Medical internships let you experience healthcare and prepare you for your medical career. These programs help you shadow doctors, work in research labs, or learn clinical skills while still in high school.
If you’re serious about pre-med, participating in an internship shows colleges that you’re committed and mature.
You’ll gain real-world exposure, build your résumé, and connect with professionals before graduation.
Below are the best medical internships in California for high school students in 2025 — paid, stipend-supported, or free.
Best High School Medical Internships in California
We reviewed dozens of programs across California and chose these based on their real-world medical experience, educational value, location, and accessibility for high school students.
If you’re aiming for lab research, hospital volunteering, or pre-med prep, this list has the strongest options for 2025.
1. Children’s Hospital LA – LA-HIP Program
- Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
- Duration: 7-week summer research + yearlong support
This paid internship is designed for rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.
You’ll conduct biomedical research in the Saban Research Institute labs, attend specialized biology courses, receive SAT prep, and get guided college counseling. You’ll also receive a stipend, Metro card, and meals.
By completing real lab work and academic prep, you’ll demonstrate to colleges that you can handle research rigor and academic planning, even before high school graduation.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Age Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
- Pay/Cost: Stipend provided; Metro card and meals included
2. UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program
- Application Deadline: Opens January 2025
- Duration: 6 weeks (June–August 2025)
UCLA’s Volunteen program places high school juniors and seniors in hospital departments across Westwood and Santa Monica. You’ll volunteer 4 hours per week, assisting with administrative and patient support tasks.
You must be at least 16, complete immunization records, and attend an in-person orientation.
This program won’t offer clinical training, but it gives you real-world hospital experience, ideal if you’re considering pre-med or nursing. There’s no cost, and it’s a great way to build your resume in healthcare early.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Age Eligibility: At least 16 years old
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost
3. Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers
- Application Deadline: April 4, 2025 (for summer 2025 cohort)
- Duration: 6 to 8 weeks (varies by department)
Based in Los Angeles, this selective program puts you in a real hospital environment — shadowing clinical staff, helping visitors, and supporting hospital operations.
You must be between 14 to 18, commit to weekly shifts, and pass a TB test and health screening.
There’s no fee to apply, and although it’s volunteer-based, the prestige of Cedars-Sinai makes it a standout experience if you’re preparing for competitive pre-med applications.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Age Eligibility: 14–18 years old
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost
4. Empowerly Research Scholar Program
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Spring cohort)
- Duration: 8 weeks (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions available)
Empowerly’s Research Scholar Program lets you work one-on-one with PhD mentors to create an independent research paper.
You’ll choose from advanced topics like biotechnology, human disease, psychology, and public health.
The program is entirely online, which makes it accessible no matter where you live in California. It’s ideal if you want to showcase academic depth on your pre-med resume.
Tuition varies by session, and limited financial aid is available. If you’re serious about publishing or presenting research in high school, this is one of the most customizable, expert-led options available.
- Location: Online
- Age Eligibility: 8th to 12th graders
- Pay/Cost: Fee-paying; financial aid available
5. Stanford Pediatrics Internship Program (PIPS)
- Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
- Duration: 6 weeks (June 16 – July 25, 2025)
This program introduces you to pediatric research with Stanford faculty and postdoc mentors.
It’s tailored for rising juniors or seniors in Northern California and is free to attend. You’ll work ~30 hours per week on a medically focused research project, gaining lab skills, exposure to scientific thinking, and mentorship.
It’s one of the most prestigious internships available for California high school students interested in medicine and science careers.
- Location: Palo Alto, CA
- Age Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors, age 16+, in Northern California
- Pay/Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend available for financial-need students
6. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
- Application Deadline: Opens winter 2025 (check Sep site)
- Duration: 8 weeks
This paid internship places high school juniors or seniors in UCSF research labs where you’ll work one-on-one with mentors on biomedical projects, attend weekly seminars and labs, and present your findings at a symposium.
You must be at least 16 and have completed biology and math. Eligible participants receive a stipend, making this lab-based research experience both accessible and résumé-building for pre-med students.
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Age Eligibility: Juniors or seniors, 16+
- Pay/Cost: Stipend provided; no cost
7. Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) at UCSF
- Application Deadline: Varies (program limited to KIPP-SFCP students)
- Duration: 8 weeks
This paid internship at UCSF is open to rising juniors and seniors from KIPP SF College Prep and similar backgrounds.
You’ll conduct paid research (up to $5,000 stipend) in labs studying drugs, cancer biology, structural biology, or infectious disease.
You’ll learn lab techniques and scientific communication, all while getting paid and building a research portfolio before college.
