The 40 Best Medical Internships for High School Students

Are you a high school student interested in a career in medicine? If you’re wondering whether the medical field holds the key to your future, educational experts recommend that you experience healthcare environments firsthand. Nonetheless, experiencing medical environments is often easier said than done for aspiring teenagers. 

Today’s blog highlights 40 medical internships, specifically designed for high school students like you. With these unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience, shadow physicians, and contribute to healthcare research, that chance is yours.

Valuable experiential learning experiences will enhance your college applications and future medical career. Let’s discover the exciting world of medical internships and take the first step toward your dream of becoming a healthcare professional!

Wondering why medical internships are worth the extra effort for high school students to pursue?

Whether you have your heart set on being a doctor, or you are simply curious about what it’s like to work in health care, a medical internship is a stellar way to gain hands-on experience while giving your college applications a huge boost. Another great way to gain exposure to healthcare is through medical volunteer opportunities for high school students, which often combine service-learning, cultural immersion, and mentorship, helping students better understand patient care and global health before starting college.

What’s more, there is a wide range of career possibilities in medicine. In addition to traditional “stethoscope doctors” in clinical work, there are also many “microscope doctors” in biomedical research.  Medical professionals work in a wide range of contexts, from hospitals, clinics, labs, and universities, to tech startups, medical corporations, non-profit organizations, and governmental/international agencies.

In the end, summer medical internships are simply an excellent way to gain experience, build your network, and boost your college applications.

Student medical internships range from more academic or classroom-based formats to programs that put you right in the surgical operating theater. However, the latter are rarely open to high school students. Either way, you get the opportunity to develop relationships with medical professionals who can write letters of recommendation for your college applications!

We have picked 40 exciting medical summer internships to give you a sense of what’s out there.  This is only a small sample: you’ll need to do some research on programs in your area.  Local hospitals are the best place to start your search. For now, let’s get started.

As you apply, be on the lookout for programs with hands-on experience. For bonus points, keep your eyes out for extras like college credit and CPR certification.

The highly competitive NIH High School Student Internship Program places students in real-life research capacities with medical professionals carrying out full-time biomedical research at the National Institute of Health.  Students are expected to work hard. This means that students will gain an authentic, hands-on experience that builds both career skills and one’s professional network.

• Where:  Primarily Bethesda, MD., and various other locations.
• Who:  High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens, pass federal background clearance, and will be at least 17 years old at the time of the internship
• When:  9 weeks during the summer

Video: HS-SIP: NIH High School Summer Internship Program (How to Apply)

For the UCSF Summer Student Research program, students work in local clinics and science labs to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research.  Participants are mentored on a one-on-one basis with healthcare professionals and researchers.  The program includes access to workshops, seminars, training, simulations, and networking opportunities.  The internship concludes with a final student research symposium.

• Where:  Oakland, CA (UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital)
• Who:  High school juniors and seniors from low-income households and racial/ ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the sciences
• When:  9 weeks from June to August

Video: An Opportunity Awaits

Interns in the Max Planck program participate in research projects alongside neuroscientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer.  Students gain experience with hands-on “wet lab” techniques such as genetic engineering, microbiology preparations, histological staining, and microscopy.  

• Where:  Palm Beach, FL
• Who:  High school students who are entering junior or senior year in Palm Beach or Martin County and are interested in brain science
• When:  6 weeks from June to July

Video: MPFI's Summer Research Internship | Applications open in January

The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital offers a competitive, part-time internship that pairs students with a mentor in several pediatric clinical specialties.  Participants get to shadow a mentor in the clinic and choose from clinical projects, research projects, or a hybrid of both.  Interns can also apply to work with specific mentors.

• Where:  Cincinnati, OH
• Who:  Graduating high school seniors
• When:  8 weeks from June to July

Program participants have the opportunity to work in the lab with faculty from the Department of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

• Where:  Denver, CA
• Who:  Rising senior high school students from Colorado
• When:  2 months from early June to August

The competitive Harvard Medical School internship is a powerful experience that can open doors to colleges and beyond.  The program assigns students to work with mentors in Harvard research labs.   Students get to participate in seminars and carry out site visits to hospitals and biotech firms.  This program even offers access to college counseling and computer training.  

• Where:  Boston, MA 
• Who:  Boston high school students (particularly from disadvantaged and/or underrepresented populations)
• When:  8 weeks from late June to August

The Simon Cancer Center pairs students with mentors in a facility with over 100 world-renowned cancer investigators.  Participants get to carry out research involving laboratory experiments, clinical work, and medical data analysis.  Students apply what they learn about research methodology to a capstone research project which is presented to the group. 

