8 Summer Nursing Programs for High School Students in Texas
Are you a high school student wondering how to turn your interest into your dream career? Applying for programs, internships, or immersions is the perfect starting point! These opportunities not only give you hands-on insight into your field of interest but also set you apart when it's time to submit those college applications. These experiences will help you showcase your commitment and readiness for a job in healthcare.
Early exposure to your chosen field doesn’t just make you a stronger applicant; it also helps you figure out if that path fits you. Whether it's learning how to take vital signs, interacting with patient simulators, or understanding the teamwork that goes into patient care, these experiences can inspire you to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare.
Here is a list of 8 summer nursing programs in Texas to get you started in your career in healthcare!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990 (Financial aid is available)
Dates: 12 weeks. There are Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions.
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohorts. The final deadline for the Winter 2024 cohort is November 24, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students with a passion for research can apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective online research opportunity designed for ambitious high school students interested in research. Founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, the program offers students the chance to work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to learn about the cutting edge in their field of interest and produce an independent research project. This rigorous program is ideal for students who are passionate about law and eager to contribute original research to the field. Additionally, students from underrepresented backgrounds can apply for the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, which offers full need-based financial aid to talented, low-income students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation.
The Medicine and Nursing track of the Lumiere Program will allow you to gain valuable insights into medical and nursing research, develop critical thinking skills, and engage with complex healthcare issues under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Whether you're interested in clinical medicine, public health, or nursing practices, the program will help you hone your research skills and produce work that could stand out in your college applications. Over the course of the program, participants will dive deep into the intricacies of the healthcare system, explore cutting-edge topics in medicine and nursing, and develop an independent research project that reflects their interests and expertise. You can find the application form here.
Location: Virtual
Dates:
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Date: September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort 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 across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Note that Horizon is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track as well as the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed university who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
Location: University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Austin, TX
Cost: $500 per session (includes meals). Scholarships are available.
Dates: TBA for 2025. Three sessions were held in 2024:
June 3 – June 7, 2024
June 10 – June 14, 2024
July 15 – July 19, 2024
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 – 17
The Longhorn Nursing Immersion Summer Camp will introduce high school students to healthcare by expanding their nursing knowledge and understanding. The camp provides an in-depth look at nursing and the requirements for becoming a registered nurse. Throughout the week, you will gain hands-on experience in various skills, including patient assessment, electrocardiogram (EKG) readings, and administering oral and intramuscular (IM) medications.
In addition to skill development, the camp blends learning with social activities. You will have the opportunity to learn from UT Austin School of Nursing faculty and current students and visit a local hospital and clinic. You will also complete an American Heart Association CPR and First Aid course, gaining practical certifications and insights into The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Nursing Program.
Location: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX
Cost: $675 (and a $10 application fee)
Dates: June 9 – June 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: April 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Cru Nursing Summer Camp at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers high school students an immersive experience in both nursing education and college life. Hosted by the Scott and White School of Nursing, the camp introduces students to key nursing concepts through hands-on learning in classroom and simulation lab settings. As a participant, you will engage in activities that mirror real nursing scenarios, allowing you to explore the practical aspects of the profession. Small group discussions and projects provide opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.
In addition to nursing studies, the program emphasizes UMHB’s spirit, traditions, and the integration of faith and learning, introducing you to the university’s core values. Outside of academics, the camp offers a comprehensive college experience. You will stay in residence halls, dine in the campus dining hall, and participate in social events.
Location: Texas Christian University–Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Forth Worth, TX
Cost: $950 (includes housing, meals, T-shirt, and stethoscope). Scholarships are available.
Dates: TBA for 2025. Two sessions were held in 2024:
June 23 – June 28, 2024
July 7 – July 12, 2024
Application Deadline: March 18, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Harris College’s Discover TCU Nursing summer camp invites students to explore what a nursing career truly involves. This camp offers a unique residential experience, allowing participants to live on campus for five days and get a taste of student life at TCU. During the camp, you will learn from TCU Nursing faculty and students, and develop essential nursing skills like patient assessment, wound care, and taking vital signs.
You will also explore how nurses apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, math, and systems in patient care, interact with human patient simulators, and tour a local hospital. Additionally, you will complete an American Heart Association CPR course and gain valuable insights into both TCU and its Nursing program.
Location: Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, TX
Cost: TBA for 2025. In 2024, the program was free for 30 eligible high school students
Dates: June 3 – June 13, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: Unspecified. Applications are currently closed.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12
The Nursing Camp at Tarrant County College offers high school students an immersive experience in healthcare, providing a glimpse into the daily life of nursing professionals and the essential skills needed for a successful career in nursing. Participants will explore topics such as EKG, Phlebotomy, and Vocational Nursing while also developing key skills in communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
You will attend a CPR Certification course, with the opportunity to earn your CPR certification after successfully completing the exam. In 2024, this camp was made free for students by The Governor’s Summer Merit Program, which enables youth interested in STEM fields to enroll in camps focused on science, technology, engineering, or math.
Location: Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
Cost: $425 (includes tuition, housing, and meals)
Dates: June 9 – June 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students entering grade 9
The Summer Nursing Discovery Camp 9.0 offers students an immersive experience in nursing and nurse education. You will interact with practicing nurses in various specialty areas and other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, social workers, and counseling psychologists. You will gain hands-on experience with AI-supported patient simulators. The camp provides insight into ASU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program and the chance to complete American Heart Association CPR and First Aid training.
In addition to nursing-focused activities, the camp helps students prepare for a successful high school experience by exploring topics like self-care, time management, study skills, and community engagement. The camp also includes fun activities like rock wall climbing, swimming, and movie nights, providing a well-rounded experience.
Location: Houston, Texas City, and Dallas in TX
Cost: Free
Dates: A week in July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Applications have closed for the 2024 camp.
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in nursing can apply.
This camp aims to empower underserved and underrepresented high school students who aspire to become nurses. This free summer program combines practical, hands-on activities with educational sessions, aiming to inspire and inform the next generation of healthcare professionals. CompassRN’s goal is to reach out to students who may otherwise face barriers in the academic path to becoming a nurse.
CompassRN uses interactive workshops, activities, and simulations to build your confidence in your nursing abilities. You will also have the chance to learn from professionals and visit local nursing colleges and healthcare providers. The program helps you prepare for future nursing opportunities.
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.
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