietnam , Nepal
• Paramedics - Costa Rica , Guatemala , Peru (Cusco) , Tanzania
• Pediatrics - Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , Costa Rica , India (Delhi) , Sri Lanka , Nepal , Cambodia , Tanzania , Zambia
• Radiology - Peru (Cusco) , Nepal , India (Delhi) , Vietnam
• Sonography - Peru (Cusco) , Tanzania

All IVHQ programs are open and hosting volunteers

You can make free changes to your booking up to 14 days before you start, and we have additional health and safety measures in place.

Medical missions for pre-med students

If you’re a pre-med student, IVHQ offers a range of medical volunteer opportunities and mission trips for pre-med students that provide you with the hands-on experience needed to excel in your field. You can join IVHQ’s medical volunteer projects in the following locations:

• India (Delhi)
• Peru (Cusco)

Explore pre-med programs

Medical mission trips for students and professionals

If you have completed your second year of medical or nursing school, or if you are a qualified healthcare professional, you are are eligible to join IVHQ in these destinations:

• India (Delhi and Kerala)

You can expect to support a range of tasks across diverse healthcare settings in these destinations. This may include providing basic patient care, taking vitals, dressing wounds, triage nursing, and helping to prepare medical equipment. There are also opportunities to observe local doctors and nurses in operating rooms, as well as shadow their daily routines.

Our IVHQ Volunteer Travel Specialists will offer guidance to help determine which destination would be best suited to your interests and experience, as some of our medical volunteer programs offer opportunities specific to certain skills and medical specialties. We are committed to aligning your qualifications and interests with the needs of the local community. Please contact us for more information.

See all medical programs

Nurse mission trips for pre-nursing students and registered nurses

Whether you’re a fully qualified nurse or a pre-nursing student, IVHQ provides affordable nursing mission trips that accommodate varying levels of experience. Below are our top rated medical mission trips for nurses:

Discover nursing programs

IVHQ runs medical volunteer programs year-round, and you can choose from either long-term or short-term medical mission trips, ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks.

Best nursing and medical mission trips for groups

If you are traveling with a group of medical students or colleagues and would like to participate on a 1-week medical mission or nurse mission trip, you can volunteer abroad as a group on a Medical Campaign in the following locations:

• Peru - Cusco and Lima

Explore group opportunities

As a medical volunteer abroad on a mission trip, you’ll be immersed in a new culture and develop a global perspective of medicine while assisting communities with limited access to healthcare resources. By working closely with medical professionals in your host community, you will gain invaluable clinical experience, a deeper understanding of how foreign healthcare systems function and the everyday challenges that they have to overcome.

Best Medical Mission Trips For 2024 & 2025

As the world’s leading provider of affordable medical volunteer programs and mission trips, IVHQ makes it easy to customize a program to match your qualifications and travel plans. Discover these top program recommendations from IVHQ’s team of Medical Mission Specialists.

Tanzania Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Students who have complete at least 3 years at medical/nursing school, qualified doctors, nurses, CNAs, EMTs, paramedics and public health workers
• Placement settings: Volunteers are based in variety of local Clinics and small Hospitals
• Program duration: Volunteer for 1 to 24 weeks, programs start on the 1st and 15th of each month
• Program fees: Start from US$320. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

In many communities in Tanzania, healthcare is not easily accessible or affordable. This Medical volunteer project aims to change that by placing volunteers in medical clinics that serve vulnerable people. Medical volunteers in Tanzania are greatly received, especially those who come with initiative, enthusiasm and readiness to work in very basic facilities with limited resources available. Volunteers work in a variety of settings, including medical clinics and hospitals, with the location depending on the volunteers previous experience and training. To comply with the Tanzania Healthcare System, volunteers will shadow local doctors and assist in performing basic patient care, and it’s important to note that this project focuses more on observation, than getting involved in operations or independent medical tasks.

Experiencing medicine in a third world hospital was amazing and eye opening. The doctors were extremely welcoming and grateful. Exploring Arusha and Moshi with the other volunteers and seeing the African culture first hand were some of my favorite moments. Amy Freeman (IVHQ Volunteer in Tanzania)

Guatemala Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Volunteers at all levels of medical training and experience are welcome, including medical/nursing students, pre med nursing/medical students, qualified doctors, nurses, CNAs, EMTs, paramedics and public health workers
• Placement settings: Volunteers are based in local clinics, hospitals and elderly homes
• Program duration: Volunteer for 1 to 24 weeks, programs start every Monday
• Program fees: From US$405 for 1 week. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

The healthcare system in Guatemala is generally underfunded and understaffed, especially outside of the major cities. Volunteers on the Medical project in Guatemala can help provide access to medical resources while gaining hands-on experience working with local doctors and nurses in local clinics. Work is available for volunteers of all experience levels, but assigned tasks and the level of independence a volunteer will have depends on their qualifications and experience, as well as Spanish language skills.

The project was a perfect integration of basic sciences and clinical medicine, and it also allowed for the group to see preventative and diagnostic medicine. It was exactly what we were looking for as 1st/2nd year medical students. The fact that we got to see a rural village as well as the schools was a great asset to this trip. It really allowed the group to contrast what underserved areas are really like when outside of the U.S. The hands-on experiences that we were able to participate in are priceless and will be held dear to everyone on the trip. Madison Bangert (IVHQ Volunteer in Guatemala)

Peru Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: All levels of medical or nursing study are welcome, including medical/nursing students, qualified doctors, nurses and CNAs with an intermediate level of Spanish
• Placement settings: A mobile “clini-bus”
• Program duration: Volunteer for 1 to 24 weeks, programs start on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month
• Program fees: From US$220 for 1 week which includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Medical and nursing students who speak at least intermediate Spanish can help a mobile clinic provide healthcare access to underprivileged areas of Lima, while working alongside Peruvian healthcare professionals. Depending on your level of experience and Spanish skill level, medical volunteers may provide assistance with initial assessments, essential procedures like vaccinations and wound care, triage or helping with the operational set up each day.

Everything was above and beyond what I had hoped for. The house had everything we needed, and the food was amazing. IVHQ is the best. I had the most fulfilling trip, and am already planning on returning next summer. Thanks so much for making volunteering affordable and fun. Olivia Gissing (IVHQ Volunteer in Lima, Peru)

Nepal Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Volunteers who are in at least their third year of medical or nursing school are welcome, as well as qualified doctors, nurses and paramedics
• Placement settings: Hospitals or medical schools
• Program duration: Volunteer for 2 to 12 weeks, programs start on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month
• Program fees: From $500 for 2 weeks. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Medical volunteers in Nepal are based in either Kathmandu, Chitwan or Pokhara. You’ll shadow qualified physicians and nurses and familiarize yourself with procedures in the operating surgery ward, provide support in the physical therapy and burns units, learn about immunizations and family planning, and provide support to new mothers. Qualified nurses and medical professionals can request to work in their area of expertise, including ICU, radiology, oncology, emergency, surgery, burns unit, gynecology, pediatrics and pharmacy. Please note that local regulations prevent volunteers from treating patients without the supervision of local professionals so most volunteer work will be observational in nature.

I would recommend this program to anybody. As a recent medical graduate, I found that I was able to give and take as much as I could from the program. The two week rural placement gave me experience and an opportunity to observe diseases, management strategies, and patient interaction. I was also able to help diagnose and treat certain conditions which may have otherwise been missed or misdiagnosed.This is an experience I will never forget. Sumudu Welikumbura (IVHQ Volunteer in Nepal)

India Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required ualifications: Pre-medical, nursing and medical students, qualified medical professionals and others working in closely related medical fields are welcome on this program
• Placement settings: In Delhi, volunteers work in hospitals and mobile clinics
• Program fees: From $250 which includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

As a volunteer in Delhi, you’ll help provide medical care to those in need and gain first-hand insight into India’s medical systems. Volunteers in India work in hospitals and clinics in Delhi, shadowing experienced physicians who are enthusiastic about exchanging their knowledge and experience. Here, volunteers assist with routine medical tasks, such as taking vitals, providing advice regarding health, nutrition and sanitation during routine check-ups, or treating minor injuries and wounds. The amount of hands-on volunteer work you are able to do will depend on your level of training and experience, as well as the length of your stay. Longer-term volunteers (staying 3 months or more) will have more scope to assist with hands-on tasks, and qualified professionals may request to work in their area of expertise.

It was such a good experience! On the health project, we were given a chance to see many sides of the Indian healthcare system and all of our questions were answered. I was so impressed with each placement and learned so much. It was very good that as a brand new nurse with so little clinical experience, I was given a chance to learn so much. Katelyn Rowland (IVHQ Volunteer in Delhi, India)

Vietnam Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Volunteers who are studying medicine or nursing at any level, including Pre-medical/nursing students, qualified doctors, nurses, CNAs and EMTs
• Placement settings: Volunteers are based in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City
• Program duration: Volunteer for 2 to 24 weeks, programs start every Monday
• Program fees: From $485 for two weeks. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Both students and skilled medical professionals have the opportunity to experience a new working environment and the Vietnamese culture, while developing their global medical perspective as medical volunteer in Vietnam . . Volunteers provide support to an orthopedic and rehabilitation hospital, working alongside local doctors and nurses in the areas of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Here, volunteers work with children and adults who suffer from cerebral palsy, down syndrome, congenital motor system deformity and other disabilities. Qualified volunteers may join this project but should not expect to be able to treat patients as local regulations prevent volunteers from providing unsupervised hands-on care to patients.

The medical placement was the perfect combination of challenging, rewarding and eye-opening. I continue to be inspired by all the hard-working staff and medical team at the hospital, who do so much but with so little. Amazing! Phuong Dinh (IVHQ Volunteer in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)

Want to learn more about IVHQ’s full range of Medical and Healthcare volunteer abroad projects? Discover all your options for a medical mission trip .

• Browse our medical mission opportunities and choose a date, destination and medical volunteer program you’d like to join.
• Complete with the details of your chosen medical volunteer program and dates, as well as details of your qualifications, skills and experience in the medical field. You will then receive an email from IVHQ to confirm that we have received your application. Within 48 hours (2 working days), you will receive an email from your IVHQ Program Manager acknowledging your application and confirming the destination, project and dates of your volunteer program. In this email, you will receive instructions on how to pay the Registration Fee in order to reserve your place to volunteer with IVHQ.
• Log to pay your Registration Fee. As soon as your Registration Fee has been received by IVHQ, you will be provided with all the information and support you need to prepare for your upcoming medical mission trip. Your IVHQ Program Manager will be your point of contact throughout your preparations up until you finish your volunteer program.
• Contact the IVHQ Groups Team if you are looking to volunteer abroad as a group, so we can customize a medical mission trip for you.

Latest blog posts

Top 5 Things To Do in Lombok While Volunteering Abroad

Planning to mix volunteering and adventure when you travel to Indonesia? Here are the five best things to do in Lombok during y...

Five Reasons Why You Should Volunteer Abroad

Ever thought about volunteering abroad for your next vacation? Here are several reasons why volunteer abroad programs can be a ...

How to get started

Be the first to know.

Get exclusive offers, program opening updates, travel inspo, volunteer stories, scholarships and competitions… Straight to your inbox!

Student Opportunities

Short-Term Mission Trips for Undergraduate and Graduate Students  

If you are pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, public health, dentistry, physical therapy or another healthcare field, a short-term mission trip with MMO will be an exciting addition to your preparation and training. As a ministry, we hope our trips will challenge you culturally, academically, spiritually, and in your missional life.

Not studying in the medical field? That’s ok! Non-medical volunteers can join our medical or optical clinics in supportive roles. You can also volunteer your specific skillset (graphic design, business, marketing, etc.) at our main headquarters in McDonough, GA. We would love to discuss how God can use your unique gifts to help us point others to the Great Physician. For more information contact our Director of Educational Services, Hannah Bender  ( [email protected] ) or fill out our interest form .

What will you do as a student volunteer on a medical mission trip?

