10 Medical Internships for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
If you’re a high school student in New Jersey eager to explore the field of medicine, this list is for you! Applying for medical internships during high school is a solid step for students aspiring to careers in healthcare. These programs provide hands-on experience that allows you to delve into various medical fields, acquire practical skills, and collaborate with professionals in real-world settings. Whether you’re interested in clinical practice, medical research, or public health, internships offer a unique opportunity to clarify your career goals and ignite your passion for the medical sciences.
Moreover, these internships can significantly strengthen your college applications. Participating in research-based lab work or hospital-based roles demonstrates a commitment to your career aspirations and the ability to apply academic knowledge in practical situations. Such experiences not only build a solid foundation of knowledge but also make your application stand out in the highly competitive college admissions process.
Here are 10 medical internships for high school students in New Jersey that can help you kickstart your journey in the healthcare field!
Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, NJ
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend.
Dates: 6 weeks, July - August
Application Deadline: May (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underprivileged backgrounds, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, can apply.
The Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science (MINDS) program is a 6-week paid internship program designed for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. This program provides a comprehensive experience, offering participants a unique insight into the healthcare field through practical exposure and research opportunities.
During the internship, you will explore the study of social determinants of health, learning how factors like environment, social status, and education impact health outcomes. One of the key components of this program is the development and execution of a research project focused on health disparities in New Jersey. Additionally, interns gain hands-on experience through medical simulations and field trips, enhancing their understanding of medical practice.
The program also includes CPR/BLS certification, an essential qualification for any aspiring medical professional, ensuring you leave the program with valuable skills and knowledge.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: $1990 (Financial Aid Available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech, AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. The program partners with high-growth start-ups, many of which are founded by alumni of prestigious accelerators like Y Combinator, and led by professionals from companies like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. Here is the application form.
As an intern, you'll work on real-world projects under the guidance of both a company manager and a Ladder coach. This dual-mentorship structure ensures you receive personalized feedback and support throughout your internship. Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long.
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend.
Dates: June 28 - August 30, 2024
Application Deadline: March 8, 2024
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds who are at least 16 years old by June 15, 2024, are eligible to apply.
The Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) is a prestigious 10-week research internship designed to inspire high school students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in cancer research and healthcare. Hosted by the Rutgers Cancer Institute, this program provides hands-on training in cutting-edge cancer research, offering participants a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific studies.
As a participant, you will spend two consecutive summers conducting research in mentor-supervised labs, dedicating approximately 35 hours per week to your work. Over two consecutive years, you will gain in-depth exposure to the research process, from hypothesis formulation to data analysis. Over the course of the program, you’ll develop a research project that you will present at the Annual Research Day, showcasing your findings through a poster and a 10-minute talk.
In addition to lab work, you will engage in professional development and community engagement activities for three months per year for two years, including educational seminars on key concepts in cancer and understanding the research literature. Each participant will receive compensation for their time and other expenses.
Location: Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Free (no stipend, as it is a volunteer position)
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline:
For summer volunteers: April 1, 2024
For other periods: Rolling applications
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older, can speak English, and have a social security number can apply.
The Jersey City Medical Center's High School Volunteer Program offers students a meaningful way to contribute to their community while gaining firsthand experience in a hospital setting. This volunteer role requires a minimum commitment of 50 service hours, during which you will support hospital staff and interact with patients, providing a valuable service while exploring a potential career in healthcare.
As a volunteer, you will be a part of the hospital team, working alongside professional staff and physicians to enhance the hospital experience for patients. Your responsibilities will include providing companionship and support to patients of all ages, dispensing information to patients and their families, acting as messengers or patient escorts, and performing clerical duties such as answering phones and filing. This position offers a close-up view of the day-to-day operations of a medical facility, allowing you to experience the healthcare environment and develop essential skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork.
This position will give you a glimpse into the workings of the healthcare industry while giving you practical experience in medicine. To apply, you can email your application to JCMCVolunteer@rwjbh.org or mail their physical address.
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
Cost: Free (stipend information not available)
Dates: Arranged individually with the host faculty member.
Application Deadline: Varies based on arrangement with the host faculty member.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least sixteen years old and have a commitment from a Rutgers, RBHS-NJMS Faculty Member are eligible.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School offers high school students internship opportunities that allow them to work under the guidance of esteemed RBHS-NJMS faculty members. These internships provide an immersive experience in cutting-edge medical research, allowing students to engage directly with the scientific process and contribute to ongoing projects.
Participants work closely with faculty mentors on specific research interests, gaining hands-on experience in medical research that goes beyond the classroom. This opportunity not only helps students develop critical skills but also allows them to explore potential career paths in the medical field, setting a strong foundation for future academic and professional endeavors.
