10 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you’re a high school student located in Florida and looking for medical programs to build your skills over the summer, we’ve got you covered! These programs provide a comprehensive introduction to the medical field, from shadowing physicians and conducting research to participating in internships and simulations. By engaging with healthcare professionals, facilities, and technologies, you can pursue your interests, boost your confidence, and establish a solid foundation for your career.
These immersive experiences will also offer you hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world exposure that can help you build a strong profile for college applications. Whether you're interested in pursuing a medical career, researching cutting-edge treatments, or learning more about the healthcare industry, medical programs will allow you to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals, and explore various career paths.
In this blog, we’ll discuss 10 medical summer programs for high school students in Florida!
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starts at $2,490. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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, a selective program established by Harvard alumni, connects high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide for virtual internships. You can choose from a variety of fields, including technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more.
You will work on projects that support the mission of your assigned startup or nonprofit and present your work at the end of the program. The internship includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, as well as group training sessions with other interns. Each participant is paired with a manager at the organization and a Ladder coach who acts as a secondary mentor. Internship opportunities are available globally, with a focus on the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starts at $2,900. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 17, April 14, and May 12. The final deadline for the summer cohort is typically in June.
Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring cohort from March to June. (The program options range from 12 weeks to 1 year).
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
Previous knowledge of your field of interest is optional!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research initiative designed for high school students. It provides personalized research opportunities in a wide range of subjects, pairing students with Ph.D. mentors for one-on-one work on independent research projects.
You will engage in individual sessions with your research mentor and a writing coach to help select and develop a research topic. Throughout the program, you will explore your topic and attend workshops on the research process. By the end of the 12 weeks, you will produce an independent research paper. Available research topics include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. Further details about the application process can be found here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can contact them for more information regarding tuition and questions about need-based financial aid.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Dates:
Summer seminar: June 24–September 2, 2024
Fall seminar: October 23, 2024–February 19, 2025
The dates are flexible for Horizon Labs, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in various fields, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. It will allow you to choose between quantitative and qualitative research.
After selecting a subject track and research type, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university, who will mentor you throughout the research process. You will develop a 20-page, university-level research paper, which can be submitted to reputable journals for publication.
This program provides a solid opportunity to engage in specialized research under expert guidance. Additionally, you will receive a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your projects, which you can use for future projects and college applications. You can apply here!
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290 | AI Fellowship: $5,400 | Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship): $6,900. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. You can apply here!
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program.
Veritas AI, established and managed by Harvard graduate students, provides programs for high school students aiming to develop their skills in computer science. The program covers various topics in data science and artificial intelligence, including neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and Python coding.
Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for its 10-week AI Scholars program. You will work in groups of 3-5 students on practical projects to demonstrate your interests and skills. Additionally, you can apply for the AI Fellowship, which involves working one-on-one with mentors from top universities to develop unique machine-learning projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are designed for beginners who are interested in hands-on learning.
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: $1,400 (covers registration, supplies, room, and board on the FSU campus). Limited need-based scholarships are available for qualified students who are Florida residents.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: Multiple sessions took place in 2024; TBA for 2025
Session 1: June 9–June 14, 2024
Session 2: July 7–July 12, 2024
Session 3: July 21–July 26, 2024
Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA can apply.
The FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute is a one-week, residential program designed for high school students who are interested in pursuing a medical career. The Summer Institute will introduce you to a variety of clinical settings and provide information about financial aid and university pre-health advising/programs. It will expose you to college life particularly that of a medical student and to certain aspects of the medical school curriculum through interaction with faculty and participation in faculty-led presentations about medical topics.
The program will offer you opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of medicine including physician and biomedical researcher shadowing, rural medicine tours, and workshops conducted by the FSU medical faculty on topics such as vital signs, CPR training, college admission, financial aid, medical ethics, and more. You will also get to participate in an anatomy lab tour, recreational activities, and a group research project on a health topic. The program accepts only 20 students per session.
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost for the program, but there is a non-refundable $20 application fee. The program includes room and board, meals, transportation, academy resources, and activities. A $300 stipend will be provided to support students' travel costs and other expenses.
Application Deadline: March 20, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 23–June 29, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Florida rising high school seniors can apply.
The Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp is a week-long, residential program designed to expose students to the profession of pharmacy. As a participant, you will attend presentations, skills labs, discussion groups, workshops, and team-building activities. You will receive mentoring from Pre-Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy students and learn directly from pharmacists about their different practice settings.
Additionally, you will explore the opportunities available for pharmacy students and get to participate in a group project about public health. The different pathways into pharmacy school will be shared so that you can develop individualized plans for your pharmacy journeys, including being exposed to the UF Pharmacy Early Assurance Program. Finally, you will also be introduced to wellness and self-care as important components of a successful collegiate experience.