MMO student volunteers directly serve patients in our free medical clinics around the world under the guidance of licensed medical professionals. On a student rotation, students will assist in the pharmacy, collect vital signs in triage, shadow providers in patient care, and educate patients on chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension. Upon completion of the clinic week, students will receive a certificate of participation and may also ask for letters of recommendation from MMO leadership.

How can an international trip benefit you?

International volunteer experience can bolster your resume. Whether you are seeking to get into medical school or applying for a job, this volunteer experience demonstrates dedication and compassion for hurting people worldwide. MMO student volunteers can expect to gain 32-40 patient contact hours during every medical mission trip. MMO has also worked with medical schools and universities across the country to secure college credit for our mission trips.*

More importantly, an MMO mission trip will open your eyes to the needs of others globally. Unite with our staff, teammates, host church members, missionaries, and local professionals, as we compassionately and ethically meet the needs of our patients. As our team partners with the local church in our country of service, our prayer is for you to catch a burden for serving the Lord with your talents not only during this trip but also in your future career. There is a Healer, and our team strives to point our patients and each other to Him!

*Credit is given in conjunction with colleges and medical schools. Any desire for college credit should be discussed with Hannah Bender  prior to trips.

Ready to Take a Trip? We can’t wait to serve with you.

trip calendar

Internships

Are you interested in becoming more involved in medical missions in the future? Maybe you’ve traveled on a medical mission trip before, and now you would like a behind-the-scenes look at serving with our team. What goes into planning a trip? What steps are taken by missionaries on the field? What happens after our team leaves the field? With an MMO internship, each student will have a tailored experience to answer some of these questions. Internships are 6-12 weeks in duration, including at least one international trip in addition to further medical and missional training.

Here is an example of a typical summer internship overview .

The application process for the 2024 summer internship program is currently closed. The application process for the 2025 internship program will open August 1, 2024.

For more information, contact Hannah Bender .

“Seeing the ministry up close and growing in relationships with the staff helped shape my perspective of medical missions (and specifically MMO as an organization) and how impactful and powerful they can be for the local church and the gospel.” LAUREN Nursing Student, Summer Intern 2022  

Get The Latest

Sign Up Now

289 Jonesboro Rd, Suite 364 McDonough, GA 30253

844 Hampton Rd McDonough, GA 30253 

410.391.7000

[email protected]

Your donation has been added.

Your Total: $ 0.00

Serve with World Medical Mission

World Medical Mission exists to address these needs by sending Christian medical and dental professionals on short-term trips to partnering mission hospitals and clinics around the world.

“ It's the most rewarding medicine you will have practiced in a long time.” Dr. Chuck Barrier Doctor of Internal Medicine

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other experts in the medical field follow in the footsteps of the Great Physician as they provide patient care in a resource-limited environment, relieve overwhelmed full-time hospital staff, and help educate the next generation of national healthcare workers in the country they are serving.

“It's the most rewarding medicine you will have practiced in a long time,” said Dr. Chuck Barrier. As an internal medicine doctor, he has served on multiple short-term trips to Cameroon and Kenya alongside his wife, Angela, who is a pediatric hospitalist.

Serving with World Medical Mission opens up extraordinary opportunities for Christian men and women willing to use their professional expertise in areas of great need.

Minister in Jesus' Name

“ There are lost people everywhere, but I have never felt it so evident until coming here.” Ayden Toleman Registered Nurse Memorial Christian Hospital, Bangladesh

As patients walk through the darkest times of their lives, World Medical Mission volunteers have the opportunity to pray and share the Gospel with them, ministering to their spiritual needs as they work to treat their physical ailments.

Relieve Weary Healthcare Workers

“ Having people visit us to help is a big relief, and we feel that we are not alone. We feel we have a shoulder to lean on.” Dr. Elijah Terer CEO AIC Litein Hospital, Kenya

Local doctors serving in our partner hospitals around the world are often overwhelmed, facing burnout due to high patient numbers and the severity of the medical conditions they see on a daily basis. All this often comes without periods of rest or time away for themselves. They are drained physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually, and they are in dire need of a break to recharge and refocus.

Help Train the Next Generation

“ I think that's the biggest reason I was there—not to teach just a few people, but to teach a few people who will then go and teach more people and continue spreading knowledge.” Dr. Janae Fry Emergency Medicine Resident Chogoria Hospital, Kenya

Medical and dental professionals who come to serve on short-term trips with World Medical Mission also play an important part in building up the future healthcare system of the country they visit. Skilled men and women can pull from their wealth of knowledge and experience in Western healthcare settings to share their expertise with those who will be caring for local patients long after they are gone.

The number of patients is overwhelming. Medical staff are exhausted. The needs are great.

World Medical Mission is looking for Christian medical and dental professionals like you to use the gifts and talents God has given you to expand his kingdom and fill these needs. Not only will you treat physical sickness and injuries, you will shine as a light for Jesus Christ and provide hope to people who are suffering.

World Medical Mission takes care of all the details for your short-term assignment, including orientation, travel schedules, economy airfare, visas, permits, housing, transportation, and more.

Apply today and use your God-given abilities in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other fields to serve the needs of those who are suffering around the world.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Post-Residency Program

Consider our program that funds Christian medical professionals who have been called to a career in medical missions.

Specialty Teams

Be part of a short-term volunteer team of Christian medical professionals who serve in specialized fields.

Biomedical Technology

Help ensure that partner mission hospitals have properly functioning equipment.

Ways to Give

Give to World Medical Mission

Support a Medical Professional

All volunteers are responsible for raising support to be used for expenses related to serving.

Donating Medical Equipment & Supplies

Give machinery and supplies to mission hospitals through World Medical Mission.

Prescription for Renewal

Connect with Christian medical professionals at our annual conference and explore service opportunities in mission hospitals around the globe.

International Health Forum

Our monthly webinars provide practical information for medical personnel and students who have an interest in global medicine and public health, disaster medicine, and related topics.

It only costs $6 to provide lesson books and a Bible for a boy or girl participating in this discipleship program by Samaritan’s Purse.

It only costs $10 to provide a Bible or Christian literature for a family in need through the Christmas catalog.

You are visiting the international website for Samaritan’s Purse, headquartered in the United States.

You also may be interested in visiting and giving through our affiliate sites:.

• Samaritan’s Purse Australia and New Zealand
• Samaritan’s Purse Canada
• Samaritan’s Purse Germany
• Samaritan’s Purse Korea
• Samaritan’s Purse United Kingdom

• Register Now
• Classic Service Learning Trips
• High School Service Learning Trips
• Dental Service Learning Trips
• Nursing Service Learning Trips
• Custom Educational Trips
• Virtual Service Learning Trips
• Reduce Trip Costs
• Volunteer Resources Guide
• Volunteer Safety
• College Student Testimonials
• High School Student Testimonials
• Educators Testimonials
• Parents Testimonials
• COVID-19 Response
• Development
• Our Approach
• Cusco, Peru
• Riobamba, Ecuador
• Tena, Ecuador
• Tamarindo, Costa Rica
• San Jose, Costa Rica
• Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• Antigua, Guatemala
• Meet Our Team
• Partners & Grants
• MEDLIFE Financial Transparency
• MEDLIFE Chapters
• Join or Start A Chapter
• Refer a Friend
• Organize a Service Trip
• Leadership & Career Opportunities
• Fundraise for Moving Mountains
• Get MEDLIFE Merch
• Contact MEDLIFE
• Sign Up For A Service Learning Trip

Medical Mission Trips for Nurses Practitioners (NP) and Students

“MEDLIFE has been the most career-defining experience for me as a nurse… My work with MEDLIFE has significantly impacted the way that I see the world and the avenues that I have pursued within nursing after 7 years in practice… MEDLIFE has laid the framework for my work in global health and has opened up infinite possibilities for continued global health nursing in my career.”

 – cynthia peterson, phd(c), msn, rn.

What is a nursing service learning trip?

MEDLIFE provides medical mission trips for nurses. These service trips are essential for delivering quality healthcare to needy communities. They offer a unique service learning opportunity for nursing students and professionals. Participants apply their skills in real-world environments.

During these service trips, nurses work with local practitioners. They provide vital medical treatments and preventative screenings. The focus is on both immediate care and long-term support. This approach ensures holistic healthcare.

Participants in these trips have various responsibilities:

As a participant in a medical mission trip for nurses, your responsibilities may encompass:

• Administering medications as prescribed
• Assisting in routine medical examinations to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Recording and monitoring patients’ vital signs to track their health status
• Managing and updating patient files to maintain accurate medical records
• Observing and learning from experienced nursing professionals to enhance your skills
• Offering emotional support and companionship to patients

These medical mission trips, known as Nursing Service Learning Trips, are an invaluable experience for nurses looking to expand their knowledge, hone their skills, and make a meaningful impact on global health. By participating, nurses not only contribute to the well-being of underserved populations but also gain a deeper understanding of diverse healthcare environments and challenges.

HIGHLIGHTS of MEDLIFE’s medical mission trips for nurses

• Engage: Shadow local medical professionals and work alongside community members.
• Educate: Connect experiences from the field to academic themes through educational discussions.
• Build your CV: Gain 40 service hours!
• Advocate: Become a global citizen and learn how to advocate for social issues, both locally and abroad.
• Travel: Explore more of the adventure, culture, and wildlife of our destinations by adding travel extensions to a Service Learning Trip.

The MEDLIFE Difference

Providing Quality Care to Low-Income Communities

Our medical mission trips for nurses, or Nursing Service Learning Trips, focus on delivering superior healthcare in impoverished communities. Services include general medicine, dental care, pharmacy services, and vital preventive screenings like Pap Smears and breast cancer tests.

Working On-Site with Local Professionals

MEDLIFE’s in-country medical professionals speak the local language, understand local systems, and provide culturally sensitive care to their patients.

Providing Follow-Up Care

Patients with potential chronic or severe conditions receive ongoing support through our follow-up program, with local nurses committed to their long-term health.

Global Education Through Service Learning

Nurses on these trips gain insights into global health challenges and diverse cultures through direct engagement with patients, community interactions, and educational sessions, enhancing their professional and personal growth.

medical mission trips for nurses at a glance

Who Can Join a Nursing medical mission trip?

Our medical mission trips welcome nursing students and professionals. They provide a real-world application of their skills. These trips offer a chance to impact global health significantly.

• Nursing Students: Gain invaluable experience in the field. Enhance your clinical skills and understand diverse healthcare settings. Apply your theoretical knowledge in real situations. Prepare for a successful healthcare career.
• Nursing Professionals and Registered Nurses: Share your expertise and mentor students. Deliver care in unique settings. Benefit communities while expanding your skills. Broaden your clinical and cultural knowledge.

Join a MEDLIFE Nursing Service Learning trip today. Be part of a team committed to global health improvement. Experience growth, learning, and professional fulfillment.

When you sign up for a Service Learning Trip, you are automatically registered for medical emergency insurance for the duration of your trip. Visit our  travel safe page  or email us at  [email protected]  to learn more.

Find Out More About Nursing Service Trips!

Interested in learning more about how you can participate in a nursing service trip with MEDLIFE? Complete the form below, and a MEDLIFE advisor will contact you soon to provide detailed information and answer any questions you might have.

Take Global Action

Learn how you can make a difference.

Website Design & Development © 2024 Links Web Design, Bangor, Maine | Sitemap

Website Content Copyright © 2024 MEDLIFE

How Nurses Can Get Involved With Medical Mission Trips

Samaritan’s purse international mission, remote area medical - ram usa, project hope.

By Kathleen Colduvell RN, BSN, BA, CBC

Recent natural disasters such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria crushing Puerto Rico and Hurricane Harvey devastating Texas there has been an overwhelming need for volunteer registered nurses.

Despite the need at home for volunteers, there has been an increasing need abroad for nurses to volunteer on medical mission trips. 

More than 1.3 billion people across the world lack access to basic healthcare services let alone more complex services such as surgery or advance obstetric care. Developing countries need advance medical assistance and have the largest number of medical missions available for nurses to volunteer. 