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Age Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors from KIPP SFCP or similar backgrounds
- Pay/Cost: Up to $5,000 stipend
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Research (SIMR)
- Application Deadline: February 22, 2025 (11:59 pm PST)
- Duration: 8 weeks (June 9 – July 31, 2025)
SIMR places rising juniors and seniors in top-tier labs at Stanford School of Medicine across areas like cancer biology, cardiovascular science, immunology, bioengineering, and neuroscience.
You’ll work on a team to build biomedical prototypes or contribute to ongoing projects. The program includes guest lectures, safety training, and a poster session.
Stipend details vary — some students receive financial support, making this a high-impact experience for future medical and research-oriented students.
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Age Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors
- Pay/Cost: Stipend varies; financial aid available
9. Kaiser Permanente Teen Volunteer Program
- Application Deadline: Varies by location (check local KP hospitals)
- Duration: Typically 6 to 8 weeks
This year-round volunteer program runs at multiple Kaiser Permanente sites across California. You’ll help with non-clinical tasks such as delivering supplies, greeting patients, and supporting administrative staff.
Most locations accept students starting at age 15½. There’s no cost to join, but expect a formal application process, immunization requirements, and attendance commitments.
This is one of the easiest ways to get a hospital badge, experience healthcare systems, and start your journey into medicine — especially if you’re in SoCal.
- Location: Multiple CA locations
- Age Eligibility: 15½+
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost
10. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Volunteer Program
- Application Deadline: Varies (typically early spring)
- Duration: Flexible, usually 6 to 8 weeks in summer
- Application Deadline: Typically April–May 2025
- Duration: 6 to 8 weeks (Summer 2025)
This volunteer program is based in Santa Clarita Valley at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Open to juniors and seniors, it gives you access to hospital departments such as physical therapy, patient transport, and emergency registration.
You’ll assist with clerical tasks, visitor support, and non-clinical duties — all while gaining first-hand exposure to hospital operations.
Volunteers must attend an orientation and commit to regular weekly hours. This free program is perfect if you live near Valencia and want to explore healthcare without needing lab or technical credentials.
- Location: Valencia, CA
- Age Eligibility: Juniors and seniors
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost
11. KP LAUNCH Program
- Application Deadline: Varies by location (apply by May 2025)
- Duration: 4 weeks (June–July 2025)
KP LAUNCH gives you early access to medical career paths through a structured, hospital-based summer internship.
Hosted across multiple Kaiser Permanente locations in California, this program includes rotations in clinical departments, health education workshops, and mentorship from real medical professionals.
While it’s free to attend, many sites offer stipends for travel or lunch. The program specifically encourages applicants from underrepresented communities.
If you’re curious about the range of careers in healthcare, from patient care to hospital operations, this program offers both exposure and networking.
- Location: Multiple CA locations
- Age Eligibility: High school students
- Pay/Cost: Free; some sites offer stipends
12. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
- Application Deadline: January–February 2025 (exact date TBA)
- Duration: 4 weeks (July 2025)
SMYSP is a fully-funded, residential summer program for rising juniors and seniors interested in science and medicine.
Hosted at Stanford University, you’ll engage in STEM coursework, research lectures, mentorship meetings, and group projects. The program covers all costs, including housing, meals, and materials.
You’ll also receive college counseling and work closely with Stanford medical students and faculty. Priority is given to students from low-income or first-generation backgrounds.
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Age Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors; priority for low-income or first-gen students
- Pay/Cost: No cost; all expenses covered
13. Rady Children’s Hospital – Summer Medical Academy
- Application Deadline: Opens March–April 2025
- Duration: 2 weeks (June or July 2025, session-dependent)
This fee-based summer program ($1,500) gives you the chance to explore multiple areas of medicine in a top pediatric hospital.
Located in San Diego, Rady Children’s Summer Medical Academy offers hands-on clinical simulations, anatomy workshops, and daily lectures from practicing physicians.
You’ll get to try out medical tools, learn CPR, explore emergency care procedures, and even tour specialty departments. Financial aid is available, and students in grades 9 to 12 are eligible.
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Age Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Pay/Cost: $1,500; financial aid available
14. Buck Institute for Research on Aging Internship
- Application Deadline: January 17, 2025
- Duration: 10 to 12 weeks
This summer research internship prepares local high school students for careers in biomedical and geroscience research.
You’ll work alongside scientists in Novato, CA, gaining skills in lab techniques, data collection, and scientific communication. Applicants must be current 9 to 12th graders who have completed at least one AP science course (or equivalent).
The program cost is $2,500 per intern beyond sponsor support, but full and partial scholarships are available for students completing 10th or 11th grade with demonstrated financial need.