• Where:  Indianapolis, IN (Bloomington)
• Who:  High school students from populations underrepresented in the sciences
• When:  8-week program from June to July

This program offers two tracks.  The Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM) is an intensive 6-week program in which students learn anatomy and physiology, and participate in suture clinics and heart dissections.  The Research Opportunity for Academic Development in Science (ROADS) is a 7-week program that pairs students with a principal investigator who serves as a mentor on a research project.  

• Where:  Milwaukee, WI
• Who:  Milwaukee area high school students from disadvantaged and/or underrepresented backgrounds
• When:  6-7 weeks during summer

Participants get to live on the Stanford University campus as they attend faculty lectures, professional development workshops, Stanford Medicine networking events, and a public health disparities research project.  The program provides mentorship and networking opportunities with Stanford faculty, health professionals, and pre-med college students.

• Where:  Northern California 
• Who:  Low-income, first-generation high school juniors from specific counties in Northern California
• When: residential program, 5 weeks from June to July 

This program focuses on reproductive biology, women’s health, and infant care.  Interns work on individual research projects under the tutelage of a staff hospital investigator, carrying out translational or clinical research that culminates with a final project and group presentation.  Students benefit from career development luncheons where staff share their experience working in the field of biomedical science.

• Where:  Southwestern PA region
• Who:  High school juniors and seniors from local counties with an interest in biomedical research
• When:  4 weeks from June to July 

The Penn Summer Academies offer two programs in medicine.  The Biomedical Research Academy introduces participants to the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology.  The Neuroscience Research Academy explores the biological foundations of the brain.  Both programs include lectures, faculty research talks, laboratory activities, group investigation, and research projects.  

• Where:  the University of Pennsylvania
• Who:  High school students from anywhere in the U.S.
• When:  3-week residential program in July 

Applicants for the Summer Medical Academy are evaluated based on essay responses, enthusiasm for healthcare, academic success, extracurricular involvement and service, and a teacher recommendation.  Interested students should contact the program for more information.

• Where:  San Diego 
• Who:  15- to 19-year-olds from greater San Diego
• When:   11-day sessions in both June and July 

Students in this program perform clinical rounds, learn medical examination and surgical techniques, and participate in diagnosis and treatment.  Participants learn about today’s healthcare challenges and explore advanced scientific research in areas such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.  The program is offered on the campuses of American University, Duke University, Northwestern University, University of California at Berkeley, University of Miami, and Yale University. 

• Where:  Washington, DC, Durham, NC, Chicago, IL, San Francisco, CA, Miami, FL, and New Haven, CT
• Who:  High school students
• When:  Several 8-day residential programs at each location throughout the summer

This medical school immersion camp is designed specifically for high school students.  Participants gain hands-on medical experience with a focus on the use of technology in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.  Students can obtain CPR certification.

• Where:  Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay, FL
• Who:  Academically strong high school students (frosh to seniors)
• When:  5-day program in June (Tampa Bay) and July (Fort Lauderdale)

Students in the Medical Academy study topics ranging from human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and infectious diseases to surgery, cancer, and biomedical ethics.  The program includes hands-on labs, a patient simulator, and dissection exercises. 

• Where:  Washington, DC
• Who:   High school students
• When:  3 separate one-week residential sessions in June and July

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) offers a Youth Scholars Program focused on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in the sciences. Interns engage in hands-on medical research, shadow healthcare professionals, and participate in career development workshops. The program provides a unique opportunity to explore various medical fields while gaining practical experience.

• Where: Boston, MA
• Who: High school students from Boston Public Schools
• When: Year-round, with a summer-intensive component

At the Mayo Clinic, high school students can volunteer in various departments, including patient care and research. This program offers a chance to gain exposure to the healthcare environment, develop professional skills, and contribute to the community.

• Where: Rochester, MN
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 9-week program during the summer

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles offers a summer research internship that allows students to work alongside leading researchers. Interns participate in cutting-edge biomedical research projects, attend educational seminars, and present their findings at the end of the program.

• Where: Los Angeles, CA
• Who: High school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
• When: 8-week program during the summer

Houston Methodist Hospital offers a summer internship program where high school students can gain hands-on experience in clinical and research settings. Interns work with medical professionals, participate in research projects, and attend workshops on various healthcare topics.

• Where: Houston, TX
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 6-week program during the summer

NYU Langone Health provides high school students with an opportunity to explore medical careers through their summer program. Interns participate in clinical rotations, shadow physicians, and engage in research projects, all while receiving mentorship from healthcare professionals.