Medical missions are trips in which trained medical professionals travel to foreign countries with a specific medical purpose for a designated period of time. This can vary in duration from one week to years depending on the organization.

Needs of the organization and the medical objective of the mission will dictate who is able to travel on missions. These individuals may include:

• registered nurses
• speech therapist
• physical therapists

Medical missions were originally developed by religious organizations and would provide basic healthcare while also improving the community. A large number of organizations are still embedded in their religious beginnings; however, most will gladly allow anyone to volunteer.

Mission trips are generally organized to developing nations that have a dire need for basic healthcare services. These include countries in Africa, South America, and Central America.

Most nurses interested in volunteering for medical missions will determine locations of interest and then find organizations that have current mission trips to those areas.

Interestingly, some hospitals are starting to organize their own mission trips. This past fall, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia organized a surgical medical mission to Guatemala to perform life-changing surgeries on dozens of children. Missions organized by healthcare organizations are strictly for employees and do not require vacation time to participate. 

Healthcare systems are not required to give employees time off for volunteer missions, but most do have policies regarding this. It’s important to speak to your supervisor before signing up for a mission.

Some hospitals will allow for one non-paid week every other year while others will offer paid vacation with the proper documentation. Due to the fact missions trips are often planned months in advance, nurses are encouraged to speak to their managers to ensure time off is guaranteed.

Nurses are also able to use their own PTO time in order to volunteer abroad. 

With an increasing number of organizations available it can be daunting and overwhelming to interesting nurses. Here’s a short list of some reputable organizations that are ready for adventurous and willing volunteers!

A 501(c)(3) Christian organization offers a variety of missions ranging from healthcare, clean water initiative, feeding projects, construction projects and sanitation. Nurses are required to submit an online application and letters of recommendation from current and former colleagues. 

While this organization is rooted in Christian faith, it has a strong reputation in the volunteer community. It welcomes individuals of all religious affiliations. Trip locations vary but have included Iraq, Vietnam, Kenya, and Tanzania. Costs also vary based on the length, ranging 2 to 4 weeks, of the trip but can range from $500-$2500. 

Founded by Stan Brock in 1985, RAM operates clinics in impoverished, isolated, and underserved areas of the United States. The mission of the organization is to “enhance quality of life through the delivery of competent and compassionate health care.”

While the focus of RAM is to serve the disenfranchised on mainland USA, it currently is operating five mobile clinics in Puerto Rico to assist in hurricane recovery. 

Clinics are currently being offered in parts of Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee. Registered nurses are limited to volunteering in the triage area of the clinic but there are countless opportunities available for other trained medical professionals. A small nominal fee is required for volunteers as well as arranging their own transportation to the site of the clinic. 

A non-denominational humanitarian organization focuses entirely on the needs Central America. Trips typically last 7-10 days and are comprised of medical and non-medical volunteers.

These trips tend to be more rustic in accommodations such as back-packer tents and cots. Living conditions are important to consider when determining which mission organization is best suited for you. Trips are typically $1500. 

Project HOPE currently has medical projects focusing on infectious disease, chronic disease, health policy, disasters and health crisis, and maternal/neonatal/child health.

Current needs are for Spanish speaking nurses to assist in Puerto Rico but other openings are available in China, Haiti, Kosovo, and the Dominican Republic. Costs are based strictly on the length of time and location. Volunteer opportunities are sparse for nurses and often fill up very quickly. 

This short list is only a small sampling of organizations that conduct medical missions to help serve those in need. Missions range in length of time and price but there are ones that could potentially fit everyone’s needs.

Make sure to ask the appropriate questions and research all aspects of the mission. There are rarely hidden costs but if cost is a deciding factor - local humanitarian missions might be more feasible than international ones. Nurses are born helpers and medical missions are another way to better the healthcare world. 

Next Up: Benefits and Opportunities as a Travel Nurse

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party, and you may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

(214) 390-7947 (Overseas Callers)

Toll-Free: 1-800-675-2504 (US/Canada)

Medical Mission Trips For Nursing Students

An amazing opportunity to gain hands-on medical experience while providing much needed care to disadvantaged people without proper access to healthcare.

• Fulfill your passion for medical work and gain valuable experience while on a life-changing adventure
• Enjoy your adventure in total safety with secure facilities that have been extensively vetted
• Experience the feeling of saving lives and providing care to those who would not get it without you
• Join an incredibly affordable program starting $185, trusted by over 22,000 since 2006
• Right this moment, there are many people in world who need your help. Will you answer the call?

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Do you like the idea of volunteering abroad with impoverished communities while boosting your nursing career abroad? Are you passionate about providing medical care to disadvantaged people with a goal of making the world a better place?  Well, IFRE offers affordable and safe mission trips abroad that will give you the opportunity to volunteer while traveling and immersing in a new culture at the same time.

Medical mission trips for nursing students are a great and life-changing opportunities to travel and and explore the world while advancing your nursing career. Similarly, while volunteering abroad, you will be able to grow, expand your social network, and attain special skills including leadership and teamwork. Furthermore, you will be able to learn a new culture and traditions, while living like a local with first-hand experience.

With years of experience hosting volunteers in 20 countries around the world, IFRE currently offers nursing programs across 20 countries throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America. By joining medical trips, you will shadow local professional doctors and medical practitioners to gain on-the-field experience in numerous medical situations that will advance your nursing career.

Together with your group, you can now join IFRE’s nurse volunteer experiences with medical mission trips to changes lives of poor people for incredible experience. Contact IFRE today for more information on this great opportunity to make the world a healthier place while exploring great local and beautiful scenery.

Table of Contents

• Benefits of Joining Medical Mission Trips For Nursing Students
• Popular Medical Mission Trips For Nursing Students
• Skill and Qualifications
• The Start Date(s)

Housing and Food

• How can I apply?

Why go with IFRE Volunteers?

How can you go as a group, benefits of medical mission trips for nursing students.

Expand Your Social Circle

You will get to meet the people from all walks of life who have invested their time and effort to come together to share ideas, passions, empathy and commitment to make the world a better place . The new relationships will expand your social network for positive changes in the world.

Make Communities Better

Mission medical trips for nurse practitioners are an act of uniting, cultivating friendships and working cumulatively towards the greater good of humanity, with the aim of positively changing the world. You will contribute and motivate others as you build the communities together.

A Learning Curve

As a volunteer abroad there will be many instances where you will learn skills such as practical, social and communication. It is a double win for you and the community, mission trips you will learn from others as much as they also learn from you.

Boost Your Nursing Career

 Medical mission trips for nursing students will help you acquire different skills important for your nursing career, which is why a resume with volunteering experience will head the pack and attract many lucrative job opportunities.

Travel And Experience Culture

While volunteering abroad, you will the off beaten path to have a great time while vising great places of interest and experiencing new culture. When you travel you will be able to view the world differently.

IFRE’s Popular Medical Mission Trips For Nursing Students:

Healthcare project (san jose, cortes).

Costa Rica is a picturesque country with plenty of places and landscapes to explore and visit. The country is famous for wildlife, virgin rainforests and beaches found on the Pacific and Caribbean coast. Despite the fact that Costa Rican government has been working to provide medical care many rural communities are still deprived. Numerous rural families are affected by immerse poverty and good medical care is neither available nor affordable.

By joining nurse practitioners for medical mission trips you will work alongside professionals that will give your access to shadow them to learn more skills.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

A part from this volunteer healthcare program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Costa Rica We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, turtles conservation, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Medical/Healthcare Project (Cusco)

Peru is a scenic country in South America well known for its culture, history, and exquisite colorful nature. Sadly, the country has been suffering from poverty and underdevelopment Many Peruvians in impoverished communities and low income have been deprived of good healthcare. By taking up nurse medical volunteer mission trips you will work alongside experienced doctors supporting them as they provide great healthcare to people who are in need. It is also an opportunity to learn and broaden your nursing experience abroad.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Peru

A side from this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Peru. We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, teenager mothers program, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Medical Volunteer Guatemala (Xela, Antigua)

Sadly in Guatemala is a developing country with no enough resources to provide good healthcare to all its citizens. Many rural families suffer from immerse poverty and good medical care is neither available nor affordable to them and their children. In Guatemala, IFRE’s medical mission trips for nursing students program allows you to bridge the gap in understaffed hospitals helping medical practitioners to be able to attend to more patients.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala

Besides this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Guatemala . We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, women empowerment program, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Medical/Healthcare Project

As South America’s second largest country, Argentina features an array of landscapes ranging from, desert, forest, beaches and the Andes Mountains. Despite the fact that it is a developed country healthcare is still lagging behind in many areas around the country, particularly in rural areas. In conjunction with local organizations IFRE’s nurse experiences with medical mission trips offers you the opportunity to volunteer in local hospitals and health centers supporting local doctors carry out simple tasks like records, checking the pressure and administrative work.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Argentina

Other than this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Argentina We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, dental care program, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Work In A Medical/Healthcare Project (Kathmandu)

Nepal is known as the home to eight of the top ten tallest mountains in the world. It has fascinating blend of culture, religion and traditions that is rich and famous worldwide. But, Nepal is a developing country with a history of years of civil war and social discrimination so poverty is rampant in Nepal. There is a great need for loving volunteers like you to join best medical mission trips for nurses in Nepal . By joining you will work in hospitals and clinics in rural areas and poor regions of Nepal that are lacking proper medical care and facilities. This will motivate and inspire already overworked medical staff that lacks morale due to low salaries and lack of incentives from the government.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal

A side from this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Nepal . We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, teaching in Buddhist monastery program, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Health/Medical Projects (Kasoa)

Ghana is an African country with history spanning over 400 years ago. With numerous attractions the country is most famous for wildlife, exquisite African cuisine and African designs. In the past, Ghana has made major strides to improve its healthcare facilities and hospitals but it is yet to cover the entire country. When you become part of nurse practitioners for medical mission trips you will help the poor and sick people to live a healthier life working under the guardianship of professional doctors. You will also have the opportunity to take an African Safari and immerse in the Ghanaian culture and traditions.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ghana

A part from this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Ghana . We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, HIV/AIDS program, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Medical Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a world-class tourist destination with gorgeous natural scenery, rich culture and history spanning thousands of years ago. Unfortunately, just like many developing countries at least 35% of its population is living below the poverty line, making Sri Lanka one of the poorest countries in the world. The government is still struggling to make medical care accessible and affordable around the country. Participating in cheap medical mission trips for nurses you will work to support community hospitals as an assistant to the doctor. This will give you new and invaluable experience in your nursing career that will benefit you when you return back home.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka

Other than this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Sri Lanka. We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, elephant conservation, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Health/Medical Project in Cambodia

Manypeople living in rural villages in Cambodia continue to have lots of problems accessing basic medical care therefore there is an urgent need for volunteers like you to bridge the gap by supporting local medical staff to improve the services. For many years, Cambodia suffers huge problems in the development of the health system and lack of sanitation, infrastructure and manpower is believed to be the root cause of a failing medical systems in the country. By joining medical mission trips for nursing students in Cambodia it will be a great opportunity to gain professional nursing experience as you shadow professional doctors as they save lives of sick patients.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Cambodia

A side from this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Cambodia . We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, teaching English to monks, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Medical/Health Project (Nairobi)

Unfortunately, in Kenya, many poor people are still dying of curable diseases. The number of patients that need medical attention daily often overwhelms medical staff in hospitals and health centers. There is a shortage of medically trained staff and few government hospitals are poorly managed and they deliver underwhelming services. IFRE urgently needs your help to assist ordinary Kenyan get the medical care they deserve. Your support will provide much needed relief in hospitals and medial centers in Kenya allowing the hospitals to care and attend to more people. Join mission medical trips for nursing students now and change help change the medical landscape in the country.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya

Besides this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Kenya . We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, HIV/AIDS programs, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Healthcare Projects (Moshi)

While Tanzania has seen impressive increase in the standard of health services in the last decade, this result has yet to reach many rural areas. However the urban areas have seen vast improvement there are still many people succumbing to treatable diseases. The rural communities in Tanzania need you to help them to get proper medical attention. Join IFRE medical mission trips for nurse practitioners and travel to areas where the poor and the sick are and help them have a healthier life. Your support will increase basic healthcare and decrease the prevalence of endemic illnesses.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania

Other than this volunteer healthcare program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Tanzania. We have variety of programs including teaching English, orphanage, HIV/AIDS programs, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Skills and Qualifications

To join medical mission trips for nursing students you need a medical certification or proof of medical experience. You will be expected to be flexible, hardworking and patient with a passion to work with impoverished communities. Similarly, basic communication and teamwork skills are required to be able to communicate and work efficiently with the local medical staff.

