If you’re a high school student in New York City thinking about a career in medicine, a hospital internship can give you direct exposure to the healthcare industry. These internships allow you to develop professional skills, observe medical practices up close, and work with experienced healthcare professionals. Through hands-on work and mentorship, you’ll learn about patient care, medical research, and the operations that keep hospitals running smoothly. 

For students in New York City, these internships provide a gateway to some of the most well-respected medical institutions in the country. NYC hospitals offer exposure to diverse patient populations and innovative medical practices, making them an ideal environment to explore different areas of healthcare. Whether you see yourself in a clinical role, contributing to medical research, or managing healthcare systems, these programs offer a comprehensive introduction to the industry.

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 hospital internships for high school students in NYC!

(Note: Some programs listed are university-based research opportunities, but they provide essential clinical and hands-on experience, making them highly relevant for students exploring healthcare careers)

10 NYC Hospital Internships for High School Students

1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program

Cost: No cost (with a stipend of $1,200)

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City

Program Dates: June 30-August 22

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least the 9th grade by June and have a strong academic record, particularly in science courses.

At the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), you will gain hands-on experience in biomedical and computational research. You will be paired with a mentor, either a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician, who will guide your self-directed project, aligning it with the Principal Investigator’s research. 

The program also includes journal clubs, PI luncheons, lab tours, team-building activities, and networking opportunities, allowing you to interact with a diverse range of individuals in the MSK community. By the end of the program, you will present your research during a poster session. In addition to scientific training, you will have access to MSKCC’s cutting-edge facilities and the chance to attend luncheons with Principal Investigators.

2. Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education Medical and Scientific Exploration Program

Cost: A stipend is provided.

Application Deadline: February 16

Program Dates: July 8 – August 15 (tentative, based on previous year dates)

Location: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City

Eligibility: Interest in biomedical sciences, attending a NYC public/charter school, from an underrepresented minority or economically disadvantaged background.

The Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education's Medical and Scientific Exploration Program offers you a unique opportunity to explore careers in health and medicine while deepening your understanding of cellular and molecular biology. Through weekly rotations, you will engage with different laboratories and clinical departments within the Mount Sinai Health System. 

Each department will demonstrate how scientific concepts are applied through virtual lab tours and interactive discussions. You will also have the chance to interact with ISMMS faculty, healthcare professionals, and medical students, gaining valuable insight into health disparities.

3. Columbia University – YES in The Heights Program

Cost: None

Application Deadline: December 13

Location: Columbia University, New York City

Internship Dates: June 30-August 22

Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents, from underrepresented groups or economically disadvantaged, with a strong interest in science and commitment to an 8-week summer program.

The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University offers summer internships for high school and undergraduate students, focusing on those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds in STEM. The YES in The Heights program aims to reduce the cancer burden and address health inequities through training and mentorship. 

Over eight weeks, YES Student Equity Scholars gain hands-on experience in cancer research by working alongside researchers and physicians specializing in cancer. You will also receive an orientation, practical scientific training, professional development, and the creation of an Individual Development Plan. After completing the program, interns must submit a scientific summary of their work.

4. The Rockefeller University – Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Cost: None

Application Deadline: January 5 (tentative)

Location: Rockefeller University, NYC

Internship Dates: June 24 – August 8

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program

The Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University offers high school students the chance to engage in independent biomedical research. You will work alongside faculty mentors and contribute to research teams from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell). Teams are structured like professional labs, with 1-3 lead researchers supported by additional scientists, and each team has dedicated space and resources in the RockEDU laboratories.

In addition to hands-on research, you will attend elective courses, guest lectures, and workshops that complement your scientific experience. The program also offers networking opportunities and social events, fostering both professional and personal growth. At the conclusion, you will present your findings and submit a written report. 

5. Manhattan-Staten Island Area Health Education Center (MSI AHEC) Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP)

Cost: None

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Manhattan-Staten Island Area Health Education Center, Manhattan, NYC

Internship Dates: June 30-August 7

Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors and college freshmen can apply!

The Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP) offers high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen from Manhattan and Staten Island hands-on experience in healthcare. You will be placed in hospitals and community health organizations for six weeks, with weekly sessions led by health professionals. The program allows you to explore various health careers and community health issues and includes field trips to enhance your learning.

6. Columbia S-PREP

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: September 19

Location: Columbia University, New York City

Program Dates: Summer: July 8 - Aug 2; Academic Year: November 9 - May 17; SAT Prep Course: Feb 1 - May 17

Eligibility: 7th-12th graders with at least an 80% grade average, especially in math and science

The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is designed for 7th through 12th graders interested in pursuing careers in medicine or related STEM fields. The program focuses on increasing representation and improving educational pathways for historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in subjects like mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields.

During the summer session, students will engage in courses covering topics such as anatomy, statistics, and PSAT preparation. The program also offers college prep and career development workshops, personalized academic counseling, and opportunities for field trips and college tours.

7. NYU High School Medical Ethics Internship

Cost: A stipend is provided.

Application Deadline: Jan 26

Location: Remote, open to students in NYC only

Program Dates: March 24-May 16

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

If you're interested in healthcare, social justice, or public policy, the High School Bioethics Project’s eight-week internship offers a solid opportunity. This remote program will introduce you to various bioethics topics, with four days of activities each week. Throughout the internship, you will engage with professionals from fields such as public health, healthcare, biotech, patient advocacy, and law, potentially fostering mentor relationships beyond the program. 

Your tasks will include reading relevant articles, participating in discussions, and writing reflection papers. The internship concludes with a short paper on a topic explored during your experience. Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Please note, that this is not a lab-based program. 

8. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships at Columbia (BRAINYAC)

Cost: No cost; stipend provided

Location: Columbia University Labs, NYC

Application Deadline: October 29 (tentative, based on previous year dates)

Program Dates: 5 weeks during the summer

Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors in high school, residing in New York City, with a preference for Upper Manhattan and South Bronx students.

The Zuckerman Institute's Brain Research Apprenticeships at Columbia University (BRAINYAC) offers high school students a solid opportunity to explore neuroscience. This program pairs participants with a Columbia neuroscientist who will guide them through a focused research project. 

The program includes weekend training sessions during the winter and spring, followed by a full-time summer internship where you can gain laboratory research experience. You will receive a stipend and have the chance to apply for a paid Merit Fellowship for ongoing work in your mentor’s lab. 

9. Volunteership at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan

Cost: N/A

Application Deadline: Spring session: March 1; Summer session: June 1; Fall session: September 1; Winter session: December 1.

Location:  Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan, NYC

Program Dates: Exact dates are not available. Please contact them through the link here for more details.

Eligibility: Minimum age of 16

Lenox Hill Hospital at its Manhattan campus offers individuals aged 16 and above the opportunity to volunteer at the hospital. Whether you're looking for hands-on patient interaction or behind-the-scenes support, there’s a volunteer opportunity to match your interests and schedule. 

From assisting in the emergency department to offering companionship as a friendly visitor or providing creative outlets through music or art, volunteers enhance the hospital experience. Specialized roles, including pet therapy, surgical waiting room support, and administrative assistance, provide a variety of ways to contribute to the hospital community. 

10. Lenox Hill High School Summer Program

Cost: N/A

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted from January 1 to January 31

Location: Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan

Program Dates: Typically in July 

Eligibility: Participants must be available for the entire program, have a strong interest in healthcare, be committed, and have prior volunteer experience.

Lenox Hill Hospital offers a four-week summer program for high school students interested in gaining hands-on experience in a hospital setting. In this program, you will take on non-clinical roles, providing support in areas like patient services, administrative tasks, and hospital operations. 

You’ll interact with healthcare professionals, observe daily activities in various departments, and learn about the inner workings of a healthcare facility. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in communication, teamwork, and customer service, while gaining valuable insights into hospital procedures and patient care.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in medicine, 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 4,000 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.

Image Source - Columbia University Logo