To participate in this internship, students must independently secure a commitment from a Rutgers RBHS-NJMS faculty member. The flexibility of the program allows students to tailor their experience based on their interests and availability. For those interested, you can check the RBHS-NJMS Faculty directory here. To apply, you need to fill out a number of forms (found here) and submit them four weeks before your anticipated start date.
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $500
Dates: June 24 - August 1, 2024
Application Deadline: February 26, 2024
Eligibility: New Jersey students who are in grades 10 and 11 (at the time of application), who have an unweighted GPA of 3.75 or more, and who are interested in STEM subjects.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) hosts STEM Research Programs for high school students designed to immerse them in professional research and career development within STEM fields. This six-week program allows participants to work closely with NJIT faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students, gaining hands-on experience in advanced research projects.
Students can focus on various areas, including Bioscience and Bioengineering, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in medical sciences. Throughout the program, participants are paired with a faculty advisor and a research team, engaging in rigorous scientific inquiry and contributing to ongoing research efforts. The experience is further enriched by guest speakers discussing career opportunities and STEM trends, providing valuable insights into potential career paths.
This program aims to foster a deep appreciation for discovery and innovation, encouraging students to pursue careers in science. At the program's conclusion, you will present your research findings through electronic posters at the annual Summer Research Symposium, sharing your experiences and outcomes with faculty and peers.
Location: Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ
Cost: Free (volunteer position)
Dates: June - September (each year)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 and 17 can apply.
Cooper University Health Care offers students volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience with a leading healthcare provider. As a volunteer, you'll engage in a variety of tasks that offer a comprehensive view of the healthcare environment, from patient care to clerical support.
Volunteers are placed across various departments, including transport, radiology, clerical services, and concierge roles. This exposure allows students to interact with healthcare professionals, assist with patient services, and learn about hospital operations. The program is designed to provide a well-rounded experience, helping students understand the different facets of healthcare and make informed decisions about future careers in the medical field.
Volunteering at Cooper University Health Care would allow you to work alongside experienced health professionals, gaining invaluable insights into the importance of community service and teamwork. By participating in this volunteer program, you can make informed decisions about your future in the health profession while contributing meaningfully to patient care and hospital support services.
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 - July 27, 2024
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors living in New Jersey with a strong interest in the sciences and ranking in the top 5% of their class are eligible to apply.
The Governor's School in the Sciences is a prestigious three-week residential program held at Drew University, designed for high-achieving rising seniors in New Jersey who have a passion for science. Schools nominate high-achieving students in the fall of their junior year, and selected participants attend the program the following summer. Selection is based on academic excellence, essays, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and extracurricular involvement.
This intensive program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in college-level research, academic activities, and collaborative projects with peers who share their enthusiasm for scientific exploration. Participants engage in rigorous coursework, laboratory experiments, and team research projects across various scientific disciplines. For students interested in medicine, the program includes core courses such as the Molecular Biology of Cancer and laboratory sessions in biology and biochemistry, providing a deep dive into topics that are critical for future medical studies. Beyond the classroom, students attend special events like Career Day, where they can interact with professionals and alumni, gaining valuable insights into potential career paths in science and medicine. The program not only challenges students academically but also fosters a supportive community of future scientists and healthcare professionals.
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
Cost: $350 (plus a $25 application fee); financial assistance available
Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
Eligibility: High school students residing in New Jersey are eligible to apply.
The Science Medicine and Related Topics (SMART) Summer Academy, offered by Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, is a pre-college program designed to ignite interest in health science and research among high school students. This program is particularly focused on supporting disadvantaged students who aspire to careers in medicine, dentistry, biomedical research, and other health-related fields.
Throughout the four-week program, participants engage in hands-on activities that cover applied science, mathematics, and technology. The curriculum also includes cohort-based explorations of medical and scientific careers, providing a comprehensive overview of various health professions. In addition to classroom learning, students participate in educational field trips and college and career fairs, further broadening their exposure to the medical field.
Two cohorts are offered throughout the year: Winter and Summer. You can find the detailed application information here.
Location: Rutgers Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $900 (covering tuition, lunch, and all supplies during the program). Need-based financial aid is available.
Dates: Session 1: July 15 - July 19, 2024 | Session 2: July 22 - July 26, 2024
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in the biomedical and environmental sciences can apply.
The Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program provides a week-long immersive experience for high school students interested in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, environmental science, and biomedical research. Hosted by the Environmental & Occupational Health Science Institute, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers laboratory ethics, experimental design, genetics, drug disposition and pharmacogenetics, and forensic toxicology. Through these diverse activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of these critical areas and develop practical skills that are essential for their future academic and career pursuits.
As a participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to explore various career paths and learn from experienced professionals in the field. Students can choose between two sessions, allowing for flexibility in scheduling. To apply, students must submit their high school transcripts along with a 200-word essay explaining their interest in biomedical or environmental laboratory research. This program is ideal for students who have completed at least one high school biology course and are eager to deepen their understanding of these vital scientific areas.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in STEM or other fields, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.