The Start Date(s) 

All IFRE programs begin every Monday all year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

In IFRE programs, you will pay a minimum fee of $165 for a one-week stay directly to your host families and the projects. When you join nurse experiences with medical mission trips all of your money goes to the projects and host families. Part of your fees also helps to cover program expenses. A one-time registration fee will be required in some of the countries.

To learn more about the fee for each country please follow this link.

When you join nurse medical mission trips abroad, a family will host you. Your host family will provide you with a safe and comfortable home, with modern facilities including western toilets, running water and electricity. Additionally, they will serve you with three healthy local home-cooked meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) per day.  Your new family is respected member of the community and they will welcome you to their home and teach you their culture and traditions as well as guide you as you adjust in to your new life.

To learn more about what kind of accommodation or food available in each location, please feel free to contact us or see the individual link of the project given above.

How can you apply?

The application is only are available online, and it is a simple and direct application process. You will be required to fill out basic information and submit the form.

To apply to medical mission trips for nursing students please follow the APPLY NOW button at the top of the page

With the cheapest and safest volunteer programs in the industry IFRE is highly rated in multiple platforms. They also offer over 200 programs in 20 countries throughout Asia, Latin America and Africa. You do not have to be worried because IFRE has many years of experience in the industry having hosted over 22,000 volunteers since inception.

IFRE offers impactful customized group medical mission volunteering trips abroad for nursing students. With your group you will have the opportunity to work together and visit great places while immersing in the local culture and living like members of the local community. Become a volunteer working with your group abroad to positively change the communities. Contact IFRE NOW to book your group trip abroad.

IFRE Volunteers is one of the top volunteering program providers in the world.  We offer amazing volunteer programs in 20 countries across Latin America, Asia and Africa. If you are interested to volunteer in other countries than mentioned above, check out our best affordable programs in  India ,  Bali , Thailand ,  South Africa , Uganda , Zimbabwe , Morocco , Brazil and Ecuador .

Check out  A Complete Volunteer Abroad Guide: Everything You Need To Know  to learn more about what is volunteering abroad. If you want to know how to volunteer abroad for free, go through our  Volunteer Abroad for Free  article. If you are a college student and searching for meaningful summer volunteering programs, check out our popular articles  Community Service Trips For College Students  and  Summer Volunteer Programs For College Students .

Other Related Articles

Medical Volunteer Abroad

Physical Therapy Volunteer Abroad

Healthcare Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Public Health Volunteer Abroad

Pre Med Volunteer Abroad

Physician Assistant Volunteer Abroad

Dental Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Mental Health Volunteering Abroad

Medical Student Volunteer Abroad

Best medical volunteer abroad programs

Medical mission trips for college students

Best Medical Mission Trips

Medical mission trips for pre-med students

Cheap medical mission trips

Medical mission trips for emts

Medical mission trips for high school students

Related Articles:

• Volunteer Nurse Abroad
• Family Volunteer Abroad
• Orphanage Volunteer Abroad
• Volunteer Abroad Under 18
• Teen Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering Destinations

• Volunteer in Bali
• Volunteer in Cambodia
• Volunteer in China
• Volunteer in India
• Volunteer in India (Himalaya)
• Volunteer in Nepal
• Volunteer in Himalayas
• Volunteer in Sri Lanka
• Volunteer in Volunteer in Thailand
• Volunteer in Ghana
• Volunteer in Volunteer in Kenya
• Volunteer in South Africa
• Volunteer in Tanzania
• Volunteer in Uganda
• Volunteer in Argentina
• Volunteer in Brazil
• Volunteer in Costa Rica
• Volunteer in Ecuador
• Volunteer in Xela, Guatemala
• Volunteer in Antigua, Guatemala
• Volunteer in Mexico
• Volunteer in Peru

How It Works

• Destinations
• Project Focus

Animals & Wildlife

• Travel Guide Free

Choose a language

Choose a currency.

Volunteer World is the World's leading comparison platform for volunteer abroad programs. We guide you through a safe and easy application process. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you access to:

Your Extra Layer of Security

Quality assurance.

High ethical standards & transparent social impact

Flex Option

Change your reservation at no extra costs

Refund Guarantee

We refund your fees if your project cancels your trip

Support & Mediation

We cover your back no matter what happens

Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

All program fees are charged directly by your volunteer organization.

Best Destinations 2024

South africa, more countries, asian elephants, north & central america, dominican republic, united states.

• South America

Europe & Oceania

Western africa, northern africa, eastern africa, middle africa, southern africa, middle east, southern asia, eastern asia, south korea, south east asia, philippines, north america.

• Central America

El Salvador

Latin america, buenos aires, amazon rainforest, the caribbean, bosnia and herzegovina, russian federation, united kingdom, great barrier reef, french polynesia, new zealand, papua new guinea, trending topics 2024, marine conservation, marine life, teaching english, virtual volunteering, suitable for, high school, over 50s & seniors, mission trips (short-term), low budgets, internships abroad, medical training, veterinary training, biology & environment, business & marketing, environment & conservation, farming & agriculture, round trips & camps, humanitarian aid, childcare & daycare support, medical mission trips, special needs & disabilities, community services, building & construction, community development, culture & arts, human & women's rights, ngo management, wildlife conservation, animal shelter, sloth sanctuary, animal protection, great white sharks, scuba diving, coral reefs, sea turtles, whale sharks, african wildlife, african elephants.

Medical mission trips are your perfect chance to support a medical project abroad when you don't have too much time on your hands ... read more

Medical mission trips are your perfect chance to support a medical project abroad when you don't have too much time on your hands. Medical mission trips take place at hospitals , clinics or doctor's offices in developing countries. It's ideal for students who want to gain international work experience on a short-term medical mission trip.

Medical mission trips are perfect for pre-meds, dental professionals , med students, and healthcare volunteers with any level of experience. Our short-term medical internships abroad include a diverse mix of pre-meds, doctors, nurses , medical students, midwives and volunteers with limited medical background.

Medical Shadowing in Hospitals

Shadow doctors & nurses in Greek hospitals for up to 40 hours per week. Rotate between different departments, clinics & surgeries. 🩺 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sri Lanka Mental Health Volunteers

Using a combination of lectures, meditations, consultations and community projects, further your awareness of mental health in a new culture. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Assistant for Medical Work

Join our health projects, gain insight into healthcare challenges in developing nations, and make a meaningful impact! 🩺 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Emergency Department Assistant

Emergency department placement in working with a busy team looking after major and minor injuries and with severely ill or acutely unwell patients. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sri Lanka Medical Volunteers

Gain invaluable medical experience, an opportunity not to be missed in this gorgeous part of the world by those pursuing a career in medicine. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Psychology Internship

Shadowing & practical involvement internship in Greece for up to 40 hours per week landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Medical Student Internship

Student medical placements in Emergency Medical, Surgical, Dentistry, Psychology and more. Please enquire for specific departments. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Midwife Hospital Assistant

We need midwifery assistants to work in Arusha with mother and babies, helping to deliver newborns & support pregnant women! Students & Trained Professionals welcome! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Physiotherapy Hospital Assistant

Join a team of local physiotherapist as they aim to rehabilitate patients in burns, trauma, orthopaedics and paediatrics departments. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="8" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Support Local Healthcare

As a volunteer you'll support us at an assisted living facility for elderly adults or at a school for disabled children. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

India Medical Volunteers

Gain practical experience and insight on the medical program in India, whilst bringing support to a large population and under resourced facilities. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Ecuador Medical Volunteers

As a medical student, witness a healthcare system unlike your own. A new insight into traditional beliefs will leave you amazed and cultured. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Ghana Mental Health Volunteers

This amazing opportunity gives you an insight into how psychiatric services operate in Ghana today. Help this important sector to reach modern standards. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="12" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Medical Healthcare Work

This is great practical experience for medical students to gain first hand knowledge of international healthcare and to shadow local doctors and nurses. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Medical Outreach

This program involves visiting areas without access to healthcare to treat URIs, UTIs, STIs, GI & skin infections, wounds, plus HIV and malaria testing and treatment. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Medicine and Healthcare Observation & Experience

Work side by side with medical staff at local clinics and be involved with day to day healthcare.This opportunity will give you an insight into the running of a clinic. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Obstetrics, Maternity & Gynaecology

Join local obstetrics and gynaecology physicians to help provide care and treatment to women with C-sections and birth complications. STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS welcome! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Local Medical Clinic Supporter

Shadow local medical professionals, helping to provide medical check-ups, blood pressure and other vital signs, administration, and prepare materials and equipment. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="17" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Medical Health Care

You will be involved in the day-to-day running of hospitals and clinics directly assisting the doctors and nurses.This project is open to anyone who wants to help landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Mental Health and Psychology Internship

Mental health issues often come last on the list of priorities for policy makers and hence mental illnesses receive very little attention from the government. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="19" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Best Medical Mission Trips Abroad

If you’re short on time but keen to volunteer, we have just the thing for you. Many of us dream of making a difference in the world but are simultaneously working on careers or building a family that also require our attention. What if we told you that you can do it all? There’s no need to quit your job or do anything drastic but you can still make a meaningful difference. Here at Volunteer World, we understand that there is a necessity for short-term volunteer projects. Experience all the benefits of volunteering without any of the sacrifices and volunteer for one of the medical mission trips on the website.

At Volunteer World, we believe that volunteering should be accessible to everyone. There are countless volunteer organizations out there and they are all in need of enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to lend a hand to their projects. There’s no need to give up everything to be part of something meaningful. Volunteering is now for everyone willing to help out and spare a few days of their time. Continue reading to learn more about medical missions and how you can help.

🩺 What is a Medical Mission Trip?

Medical missions are trips in which medical professionals or students travel abroad for a specified period of time for a specific medical purpose. While medical volunteering is when someone decides to dedicate time to a project that is focused on improving the circumstances of a community or the environment, medical mission opportunities can be a bit different. Volunteer organizations generally put in a lot of work to train volunteers. This is why some projects require volunteers to stay for at least a few weeks. There’s a shift going on in the volunteer landscape with projects welcoming volunteers for shorter periods. These are also known as short-term medical mission trips.

Students, people on a sabbatical or retirees may be able to dedicate themselves to a project for longer periods but there’s a large group of the population for who this simply isn’t an option. Medical relief missions are short-term volunteer programs that can be done for 1-4 weeks. Even if it is for that short amount of time, you can help and support doctors and do amazing things. Of course longer options are available, however, these short-term missions allow everyone to volunteer in for example clinics and experience the incredible benefits of volunteering while not having to stay for a long time period.

🏥 What are Pros and Cons of Medical Mission Trips?

If you’re determined to make a difference during your next holiday, why not volunteer for an international medical trip? Combine the freedom to travel while taking the time to do something for the community of your holiday destination. With medical mission projects entering the picture, being short on time is no longer an excuse for not volunteering. Countless projects and programs are waiting for your help, for example, medical mission trips for nurses or nursing students . Of course, you can also work with doctors. Before you plan you look at the medical mission work opportunities, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of those for professionals, students and nurses:

• Use medical mission work opportunities to volunteer and contribute for a limited period.

• This is a great opportunity to try out different volunteer projects and programs abroad while gaining valuable experience in your profession.

• You will learn a lot about the region you volunteer in but also about volunteering.
• The chance to connect with the local community while getting hands-on and helping with the healthcare system.
• Participants will see a different side of their travel destination that you will not see as a simple tourist.

