HealthJuly 17, 2026

clerkship

/ˈklɜːrkʃɪp/

Definition

A period of practical, on-the-job training for medical students in a clinical setting as part of their degree requirements.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'clerk,' originally referring to a member of the clergy or a scholar, combined with the suffix '-ship' indicating a state or office. Over time, it evolved from administrative roles to specifically describe the apprentice-like training period for students in professional fields like law and medicine.

In the news

In the article, the term refers to the essential clinical rotations where medical students gain hands-on experience in specialties like surgery or pediatrics at the new Carrollton campus. These clerkships are the primary way students apply their academic learning while serving patients in real-world healthcare environments.

School of Medicine and Tanner Health celebrate opening of Carrollton Clinical Campus and Simulation Lab

Read the full article ↗

Mercer University

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