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $1,000 which includes lodging, meals, staffing, transportation, and program-related materials. There is also a $20 non-refundable application fee for this camp.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 9–June 14, 2024 | June 23–June 28, 2024. Dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Florida high school students can apply.
The Gator Vet Camp offers opportunities for high school students to learn about the Veterinary Medicine profession and college life. Gator Vet Camp is a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment through recruiting underserved and historically underrepresented communities. You will participate in activities and challenging exercises that will allow you to identify courses important for college readiness and explore careers in veterinary medicine.
As a participant in the Gator Vet Camp, you will get the opportunity to tour the College of Veterinary Medicine and its various facilities, practice clinical skills, work with current Vet Med faculty, staff, and students on independent projects, and learn about little-known specialties in veterinary medicine such as wildlife, large animals, fish, and more!
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost:
$2,400; includes housing, daily meals, staffing and supervision, social activities, insurance coverage, and program supplies.
There is also a $35 non-refundable application fee for this program.
Limited need-based scholarships are available for Florida high school students.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: July 7–July 19, 2024 | July 21–August 2, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors can apply.
University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) program provides high school students with an advanced introduction to science research. From basic science research to the development of new applications, therapies, and technologies, you will learn how research scientists and engineers contribute new knowledge and innovative approaches to tackle societal issues. You’ll get to visit active research laboratories and facilities, attend discussions highlighting current research at UF, and participate in hands-on activities and experiments with UF research faculty and graduate students.
In the “Biomedical Science Track”, you’ll explore biomedical sciences, from discovery-based research to clinical therapeutics, and learn advanced experimental techniques, including DNA science, protein science, CRISPR, and gel electrophoresis.
In the “Environmental Science and Toxicology Track”, you will get to investigate the impacts of air and water pollutants on human health, exploring innovative solutions to mitigate their effects. You’ll also delve into the complexities of aquatic health and its impact on epidemiology, learn about conservation techniques, and study the consequences of pollution and invasive species on marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost:
$5200; includes housing, staffing and supervision, field trips, social and service activities, insurance coverage, and program-themed supplies. Daily meals are not included.
There is also a $50 non-refundable application fee for this program.
Limited financial aid may be available for students attending a Florida high school.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 9–July 27, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors at least 16 years old by the start of the program can apply.
The University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP) is a seven-week residential research program for students considering science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering careers.
During the program, you’ll engage in the ongoing research of your faculty mentor for 30 hours each week, attend a daily lecture series on current research topics, and participate in a UF honors seminar class. You will participate in small group discussions led by residential and academic counselors, meet weekly with research faculty mentors, and attend weekly individual meetings to receive assistance in understanding scientific articles, and guidance and feedback on academic assignments.
You will gain effective communication and leadership skills through small group discussions, oral presentations, workshops, and practical experiences. Peer support and feedback will help you develop critical thinking, interpersonal, and technical writing skills. You will also attend all UF SSTP-sponsored social and weekend activities which include social activities, service learning, and field trips.
Location: NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus, FL | NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus, Clearwater, FL
Cost: $1,600 + a $40 non-refundable application fee. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the seats are filled.
Dates:
NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus: July 8–July 12, 2024 | July 15–July 19, 2024
NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus: June 24–June 28, 2024
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2 can apply.
Achieve in Medicine (AIM) High is a five-day medical camp offered by Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. This program is designed for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. During the camp, you will participate in interactive educational sessions that will help enhance your basic scientific and medical knowledge. Sessions are conducted on various topics including suturing, dissection, pharmacy, sports medicine, cancer detection, and more. You’ll attend social events where you will have opportunities to interact with NSU medical students.
You will explore different areas of medical practice in several specialties like preventative medicine, pediatrics, neuroscience, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and public health. You’ll learn and apply innovative and emerging technologies that impact medical education and practice, such as 3-D modeling, processing language, and augmented reality. You will get to practice medical procedures including suturing and participate in sessions regarding how technology can improve the health of communities. You will also get certified in first aid and CPR and take part in disaster medicine training with Sunrise Fire and Rescue. The program admits only 50 students per session.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns will receive a stipend of $12.5/hour.
Application Deadline: The applications for the 2024 internship program have closed and will open in early January 2025 for the 2025 program.
Dates: June 17–July 26, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, at least 16 years old, and legally authorized to work in the US can apply.
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship offers opportunities for high school students to work in a laboratory with researchers and neuroscientists. If selected for the internship, you will receive mentorship and guidance, study brain structure and development, and learn about advanced imaging techniques and technologies. You will get to participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists and prepare a written scientific abstract based on your research project.
During the program, you will primarily work in wet labs, learning techniques like genetic engineering, histological staining, microbiology preparations, and microscopy. Learning these techniques will help you understand and solve research questions about neural circuits. Once you complete your internship, you will get to present your research findings to researchers, peers, and the community at large. You can check out the past intern presentations here.
One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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.