• You will meet other like-minded individuals that share the same ideals as you do.

• It’s always important to do your due diligence with regards to the organization to know where the funds are invested in. You cannot start by going somewhere and begin nursing people back to health in clinics without any prior knowledge. It is always advisable to do some research to make sure the local organization is offering a sustainable service to the community and using the funds they are getting properly.
• The time spent on the program is limited which may not allow you to connect as profoundly with your volunteer organization.
• When working with children it can be hard on them when volunteers come and go.

🤷🏽‍♀️ Why choose a Medical Mission Trip?

If you’re eager to volunteer but have a family, a job or other responsibilities that you simply can’t leave behind for long, a medical mission trip is exactly what you’re looking for. You will gain experience in volunteering, contribute to a meaningful cause and learn a great deal about the challenges others are facing daily.

Why Medical Mission Trips are making a difference? It’s fair to say that organizations prefer volunteers to dedicate themselves for longer periods of time for a program. The longer you stay, the more tasks and responsibilities you will have. This doesn’t mean that a shorter stay is meaningless or less meaningful in any way. The most important thing that will happen during your stay abroad is the cultural interchange and social contact between the volunteer and the locals. Gaining awareness about your volunteer destination will undoubtedly change the way you view the world afterward. Small changes do go a long way.

Is volunteering in developing countries condescending? There are claims that if you volunteer overseas that you’re portraying a message that these communities are unable to solve problems on their own. This mainly refers to programs that aren’t addressing the root problem and are exploiting both the community and the volunteers for personal gains. The goal should always be to empower local communities and give them the support they need to build a better future. Reputable organizations understand the needs of the community and are dedicated to helping the community progress. As doctors and nurses in the field of medicine, you will do exactly that in international clinics and hospitals! Medical mission trips for nursing students are perfect to learn and give practical support. You can leave an imprint as strong as the professionals do!

Although the time of your international volunteer trip may be short, that doesn’t mean your efforts are not of help. As, for example, a volunteer on one of the medical mission trips for college students or nursing students, you will gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in the part of the world your program is in. You will carry this awareness with you throughout your life and undoubtedly share it with others after your experiences while working with local doctors and nursing people in need back to health. All medical mission work opportunities will have an impact.

Short-term medical programs are an excellent opportunity to find out whether volunteering for longer periods is suitable for you.

👨🏽‍⚕️ What kind of Medical Mission Trips are there?

The point of a medical mission trip abroad is to gain experience during a short time period and contribute to one of the projects, by supporting the people and community in regards to healthcare, but also even further. Medical professionals of all sorts, such as dentists , pharmacists, midwives, surgeons, paramedics, pediatricians, nurses are desperately needed. As professionals in the field of medicine, you should consider an international medical mission program! Short-term medical missions for nurses are also always available as they are in dire need of assistance. Furthermore, trips for college students are ideal to help out and at the same time gain valuable experience for your future career.

There are so many possibilities available that it will come down to where you want to go and what skills you have to offer. Some medical trips are suited for specialists, such as dental mission trips . Here are some tasks you will help with if you join a general medical program:

• Observing procedures
• Shadowing daily rounds in clinics and hospitals
• Nursing patients back to health
• Changing bandages and dressing wounds
• Monitoring recovery
• Emergency Room support
• Applying first aid


As you can see, there are countless options. It’s a matter of preference and skills that will determine where you will do and what you will do on your programs. Brief medical mission trips for nursing students will, of course, have differences in comparison to short-term medical missions for nurses or doctors.

💡 How do I choose the best Medical Mission Trip for me?

The most important aspect of choosing a great medical mission trip program is that you do enough research on the different volunteer organizations and try to answer the following questions:

• What does the organization stand for?
• What is their objective and how are they trying to achieve it?
• How are the funds they receive spent?
• How do you think you will contribute?

Read up on the organization, read reviews and ask previous volunteers about their experience with the organization. There are some great agencies and non-profit organizations that are doing very responsible work.

Be careful when you choose to volunteer with children. Do your due diligence before signing up. There are organizations however that are doing more harm than good. It’s important to take into account that we have attempted to screen these organizations but in the end, you make the final call. Choose wisely and you will be in for an incredible experience while supporting a meaningful cause.

What are the best places for Medical Mission Trips?

Embark on a volunteer trip and the world is just a click away. Volunteer organizations are aware of the limited time most people have on their hands and are welcoming short-term volunteers. Take this opportunity to explore the world and give back to less fortunate communities, while also linking it to your university studies and gaining credits if you are a college student. Medical mission trips for college students or nursing students are a great way to gain practical experience for a future profession.

Medical mission opportunities can generally be found in developing countries that do not have good or basic healthcare services. This includes places such as:

Countries from all over the world, such as Ghana , Tanzania , Peru , India , Guatemala , Nepal , Sri Lanka or South Africa all need your help. Work in clinics, with doctors in their offices or hospitals and help out where help is needed! Do not hesitate, find a program and destination that suit your taste, volunteer for your first medical mission trip abroad and start nursing people back to good health.

Unlimited volunteer opportunities are awaiting your support.

🎁 Top 5 benefits of a Medical Mission Trip Program

It’s hard to name drawbacks when talking about volunteering abroad. It’s almost always associated with feelings of positivity. Both travel and volunteering allow people to get out of their usual environment and open up to new experiences. Join one of the medical relief missions and help improve the healthcare system and community in your destination place!

Let’s take a look at some benefits volunteering for a medical mission trip may have in store for you:

Valuable Learning Opportunities

Meet new people, new experiences, health improvements, 👩🏽‍⚕️ who can volunteer on a medical mission trip.

In case you are not sure whether you would make a great volunteer on a medical mission trip, we have listed some characteristics that are great to have as a hospital volunteer or as a general medical volunteer abroad:

• Communication skills
• Emotional stability
• Flexibility
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Physical endurance
• Problem-solving skills
• Quick response to emergency situations
• Respect for people of all cultures

For being a good candidate in a medical mission trip, it may not be necessary to tick all the boxes. However, it is a good guideline to help you decide on taking part.

There will be a lot of opportunities to learn from this experience, yet you have to bear in mind that it will not always be easy. As a volunteer in the medical sector, you will witness things that your education might not have prepared you for.

📣 What Language Skills are Required for Medical Mission Trips?

English is the main language on all medical projects so it is important that volunteers have a good understanding of English. This is essential to communicate with the staff at the project center and other volunteers. For projects in South America, it would be great if you gain a basic knowledge of Spanish before going. Knowing some Spanish words will kickstart your medical mission trip volunteer adventure.

🚀 How do I Start a Medical Mission Trip?

You are ready to go but you are not quite sure where to start? First of all, have a look at the different programs across the globe, and pick a few that have caught your attention.

Once you have done that, let us take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to a medical mission trip abroad:

• Check whether there is a match between you and the projects by looking at their requirements.
• Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be exciting to go to.
• Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and schedules match up.

Once this is sorted, let us take a look at these practical steps:

Insurance (health and travel)

We recommend getting both, health and travel insurance. In fact, this is a requirement for all volunteer programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

Visa, Passport, and Documentation

Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!

• Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in.
• Make sure you have a valid passport and consider the requirements of the host country.
• Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application.

That’s it! You are ready for your medical mission trip abroad! Get ready for a life-changing experience. You will learn a lot about the medical world, get to know a completely new culture and a great deal more about yourself! Check out the different programs on our page and get started!

Working Together Hand in Hand

Upcoming trips by date, nursing and medical mission trips.

Participants: School-led nursing trip for students and faculty

Leader:   M. Payne

Description: Multi-faceted medical trip to conduct clinics in different communities for those with limited access to basic care.

Trip fees include food, lodging, purified water, in-country transportation, translators, full-time FFP staff, security, pre-trip planning, basic medicine and post-trip follow-up. Does not include airfare, personal expenses, special excursions or other non-standard items. 

Participants: Trip for students and faculty of NYIT

Leader:   TBD

Description: Multi-faceted medical trip to Santo Domingo area to conduct clinics in different communities for those with limited access to basic care.

Trip fees include food, lodging, purified water, in-country transportation, translators, full-time FFP staff, security, pre-trip planning, basic medicines, patient registration, doctors and post-trip follow-up. Does not include airfare, personal expenses, special excursions or other non-standard items.  

Participants: Trip for Canadian youth

Leader:   Sophia and Atina Gorgiev 

Description: Multi-faceted trip to San Joaquin including a medical clinic, house to house medical care, a small construction project, Sunday school and activities for children.

Trip fees include food, lodging, purified water, in-country transportation, translators, full-time FFP staff, security, pre-trip planning, construction materials, basic medicine and post-trip follow-up. Does not include airfare, personal expenses, special excursions or other non-standard items. 

Sign Up >

Leader:   A. Vermeesch

Description:  Multi-faceted medical trip to conduct clinics in different communities for those with limited access to basic care.

Participants: Trip for PA Sharks Class of 2025

Leader:   A. Ningard, J. Shortridge

Participants:  Open to emergency nurses and their friends, family, and interdisciplinary colleagues (such as other nurses, NPs, physicians, PAs, and more!).

Leader:   D. McDonald MSN RN APN

Description:  Medical trip to the Dominican Republic area, conducting 2 -3 clinics and health education in different communities for those with limited access to basic care in partnership with Dominican physicians and 2 days of some light construction to improve a family’s situation. One recreation day.

In-country cost includes food, mission lodging, purified water, in-country transportation (starting at airport), translators, full-time FFP staff, security, materials, pre-trip planning, basic medicines, Dominican physicians and post-trip follow-up.

Not included: airfare, personal expenses, medical equipment, special excursions or other non-standard items. 

We welcome universities, colleges, associations, clubs, churches, and individuals to bring teams!

Please contact [email protected] today to schedule your 2024 trip!

Christian Mission Trips

Participants: Church-led trip for their members and friends

Leader:   H. Hughes

Description: Multi-faceted trip to El Batey including worship. VBS, construction and more.

Includes food, lodging, purified water, in-country transportation, translators, full-time FFP staff, security, pre-trip planning, construction materials and post-trip follow-up. Does not include airfare, personal expenses, special excursions or other non-standard items. 

Participants: Church-led trip for their youth group

Leader:   L. Holt

Description: Multi-faceted trip including worship, VBS, construction and more.

Participants: Church-led trip

Leader:   D. Molnar

Leader:   K. Franke

Participants: Open to individuals, families and groups who want to serve in the name of Jesus Christ with our Kenyan brothers and sisters

Description: Multi-faceted  trip to Mathare North, Nairobi, Kenya:

• Run a medical camp 3 days to provide free care and medicines for about 1000 people in the slum ( We need medical and non-medical people to reach this goal)
• Attend church, evening devotions and provide a Bible school lesson to kids
• Light construction project for the church
• Visit patients in their homes with volunteer caregivers
• Tour an animal park and meditate in a prayer garden
• Stay at a beautiful retreat center and ride in a well-maintained bus with an expert driver

Join an optional safari at the end of the trip!

Leader:   K. Culver

Cost:  $2,250 plus airfare

Includes food, lodging, purified water, in-country transportation, pre-trip planning, construction materials, medical supplies and post-trip follow-up.

Does not include airfare, personal expenses, special excursions, safari or other non-standard items. 

We welcome churches, organizations and individuals to bring teams!

Please contact [email protected] today to schedule your trip!

Explore Mission and Medical/Nursing Opportunities

Participants:   Anyone who is interested in learning more about the FFP or leading a trip

Leader:   K. Culver, W. Patchin

In-country cost:   $300

Description: Get to know the fantastic  FFP DR staff, visit current projects and projects in need, learn about how and where our medical/nursing teams function, stay in our mission lodging, eat great food and get to know the communities where we work.

Includes food, lodging, purified water, in-country transportation to and from airport, and translators

Does not include airfare, personal expenses, special excursions or other non-standard items. 

Social Service Trips

Please contact [email protected] today to schedule your 2023 trip!

• (970) 635-0110

Short-Term Missions for Undergraduate Students

About imr – for undergraduate students.