• Where: New York, NY
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 6-week program during the summer

Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers a comprehensive summer program for high school students interested in pediatric medicine. Interns work alongside healthcare professionals, participate in research projects, and gain valuable experience in patient care.

• Where: Los Angeles, CA
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 8-week program during the summer

Johns Hopkins University provides a prestigious summer internship program for high school students. Interns engage in biomedical research, attend seminars and workshops, and receive mentorship from leading scientists and physicians.

• Where: Baltimore, MD
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 10-week program during the summer

The University of Miami offers a Health Careers Motivation Program designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in healthcare. Interns participate in hands-on activities, attend lectures, and shadow medical professionals.

• Where: Miami, FL
• Who: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds
• When: 1-week program during the summer

Emory University's Pre-College Program offers high school students the chance to explore health sciences through coursework and hands-on experiences. Interns gain insights into medical careers, participate in lab activities, and engage with healthcare professionals.

• Where: Atlanta, GA
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 2-week sessions throughout the summer

Northwestern Medicine offers a Discovery Program where high school students can explore careers in medicine through hands-on experiences and shadowing opportunities. Interns work with healthcare professionals and participate in workshops on various medical topics.

• Where: Chicago, IL
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 6-week program during the summer

This unique internship program allows high school students to develop science communication skills by working alongside scientists and educators. Interns participate in hands-on projects, create educational content, and engage with the public.

• Where: San Francisco, CA
• Who: High school students
• When: Year-round with summer intensives

This program offers high school students the opportunity to work on biomedical research projects alongside experienced scientists. Interns participate in laboratory work, attend lectures, and present their research findings.

• Where: Manhasset, NY
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 7-week program during the summer

Cleveland Clinic provides a summer internship focused on healthcare careers for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. Interns gain experience in clinical and research settings, participate in workshops, and receive mentorship.

• Where: Cleveland, OH
• Who: High school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
• When: 8-week program during the summer

Boston Leadership Institute offers intensive STEM programs, including those focused on medicine and healthcare. High school students participate in hands-on research, lab activities, and lectures led by experts in the field.

• Where: Boston, MA
• Who: High school students
• When: 1- to 3-week programs during the summer

High school students interested in oncology can participate in this summer research program at Roswell Park. Interns work with scientists on cancer research projects, attend seminars, and present their work at the program's conclusion.

• Where: Buffalo, NY
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 7-week program during the summer

This program provides high school students with the opportunity to participate in biomedical research at Scripps Research. Interns work on cutting-edge projects, attend workshops, and gain valuable experience in the field of translational medicine.

• Where: La Jolla, CA
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 8-week program during the summer

MD Anderson offers a summer program for high school students interested in cancer research. Interns work with mentors on research projects, participate in educational activities, and gain exposure to the field of oncology.

• Where: Houston, TX
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 10-week program during the summer

Video: MD Anderson Summer Experience Program

This competitive program allows high school students to work on cancer research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. Interns gain hands-on experience, attend seminars, and present their research findings.

• Where: New York, NY
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 8-week program during the summer

Baylor College of Medicine offers a Summer Science Academy for high school students interested in pursuing medical careers. Interns participate in hands-on research, attend lectures, and engage with healthcare professionals.

• Where: Houston, TX
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 4-week program during the summer

This program provides high school students with the opportunity to work in cancer research laboratories at the National Cancer Institute. Interns participate in hands-on projects, attend seminars, and present their findings.

• Where: Bethesda, MD
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 8-week program during the summer

High school students interested in clinical research can participate in this internship program at Rutgers Cancer Institute. Interns work with clinical researchers, attend educational sessions, and gain experience in the field of oncology.

• Where: New Brunswick, NJ
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 8-week program during the summer

This program offers high school students the chance to work on biomedical research projects at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Interns participate in hands-on research, attend workshops, and present their findings.

• Where: Philadelphia, PA
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 8-week program during the summer

Video: CRISSP: CHOP Research Institute Summer Scholars Program

SPAEP provides high school students with the opportunity to gain exposure to medical careers through hands-on activities, lectures, and clinical experiences. Interns work with mentors and participate in a research project.

• Where: Pittsburgh, PA
• Who: High school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
• When: 7-week program during the summer

Wake Forest offers a program for high school students interested in exploring medical careers. Interns participate in clinical observations, hands-on activities, and workshops on various healthcare topics.

• Where: Winston-Salem, NC
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 2-week program during the summer

The High School Research Academy at UT Southwestern provides students with the opportunity to work on biomedical research projects. Interns participate in lab work, attend seminars, and present their research findings.

• Where: Dallas, TX
• Who: High school juniors and seniors
• When: 8-week program during the summer

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