- Location: Novato, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 9 to 12th graders with required coursework
- Pay/Cost: $2,500; scholarships available
15. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Duration: 4 weeks
Founded in Oakland in 2012 by Dr. Freeman, MISA gives pre-med and pre-health students hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings.
Partnering with institutions like Alameda Health Systems, Samuel Merritt University, and private clinics, MISA offers simulations, shadowing, and skill-building workshops that prepare you for future medical careers. This is a tuition-based program open to students nationwide.
- Location: Oakland, CA
- Age Eligibility: High school students
- Pay/Cost: Fee-paying
16. MIT THINK Project
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Duration: 6 weeks
Organized by MIT undergraduates, THINK supports students in the early stages of independent STEM research projects.
Rather than requiring completed research, it provides $1,000 in funding, weekly virtual mentorship, and technical guidance.
Finalists may also be invited to MIT’s campus for a four-day, all-expenses-paid visit to present their work, tour labs, and meet faculty and students.
- Location: Online (with potential campus visit)
- Age Eligibility: High school students
- Pay/Cost: Free
17. UCSF Program for Investigation and Training for Careers in Health (PITCH)
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
- Duration: 3 weeks
PITCH offers Bay Area high school students an unpaid, intensive introduction to healthcare careers.
Participants conduct research under UCSF student mentors, meet faculty, attend labs, and receive college advising.
This program emphasizes both science exposure and mentorship for aspiring medical professionals.
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Age Eligibility: High school students (preferably local)
- Pay/Cost: Free
18. Science Internship Program (SIP) at UCSC
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
- Duration: 6 weeks
SIP immerses high school students in active STEM research under UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-docs.
You’ll work on real projects — not simulations — contributing to ongoing research in labs across disciplines.
The program has an application fee, deposit, tuition, and optional housing costs.
- Location: Santa Cruz, CA
- Age Eligibility: Must be 14 (or 16 for some projects) and in high school
- Pay/Cost: $60 application fee; $300 deposit; $2,700 tuition; $475/week housing optional
19. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center – Stanford Summer Internship
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
- Duration: 4 weeks
This elective summer program trains high school and pre-med students in cardiothoracic surgery basics and advanced skills.
You’ll practice knot tying, dissection, suturing, coronary artery bypass grafts, and aortic valve replacements under expert guidance at Stanford.
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 16
- Pay/Cost: $195 application fee; $5,500 program fee
How to Choose the Right Program
Every internship or volunteer opportunity comes with its own focus. Here’s how to pick an internship that fits you best:
- If you want lab research and mentorship: Prioritize programs like UCSF’s PITCH or Stanford’s AIMI internship. These show strong initiative on college apps.
- If you want hospital experience now: Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Volunteen, or Kaiser programs are great entry points — even without clinical duties.
- If you’re cost-conscious: Stick with free or stipend-based programs. Stanford PIPS, UCSF Summer Research, KP LAUNCH, and SMYSP all offer full financial aid or stipends.
- If you’re from an underrepresented background: Apply to programs that value equity — like PITCH, SMYSP, KP LAUNCH, and LA-HIP.
- If you’re short on time: Look for 2-week options like Stanford AIMI or Rady Summer Medical Academy — still valuable but easier to fit around summer jobs or travel.
Think long-term. Any of these programs can open doors to mentorship, research letters, or career paths — if you show up, engage, and ask good questions.
Work With Empowerly Today
If you want help getting into one of these programs, or using it to stand out in college admissions.
Empowerly’s expert counselors have helped thousands of students land competitive internships, publish research, and boost their pre-med profiles before college.
Book your free consultation today and let us help you plan your summer, sharpen your application, and map out a college strategy that works.
With Empowerly, you don’t just apply — you stand out.
FAQs: High School Medical Internships in California
1. Do I Need Prior Experience To Get Accepted?
No. Most programs are built for beginners. What matters more is curiosity, a solid application, and a willingness to learn.
2. Are These Internships Competitive?
Yes. Programs like Stanford PIPS, SMYSP, and Cedars-Sinai may only take a small percentage of applicants. Apply early and write clear essays that show your interest in medicine.
3. Can These Internships Help With College Admissions?
Absolutely. Programs like UCSF, Stanford, and Kaiser give you experiences to write about in essays, plus contacts who can support your goals.
4. Do Any Programs Offer College Credit?
No, most are non-credit enrichment experiences. But they often carry more weight than credit classes because of their real-world focus and limited admission.
5. Can I Apply to More Than One Program?
Yes, and you should. Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances. Make sure they don’t overlap in schedule or time commitment.