Short-term medical mission trips for undergraduate students with IMR will help you expand your school boundaries and transform the world into your classroom.

If you’re a current or aspiring medical, dental, or health-related student looking to gain experience or insight into global health, mission trips from IMR offer the  exciting opportunity to participate in patient care  in a clinic setting under the direct supervision of licensed medical professionals.

Through a tailored combination of mentoring, observation, and tutorial, International Medical Relief’s clinic-based short-term medical mission trips will  give you a unique perspective of the rewards and demands of a medical career . We’ll help you develop a better understanding of myriad global healthcare issues, narrow your scope of interest, and give you an edge when it comes to completing university or medical school applications.

Why a Short-Term Medical Mission Trip with IMR?

Get class credit while exploring the world.

IMR works with universities across the country to help both medical and non-medical students participate in our medical mission trips.

Students interested in pursuing a medical career have found their experience in the field with IMR to be enormously valuable in supplementing their education. Gain  80-110 clinical hours  on each mission while shadowing providers and having opportunities for hands-on patient assessments and direct patient interaction.

IMR  student volunteers are heavily involved in the running our clinic operations , as they assist in pharmacy, patient intake, clinic triage, provider-patient care, and direct patient education on preventative and community health topics. You will receive a certificate of participation and, upon request, may receive letters of recommendation from your team leader and other volunteers you work with in the field to add to your portfolio.

If you are looking to make your grad school application more unique,  adding international experience to your resume is a definite plus . Review boards will be impressed that you were able to fit in a medical mission with your packed schedule. More importantly, your mission abroad demonstrates that you have interests beyond the classroom that you actively pursued with dedication and heart.

Gain Hands-On Experience with Service Learning

Our clinic-based missions are designed to help you understand the realities of life in the medical field. You’ll  serve with team members from a variety of backgrounds working with medical professionals  who will mentor you in this real clinical environment. One day you might be shadowing in pediatrics as a doctor conducts a procedure, the next you might assisting a nurse practitioner with burn injuries. You’ll gain experience in every department necessary to run a clinic: intake, vitals, triage, treatment, diagnosis, pharmaceutical instruction, and community education. IMR matches your interests and specialties to maximize your opportunity.

Whether it’s shadowing a doctor in South America, participating in healthcare outreach in Asia, or helping to treat infectious diseases in Africa, we design IMR missions for both global and medical experience.

IMR's All-Inclusive Clinicals Abroad Experience

We make the arrangements.

Travel with ease as IMR caters to all of your arrangements from beginning to end. Your experience includes international and in-country transportation, in-country lodging and meals, and all ground logistics. You’ll work in clinics fully stocked with supplies, medicines, and diagnostic equipment for the team’s utilization. Your seasoned team leaders have vast international humanitarian experience and medical backgrounds.

Our number-one priority is that you are comfortable, safe and secure  during your time with us to make this the best experience of your life. To help put your mind at ease, all of our missions take place in friendly communities that will welcome you with open arms. Parents and family members are always welcome to participate in our pre-field training and conference calls. We have round-the-clock staff members who are just a phone call away in case of emergency while you are abroad.

Take the first step towards this life-changing experience. New friends, new cultures, new skills and memories await. We know you are excited, so why not get started on your application?

Join Us in Making a Difference.

Bring much-needed acute medical and dental care to a beautiful, culture-rich destination. You can join an IMR medical mission team today!

• [email protected]
• 1151 Eagle Drive Suite 457 Loveland, CO. 80537

Give with Confidence

• Sustainable Community Health
• Financial Accountability & Transparency
• Testimonials
• Blog: News from the Field
• Join the Cause

Who Can Volunteer?

• Medical Providers
• Dental Professionals
• Non-Medical Volunteers
• Professional Students
• Pharmacists
• EMS Personnel
• Interpreters
• Complementary Medicine Professionals
• Surgical Teams
• Ophthalmologists & Optometrists

Volunteer Resources

• Getting Ready to Go
• Clinic Guide
• Country Details
• Donation Receipts

Get Updates on How You Can Make an Impact

• Name * First Name Last Name

© Copyright 2024 International Medical Relief. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | | Cookie Policy |Website by SageMG

Privacy Overview

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (RN to MSN)
• Family Nurse Practitioner Program (RN to MSN)
• Adult-Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN)
• Nurse Educator (RN to MSN)
• Dual Degree RN to MSN / MBA
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (BSN to MSN)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN)
• Adult-Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN)
• Nurse Educator (BSN to MSN)
• Dual Degree MSN/MBA
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMC)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (PMC)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (PMC)
• Adult Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PMC)
• Nurse Educator (PMC)
• About SAU Online
• SAU’s Christian Educational Philosophy
• Meet Our Faculty
• Student Testimonials
• Accreditations & Rankings
• Student Services & Support
• State Authorization
• SAU in the News
• Get Started

Nurses’ Guide to Medical Missions Trips - Serving Those in Need

If you are involved in the medical community or are studying to become a doctor or nurse, chances are you already have a passion to help people at least partly fueling your current career goals.

As you work in state-of-the-art facilities, you may find yourself wondering if you could put your knowledge and skills to use in a way that benefits those less fortunate and without access to care. If you have ever found yourself thinking along these lines, you may want to consider a medical missions trip. Spring Arbor University’s online nursing degrees equip BSN and MSN/Nurse Practitioner students for nursing abroad. You can earn your degree while continuing to work and prepare to improve patient care with a top ranked degree.

Get Your Free Program Guide

What is a medical missions trip?

Medical missions trips give medical professionals and medical students the chance to travel and apply their knowledge to help those who otherwise might not receive essential medical services – including in the event of natural disasters like Hurricanes Irma and Katrina. Over the past two decades, the number of people heading overseas to participate in medical missions trips has grown considerably, and with this growth has come a continued emphasis on helping those in need through the rise of portable technology and greater ease of safe travel.

Short term missions trips started to become popular in the 1960s when air travel became accessible. The popularity has grown to the point that today, America sends over 2 million people on short-term missions trips every year. While not all of these are medical in nature, these statistics show the popularity of heading overseas to serve.

Originally, medical missions trips were organized by religious groups, but over time most have opened up to allow anyone who is interested to participate. On the other end of the spectrum, many hospitals and medical centers organize their own missions trips or partner up with specific organizations; because these are open only to employees, they often do not require the use of PTO. If medical missions trips are something you have considered, you will need to do some research before you embark.

Here is a guide intended to help you understand your options for medical missions work, choose the right trip and head out safely for your mission experience overseas. We will cover:

• Criteria to consider when deciding to pursue medical missions work
• Career benefits
• How to pick a credible program
• Religious considerations
• Travel precautions
• Travel nursing – a longer term alternative?

Criteria to Consider for Medical Missions Trips

If you are considering taking a medical missions trip, you need to understand that not all trips are created equal. There are many different criteria that are considered for these trips, and you may qualify for ones you didn’t even realize until you take a closer look.

First, you need to understand that not all of these trips require a completed medical degree. Most require a measure of medical training, but it is possible to go on a medical missions trip with no medical knowledge whatsoever. There are trips available for those in pre-med and pre-nursing programs, those looking for medical internships and those looking for charitable experience with little training at all.

Second, the duration of the trips needs to be considered. Sometimes, short-term trips are designed to bring necessary help to a remote area but not function as a long-term solution. Others are designed to bring long-term treatment to people who need it. The duration can be just a few weeks and several months or years.

Finally, the type of treatment is another consideration to make. Sometimes these trips will focus on one particular treatment or specialty area. For example, a trip may focus entirely on dental care, while another may focus on providing surgical care to a people group who normally would not have access. If you are trained or are training in a particular field, you may wish to look for opportunities specifically within that field. As you are considering your options and deciding if a medical missions trip is right for you, and which one is right for you, here are some considerations you will want to make:

• Is there a specialty area where you wish to provide care? Are you trained in dental work, surgical care, women's health, specialized nursing, pediatrics, orthopedics or some other specialty area? Your specialty may be exactly what a particular organization is looking for in a medical missionary.
• Consider your experience. Experience is going to be a criteria for certain types of trips, so consider and list your experience as you are applying for trips. If you don't have much experience or a medical degree, don't worry. There are many organizations that offer placements for volunteers and medical interns who may not have degrees or clinical experience. In these roles, you will provide support to licensed practitioners and get real-world experience in the medical field, without actually having a degree.
• Decide how long you wish to serve. While you may wish to serve indefinitely, the reality is that you have other responsibilities and roles to fill. Determine the length of time that you will be able to dedicate to your medical missions trip, whether it is just a few weeks or an extended trip that goes on for months. Short-term trips often work alongside established ministries or medical practices, while long-term trips will set up their own clinic and location.
• Consider how much you can afford. While long-term missions might pay you for your work, most short-term missions work is volunteer-based. Some will pay for expenses only, while others may actually charge you a fee to participate, or else ask you to help out with fundraising. Do not hesitate to ask about any financial aid or support opportunities.
• Determine if you wish to stay in one spot or travel. Some programs take medical care to a variety of places and people, while others set up a clinic in one particular area and stay put. Decide which is the right choice for your needs and your goals.
• Consider your specific geographic preferences. Factors to consider here include climate, safety, and even culture. You may wish to participate in a dangerous area where many injuries are sustained and medical assistance is particularly critical, or you may decide that an area’s policies against specific groups of people are too much for you to handle. These are all valid perspectives, but you must know your own boundaries. Take some time to research your areas of interest and decide where you fall.
• Consider religious preferences. Many medical missions trips are connected to religious organizations, though not all are. You may have to be willing to participate in the religious training or be a follow of the particular faith of the organization you are considering in order to serve. If you follow a particular faith, look for opportunities within your organization. If you do not, then consider looking for non-religious opportunities to provide medical care in impoverished areas.

For more information about the criteria for selecting a medical missions trip, visit:

• RN Central: My Mission is a Medical Mission
• International Volunteer HQ: Medical Missions Trips
• Focus Campus: 7 Reasons You Should Say "Yes" to a Mission Trip
• Osteopathic.org: When Choosing a Medical Missions Trip, Continuity of Care Matters. Here's Why

Professional Benefits of Medical Missions Trips

Going on a medical missions trip brings a number of intrinsic benefits. You get the benefit of knowing you did something to help those who needed it most and the benefit of knowing that you have done something to further your faith around the globe. But what about professional benefits? Can you benefit your career by going on a medical missions trip? The answer is yes.

• Going on a medical missions trip will stretch you and challenge you both personally and professionally. This can have a number of professional benefits, because it will make you a stronger practitioner. It will also help you develop the tenacity of character that will make you a better doctor or nurse in your future career.
• Medical missions trips also provide more hands-on clinical experience. For instance, a doctor in the United States will rarely take vitals or chart patient history, leaving that job to the nurse, but in a medical missions clinic, you will be asked to do these important tasks. This can help you understand all of the intricacies of medical practice and the support professionals you have on hand.
• Medical missions work can look really good on a resume as you seek a future career. Many employers like to work with people who are compassionate and dedicated, and medical work will show that you are both.
• Finally, your medical missions work can help solidify your passion for medicine. By seeing just how well your career can help others, you will be inspired to continue your training and complete your degree.

Of course, there are potential career drawbacks to consider. First, going on a medical missions trip can take time away from your course of study, potentially postponing some of your career milestones. Another potential drawback can occur if you are delivering medical care you are not qualified to administer. Later, when you are before an admissions committee, you may find that this experience is a drawback to finishing your credentials.

Finally, medical missions work is costly. So is medical training. You may not have the budget to do both. So here are some important steps to take to ensure you are going on a medical missions trip that will support, rather than hinder, your career goals.

• Choose the right organization or medical missions trip. The organization you travel through can either hinder or help your future career goals. Choose a trustworthy, well-respected organization to ensure that you are not doing any professional harm.
• Fine-tune a specific skill. If you want your medical missions trip to have the biggest professional impact, choose to serve in an area where you are planning to focus your profession, and use the trip as an opportunity to fine tune the medical skill in question.
• Focus on personal growth. While on your trip, take the time to grow personally. A doctor or nurse who does his or her job well is one that is a well-rounded individual, not just a consummate professional. While serving on a foreign field, you will have to learn to think on your feet and get creative in your medical service, and these all will help you be a better medical caregiver when you return home. Consider keeping a journal or documenting your experiences and realizations. Make time to travel and speak to the locals, as well as explore local culture.
• Don't rely on medical missions as a means to get into professional school. Medical schools and nursing schools are not looking for medical missions trips when reviewing candidates. While charitable service can help, you need to take a medical missions trip for other reasons. If your main professional goal is to use the experience to launch your education or your career, you may want to save some money and get that charitable experience back home.
• Ensure you are only doing care you are qualified to perform. Yes, it's tempting to grab a needle and start administering vaccines while you are on your missions trip, but if you are not qualified to do this, don't. It will actually have a negative effect on your future admissions if you are boasting about the care you delivered that you are not qualified to deliver. Find ways to help that do not breach any professional or ethical standards.

For additional information on the benefits and drawbacks of medical missions, visit:

• The Journal of Humanitarian Assistance: Medical Liability in Humanitarian Missions
• Dermatology Times: Who Really Benefits from Medical Missions?
• Tokio Marine HCC: Five Tips for Your Missionary Travel Experience
• American Academy of Otolaryngology: What to Expect from a Medical Mission

How to Pick a Safe Medical Missions Trip

If you've decided that a medical missions trip is the right step for you and your personal and professional goals, then you are going to need to find the right one. Again, not all trips are created equal, and you want to know that you have found a good one that will help your career goals and keep you safe while traveling. Not only can you watch for signs that you have chosen a good trip, but you can also be aware of potential red flags that indicate a poor choice. By knowing what to look for, both the good and the bad, you will be able to avoid a dangerous trip or a professional tragedy.

Here are some considerations to make when you are looking for the right trip that will help you find one that will be a blessing, rather than a drawback.

• Choose an organization with experience . A well-run medical missions organization will have coordinated ample trips in the past. Choose one that has enough demonstrated experience to prove that they know what they are doing. This will help ensure that you do not run into any problems, because the organization will have the knowledge and experience necessary to plan your trip with minimal problems.
• Choose an organization with strong leaders . Leadership is going to be essential as you head overseas, so make sure that the organization has leadership in place that understands what you are doing and the country you are going to serve in. Who is in charge of the organization – whether individuals or associated groups, dig deep into the credentials and history behind the mission’s influencers. Do they have any agendas other than service?
• Reach out directly to former participants . Don’t just pursue vetted testimonials; use LinkedIn and other means – including online forums like Reddit - to identify past participants and reach out to them for feedback.
• Look for an organization that is prepared and organized . While missions work should have some flexibility built in, a group that is unprepared is a sure sign that the organization is less than ideal. You should be able to easily access individuals who can explain to you the timetables you can expect, documents you need to provide, as well as details about what sort of experience you will have.
• Select an organization with a clear emergency plan . Risk is always around you, but when you travel overseas that risk increases significantly. When researching organizations, be sure to ask what their emergency management procedures are. If they are not clear on this, walk away and find a different group to join.
• Find an organization that provides appropriate training. While your medical training is handled by your medical or nursing school, training for work on the foreign field should be handled by the missions agency. If a missions agency does not provide training, it is a red flag that the entire trip is going to go poorly. Make sure this is accredited training, so that you don’t get burned by liability issues or even just wasted time.
• Ask about government and legal red tape. Make sure the organization has properly planned for all government requirements for medical missions work, so your time and money is not wasted by red tape you cannot get through. Evidence of a good organization includes clear breakdowns of documentation you need to provide including visas, evidence of vaccinations, etc.
• Be wary of an organization promoting primarily tourist trips . You are going on a missions trip to be a blessing and bring relief to people who need it. While there may be some tourism involved, if the main focus appears to be sightseeing, look for a different trip.
• Avoid trips that do not account for a continuation of care . In medical missions trips, one of the worst things you can do is head to a country, provide medical care, then leave without any further care. You provide the people with a glimmer of hope, then leave them to fight for themselves. Even worse, sometimes medical missions work that is not planned well can disrupt the local medical and healthcare infrastructures. Look to work with an organization that provides continuation of care, either through training locals to continue to care for the patients or through ongoing missions work in the future, and works with any local healthcare providers.

How Does Religion Affect Medical Missions Trips

Medical missions trips appear to be religious in nature, and many of the organizations that promote them are religious based, but how much of an impact does religion really have? Can a non-religious doctor or nurse head out on one of these trips to deliver medical care without promoting a religious belief? The answer depends on the group chosen.

Many groups take their religious duties very seriously. Their goal is not only to heal the bodies of the people they are ministering to, but also to minister to their hearts. These organizations will only choose medical providers who are of like faith and practice. If you are a Christian or a follower of another faith, these trips are a great fit. There are also organizations that do not have a religious focus . While they may be run by religious entities, their primary focus is on providing medical care to those who need it most. Some are also run by secular organizations and focus on medical care and work projects with no religious focus at all. Both health career-oriented students and professionals who are not strong in a particular faith may be more comfortable with one of these trips.

So which is right for you? The answer will depend on your goals and your faith. Here are some considerations to make.

• Ask yourself what your goals are for your trip. Are your goals primarily to help physically needy people through your medical knowledge? Are your goals primarily to expand your cultural awareness and see another part of the world while continuing to practice medicine? If so, then a non-religious trip is a good fit. Are your goals to spread the gospel while you are also delivering needed medical care? Do you want to minister to the souls of people as well as their bodies? Then consider looking for a religious medical missions trip to embrace.
• Consider your comfort in sharing your religious faith . If you are a Christian, consider how comfortable you are witnessing your faith to others. If you partner with a religious organization, this will be part of your job. Make sure that you are comfortable with the extent and means by which you will be expected to transmit your faith, as well as with the message of the organization with which you are working.
• Find a trip that lines up with your religious beliefs . Even among Christians, there are quite a few different types of beliefs. If you are going to take a religious trip, make sure that it is in line with your particular beliefs. You are going to be serving side-by-side with others, so you want to ensure that they are people whose faith you can stand with.
• If you do not have a strong faith, consider a secular trip . If your primary goal is to support your medical learning and knowledge, consider looking for a secular medical missions trip .

Do you need help finding a medical missions trip to take? Here are some resources that might help:

• International Medical Relief
• Mercy Ships
• MedicalMissions.org
• Samaritan's Purse
• Christian Medical and Dental Associations Missions
• MissionFinder.org: Medical Missions Outreach
• United Planet: Mission Trip Abroad
• Mission to the World: Medical and Health
• Orphan's Heart: Medical Missions Trips
• Projects Abroad: Volunteer Medical Internships Abroad
• Foundation For Peace: Nursing and Medical Missions Trips

What Precautions Should You Take Before and During Your Trip?

Traveling overseas is always a risk. If you are embarking on a medical missions trip, it is important that you take measures to protect yourself. While most organizations you would travel through already have precautions in place, you also should take some precautions personally. After all, your goal is to return home with stories of your travel and a heart full from your weeks or months of service, not because you were struck by a tragedy. Here are some general tips to consider any time you travel overseas:

• Always check for travel advisories or warnings for your destination country . International problems can pop up at a moment’s notice, making it dangerous to travel to a particular country. Always check with the department of state before you leave.
• Tell someone where you will be and how to reach you . Make sure there are people back home who know how to contact you should an emergency happen. Even if you are in a remote area, have a way for people to check in with you should it be necessary. Plan this before you leave with the help of your missions agency.
• Get your paperwork in order. Is your passport up-to-date? Do you need a visa? Do you need an international driver’s license? Do you need auto insurance, health insurance, etc.?
• Get any necessary vaccinations . Check the country information page on the Department of State website or the travel destinations page on the CDC website to see if there are any vaccinations you may need for your destination country. Carry any necessary proofs or medical tests that show you are immune to these dangerous diseases both when leaving the United States and when returning.
• Talk to your bank and credit card companies about your trip . Find out from them about the best way to manage money overseas. You may need a special international credit card to ensure you have emergency funds while traveling.
• Consider purchasing additional insurance . International travel insurance and evacuation insurance can ensure you are protected if you face a crisis or a health issue overseas.
• Use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . Register your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before you go using this free service.

Here are some tips that are specific to medical mission work:

• Be wary of food and water . Many poor parts of the world have contaminated water and food. Make sure you do not eat or drink anything that could be at risk, and talk to your missions agency about what is safe to consume. If in doubt, opt for bottled water.
• Travel with a group . Avoid traveling from place to place in your destination country alone. Not only could you get lost, but you could also be a target for theft. Go in groups when you need to travel from place to place.
• Be careful with medical gear . Because it is in short supply in your destination country, your medical gear is at high risk for theft. Be cautious with it, and make sure it is always stored safely.
• Be careful with waste disposal . Protect both yourself as well as those around you by being careful to dispose of needles, syringes and biological waste appropriately. Familiarize yourself with local policies, and use your professional opinion to make sure you are comfortable or decide whether there are further precautions you need to take.
• Practice situational awareness. While in your destination country, be aware of your surroundings and the people in them. Have a plan in each situation you face of what you will do if you face a threat. By being aware, you will be safer.
• Keep your ID safe. Your passport is your ticket home. Only show it if absolutely necessary. Store it in a secure place, and avoid carrying it on your person if at all possible. Make copies of your important paperwork and store them separately from your passport just in case you have to get a new one.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and local resources. What happens if you get stabbed by a needle? Where do you go in case of a fire? Particularly as you are unfamiliar with the area and possibly even facing language barriers, making sure to take time to get acquainted with these in advance of any problems could make all the difference.
• Carry an emergency kit with you. Make sure it is legal, but consider having everything from a small defense mechanism (e.g. pepper spray) as well as extra batteries, chargers, medicine, etc. in case of an emergency.

For more help staying safe while on your trip, consider these resources:

• Wallace Welch and Willingham: 7 Steps for Running a Safe Foreign Mission Trip
• MedicalMissions.com: Accomplishing Your Mission – Health and Safety Tips for Successful Trips
• Tokio Marine HCC: 12 Tips to Make Your Mission Trip a Success
• Medscape: CDC Expert Commentary – Staying Healthy on Medical Missions
• US National Library of Medicine: Medical Volunteers – Guidelines for Success and Safety

Working as a Travel Nurse

There is one scenario unique to nurses to consider if you have a travel bug, but are not necessarily interested in missions work.

Travel nurses are hired to work in a specific location for a short amount of time to take care of a nursing shortage. A travel nurse will typically work for 13 weeks in a particular area, and then may have the opportunity to move somewhere else. While many travel nurse opportunities are within the United States, some are international as well. This is an excellent way to make a career out of traveling and nursing.

Travel nursing is different than medical missions in several ways. First, it is typically a paid position, and some travel nurse positions pay quite well. Medical missions work is almost strictly volunteer. Second, travel nurse positions are for nurses who have completed their training, not interns or pre-nursing students. Third, travel nursing positions are based on the hospital’s or clinic's need, not the overall need of a poor or underserved community.

Travel nursing has many perks. Travel nurses are able to choose where they work and live, and can even make a change based on things like the seasonal climate or the place they really wish to explore. Travel nurses have the opportunity to travel all around the world and get paid for it. They can also use travel assignments to test out new locations and determine where they really want to live. However, unlike missions trips, there is no charitable work being done with travel nursing.

If you think travel nursing is a good fit for you, here are some tips to get started:

• Choose a home base . As a travel nurse, you will pay taxes, and you need a tax home. Before signing up with a travel nursing agency, you will have to sign a form stating where your tax home is, so select a place.
• Obtain a nursing license . If you are going to travel to a new state, you will need to become licensed for that state, unless your home and destination states are both part of the Nurse Licensure Compact .
• Get some experience . Most travel nursing agencies want to hire experienced nurses, so get some nursing experience beforehand and all the necessary certifications.
• Apply for travel nurse opportunities . These can be domestic or international, but find an opportunity in an area that you wish to work, and apply. Apply to several, and soon you will have a new travel nursing job to help you enjoy traveling while still having income to pay your bills.
• Considering applying with a travel nursing agency which connects travel nurses with the people who hire them. These groups often provide additional support to make sure your documentation is complete.

For more information about travel nursing and how to become a travel nurse, visit:

• Nurse Journal: How to Become a Travel Nurse
• RegisteredNursing.org: Travel Nurse
• EveryNurse.org: Becoming a Travel Nurse
• American Traveler: How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?
• Nursing.org: Travel Nurse

International Travel Opportunities for Medical Professionals Are Abundant

Whether you opt to go the route of a travel nurse or jump on board a medical missions trip, if you are passionate about medicine and desire to travel, you will find a number of opportunities are at your fingertips. Take advantage of them today, and start taking your passion for helping people around the world as you see exciting international locations. With the tips in this guide, you will be able to find the right opportunities to match your faith, your passion and your medical training.

See Spring Arbor University Online's top nursing blog posts below.

• Challenges in Nursing: What Do Nurses Face on a Daily Basis?
• Advantages of Being a Nurse Practitioner
• What Can You Do With an MSN in Nursing Education?
• 4 Problems Nurses Face in the Hospital
• 10 Tips for Nursing Safety

Contact an Admissions Representative

Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated admissions representatives today to get more information about:

• Our programs
• The application process
• Our student support structure

Get Your Program Guide

• Download Brochure

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

• Republic of Chuvashia

  Cheboksary is the capital of the Republic of Chuvashia and located on the Volga between Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan . The city is a perfect destination for a weekend trip from Moscow to find out more about Chuvash history, culture and traditions. In addition you could also combine it with a visit around the neighbouring republic of Mari El as it is easy to visit Yoshkar-Ola and Kozmodemyansk from here.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.

• Russia Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Moscow and Three Ethnic Republics Tour

Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Three Ethnic Republics Tour 10 Days | St. Petersburg, Peterhof, Kronstadt, Kazan, Sviyazhsk, Yoshkar-Ola, Cheboksary, Moscow

Get to the heart of provincial Russia as you discover the unique histories and cultures of the ethnic regions of Tatarstan, Mari El, and Chuvashia. After exploring the canals and imperial palaces of the elegant city of St. Petersburg, you’ll transfer to Kazan, the vibrant capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. Here you’ll discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites and the unique traditions and food of the Tatar people, with the opportunity to participate in optional activities like cultural performances and craft masterclasses. Continue to the republic of Mari El, home to the indigenous Mari people, and then Chuvashia, home to the Chuvash people. Sightseeing tours of their capital cities, Yoshkar-Ola and Cheboksary, will give you unique insights into Russia’s ethnically diverse population. The 10-day Russia tour ends in Moscow, political and cultural hub, where you’ll discover the famed Red Square and Kremlin.

• Get Started
• About Healthcare Missions
• Short Term Missions
• Long Term Missions
• Market Place Worker
• Medical Education
• Domestic Missions
• Resource Library
• 2024 Virtual Events
• Interest Areas
• Directory of Organizations
• Directory of Members

5 Nurse Mission Trips - Minister to Those in Need

• Resource Library 5 Nurse Mission Trips - Minister to Those in Need

While doctors are serving as missionaries around the world, they aren’t the only medical professionals in the field. Over the last several years, healthcare professionals like nurses have found a place and purpose in fulfilling the Great Commission, either on short-term assignments or as career missionaries. As a result, nurse mission trips have grown in both popularity and in opportunity.

If you’re a practicing nurse, training to be a nurse, or just thinking about being a nurse, a mission trip for nurses could provide a wealth of professional experience, spiritual growth, and personal fulfillment. 

In other words, a nurse mission trip might be exactly what you need. If you want to get involved with other nurses looking to serve on a mission, explore the Global Health Missions Conference .

Getting Prepared for Your Nurse Mission Trip

Healthcare needs around the world are growing exponentially. That means the need for nurses and other medical professionals is growing as well, especially in underdeveloped and underserved areas. The potential of nurse mission trips to provide extra sets of hands can be a huge blessing to overwhelmed medical missionaries and local doctors on the field. And you’ll get the extra benefit of meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.

But before you pack your bags, it’s important to examine yourself. Character traits like spiritual maturity, flexibility, teamwork, and humility are vital to being an effective missionary nurse—even on short-term experiences. In addition, you need to do some research to make sure you’re working with an agency that can make the mission trip work well for you, the professionals on site, and the patients you’ll treat.

Many organizations rely on a set of seven standards of excellence for mission trips. This code of best practices can help you evaluate agencies, but it can also help you look into your own motivations. After all, the important thing is not so much that you go, but that you go for the right reasons and represent Christ well while you’re gone.

Check Out These 5 Mission Opportunities for Nurses

If you’re wondering where to start with a nursing mission trip, you have plenty of options. In the list below, we’ve identified five organizations that can help you prepare for and participate in mission trips for nurses. Whatever part of the world pulls at your heart and whatever demographic you’ve been called to reach, you’ll likely find a fit on this list. 

1. University nursing programs

If you’re a nursing student (or a high schooler working through the college search process), there’s a good chance your school provides international opportunities for nurses. That’s especially true if you’re attending a Christian college or university. Many faith-based nursing schools combine medical education with an intentional missions focus, and nurse mission trips are part of the formula. For example, schools like Anderson University , Azusa Pacific University , Baylor’s Herrington School of Nursing , and California Baptist University each encourage (and, in some cases, require) a mission trip or semester overseas for their nursing students.

2. Nursing Beyond Borders

The mission of Nursing Beyond Borders is to provide healthcare and education for children in some of the most desperate situations in the world. Their nursing mission trips include both team and individual experiences and allow nurses to work with professionals on site in a network clinics, orphanages, schools, and shelters. Their focus is on both healthcare and preventative education that empower kids and communities.

3. Coalition of Christian Nurse Practitioners

As an affiliate of Christian Medical and Dental Associates (CMDA), the Coalition of Christian Nurse Practitioners offers a variety of services and benefits for the nursing community. They make nurse mission trips available through CMDA’s Global Health Outreach program. So, as a member, you could make a difference for God in a variety of locations around the globe.

4. International Volunteer HQ

For more than 15 years, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) has been connecting individuals with mission trip opportunities, including mission trips for nurses and other medical professionals. Some trips are geared toward high school or gap year students. Others cater to nursing students and professionals. So, regardless of your experience or skill level, you can find a nurse mission trip that meets your needs through IVHQ.

5. Nurses Christian Fellowship

As a ministry of InterVarsity, Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) is a professional organization and support network for Christ followers in the field of nursing. The group’s goal is to encourage nurses as they care for the whole person—body and soul. While NCF does not sponsor overseas travel, it does encourage mission trips for nurses. To that end, the group’s resources include some great articles and preparation materials for those going on nursing mission trips.

Be Jesus’s Hands and Feet

In many nursing programs, graduating students take part in a tradition called “blessing of the hands.” The symbolism, especially for Christian nurses, serves as a reminder that they are called to minister to the needs of everyone in every situation. As believers, we call that being the hands and feet of Jesus.

In a theological sense, every Christian’s hands are blessed to share the gospel with those in need. But nurses have a unique opportunity to fulfill that commission as they minister to people at some of the lowest moments of life. Nurse mission trips are one way you can extend your personal ministry while also enhancing your personal relationship with Jesus.

By taking part in a nursing mission trip, you can be Jesus’s hands and feet to people who desperately need to experience His presence. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime that makes a difference for eternity.

Discover Medical Missions.

Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the  Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

Community tags

This content has 0 tags that match your profile.

Healthcare Specialties Show all (70)

Global health interest areas show all (44), areas of the world show all (206), ways to engage, student opportunities, related content.

• Create an Account
• Missional.Life
• What's New
• A Ministry of Southeast Christian Church

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Chuvash State University Russia 2024-25: Admission, Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Ranking etc.

Chuvash State University Russia, named after I.N. Ulyanov, founded in 1967. Studying MBBS in Russia is easy, cheap, and flexible. Chuvash State University affiliated with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and approved by the NMC and WHO. When discussing top medical universities in Russia, Chuvash State University Russia is among the most trustworthy names.

In this article, we will provide you with all the all information regarding Chuvash State University Russia, including its facilities, courses offered, admission process, MBBS syllabus, eligibility criteria, fee structure, ranking, and details about Russia.

Subscribe to RM Group of Education Newsletter, Get Admission, Fees, Seats etc.

College Summary

Before we complete the college Summary, let us look at the essential details of Chuvash State University Russia .

Affiliation And Recognition

The Chuvash State University is one of the biggest medical universities in Russia, and it is affiliated and recognized by various Medical Councils such as:

• United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• General Medical Council (GMC)
• National Medical Council (NMC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)
• Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation
• Ministry of Public Health of the Russian Federation

Chuvash State University has 115 departments and 4 faculties on campus. The faculty details are given below.

• General Medicine (1967)
• Pediatrics (1981)
• Dentistry (1985)
• Nursing (1995)

Why Study MBBS At Chuvash State University Russia?

• The university is using English medium language for teach international students.
• The teachers at the university are very experienced.
• The accommodation at Chuvash State Medical University is very affordable.
• The Chuvash State University Russia is one of the top universities in Russia.
• If the students graduate from Chuvash State University, they get the chance to work globally.

Courses Offered

Chuvash State Medical University Courses offer quality medical programs under highly qualified faculty and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Chuvash State University Russia is famous for its undergraduate medical programs.

Admission Procedure

If you want admission to Chuvash State Medical University Russia, you must qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).

Eligibility Criteria

In this section, all the students check the eligibility Criteria of Chuvash State University Russia.

Documents Required

Before admission to Chuvash State University Russia, Please carry all these related documents.

• Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).
• 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• Birth Certificate.
• 10 passport-size Photographs
• Official Invitation letter from the Medical University of Russia.
• Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
• Legalization of all documents from the Russian Embassy.
• Bank receipt of Chuvash State University Tuition fees (required for some Universities).
• HIV test documents.

Fee Structure 2024

In this section, all the MBBS Students get information regarding the Chuvash State University fees.

NOTE:   1$=83.  The mentioned fee is approximate and   will be subject to change.

Ranking 2024-25

According to Unirank, the Chuvash State University ranking all around Russia and throughout the world:

MBBS Syllabus in Russia

Before applying for Chuvash State University, please compare the MBBS Syllabus of some of Russia’s top-ranked, NMC-approved medical universities. The structure and the pattern of MBBS in Russia are as follows:

About Cheboksary City

Cheboksary is the capital city of the Chuvash Republic, which is part of the Russian Federation. Here are some points about Cheboksary City:

• Situated in western Russia, Cheboksary lies on the Volga River, about 670 kilometers east of Moscow.
• As of recent estimates, Cheboksary has over 450,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the Volga region.
• The city is well-connected by road, rail, and waterways. It has a network of highways, and railways that link it to other major cities in Russia. The Volga River also serves as a vital transportation route.
• Cheboksary boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, theatres, and art galleries. The city hosts various cultural events and festivals annually, showcasing Chuvash traditions and contemporary art.
• The city is home to several educational institutions, including Cheboksary State University and Cheboksary Polytechnic College, which attract students from across Russia and abroad.
• Surrounding Cheboksary are picturesque landscapes, including forests, rivers, and lakes, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.

Contact Details

Chuvash State University Russia Address: 428015, Russia, Chuvash Republic, Cheboksary, Moskovsky Ave,15 Official Website:  https://www.chuvsu.ru/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is chuvash state university russia located.

Chuvash State University Russia is located along 428015, Russia, Chuvash Republic, Cheboksary, Moskovsky Ave,15.

Can non-Catholics study and work at Chuvash State University?

Chuvash State University Russia does not discriminate against the admission and employment of non-Catholics.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Get Admission to Abroad Colleges with up to 100% Scholarship.