15 Medical Internships for High School Students

In the context of medicine and medical research, early exposure through internships can set a student apart in the competitive college application process. It demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and a strong interest in the field. Admissions committees look favorably upon applicants who have sought out opportunities to engage with their chosen discipline outside the classroom. Furthermore, internships in medicine provide students with a glimpse into the realities of the profession, helping them confirm their career aspirations or adjust their path accordingly.

In this blog, we cover 15 of the best medical internships for high school students. Note: Please keep in mind the following information is for 2024-2025, though dates tend to be similar year on year.

1. Ladder Internship Program - Healthcare and Medicine Track

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 and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 

Program Dates: 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!

2. University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Child Health Research Internship

Available to rising high school seniors, undergraduates, and first-year medical students, this paid medical internship for high school students offers experience in child healthcare research. You will collaborate with faculty members from the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus. The program concludes with you submitting a written summary of your research experience, contributions, and accomplishments. In addition, you will provide an oral or poster/PowerPoint summary of your research.

Location: The Children’s Hospital of Colorado. 

Cost: There is no cost; students are provided a stipend of $3,500 to assist with travel and housing costs.

Eligibility: High school seniors living in Colorado. 

Application deadline: December 1st - February 1st. 

Dates/duration: June 3rd - August 2. 

3. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience’s High School Internship

This paid medical internship explores brain structure, function, and development while providing experience with advanced imaging techniques and technologies. You can choose from three specialized tracks: neuroscience, scientific programming, and mechanical engineering. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to engage deeply in your chosen field. The program culminates with you writing a scientific abstract and delivering a concise presentation. See past intern presentations here.

Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

Cost: Interns are paid $12 an hour. 

Eligibility: Juniors or seniors attending a high school in Palm Beach or Martin County.

Application deadline: January 9th - March 1st.

Dates/duration: June 17 – July 26

4. Kaiser Permanente Launch

The KP Launch program provides paid medical internships for high school students at its Oakland headquarters and medical offices throughout Northern California. KP Launch is an internship ideal for students interested in the aspects of healthcare that don’t require a medical background, such as administration or infrastructure. This program helps you develop job skills and gain work experience. You will work with health care professionals and leaders who will support you as you explore the non-medical careers are available in health care.

Location: You are eligible to work in a Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business offices closest to your home address. If you’re unsure of where your closest location is, you can find out online here.

Cost: There is no cost for this internship. KP Launch interns will be paid minimum wage based on the State of California and the city’s standards, depending on where your local program is located.

Eligibility: Must be 16 - 19 years old.

Application deadline: November 20th - January 2nd.

Dates/duration: June 17th - August 2nd.

5. The Seacole Scholars Program

The Seacole Scholars Program, named for nurse Mary Seacole, provides interns with paid summer employment with Lifespan Hospital, Rhode Island’s largest private employer. You must apply with a valid CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) license in order to join 80 fellow interns in the nursing units. One day a week is dedicated to Lifespan Workforce and Youth Development training. The Seacole Scholars Program is designed to encourage interns to pursue a future career in medicine. It provides daily career counseling and a possible offer of employment upon completing your summer internship! 

Location: Providence, Rhode Island. 

Cost: N/A.

Eligibility: Must be 16-19 years old and have a CNA.

Application deadline: January 8th. 

Dates/duration: 7 weeks (June-August)

6. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital High School Summer Internship Program

The High School Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is an eight-week initiative for graduating high school seniors. You will work with a mentor in various pediatric specialties. This paid, part-time position is for graduating high school seniors in Cincinnati who want to study Biomedical Sciences. Interns earn $13 per hour and must be residents of the Cincinnati area. All summer interns will shadow their primary mentor in the clinic and must participate in clinical and research projects. 

Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. 

Cost: There is no cost. 

Eligibility: High school seniors. 

Application deadline: February 1st. 

Dates/duration: 8 Weeks following orientation day on June 4th. 

7. The J. Craig Venture Institute’s Summer Internship Program

The JCVI Summer Internship Program is a highly coveted opportunity for aspiring scientists. JCVI’s program is conducted during the summer and offers a structured research experience for high school students (18 and older). Key elements of the program include mentorship, networking with scientists, and involvement in tailored research projects aligned with your mentor’s academic background. See here for openings, as JCVI’s internship program is on a rolling application and admission basis. 

Location: Washington D.C. and San Diego. 

Cost: There is no cost. 

Eligibility: Must be 18 years of age. 

Application deadline: Rolling admissions. 

Dates/duration: 10 - 15 weeks (from June to August).

8. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Summer Program 

Up to 10 Texans students will receive experience in biomedical disciplines through this paid medical internship for high school students. As a Biomedical Research intern, you will work with faculty members, explore career opportunities, and build a solid foundation in scientific investigation principles. Seminars by faculty cover diverse research topics. You will also participate in abstract and poster competitions. You will conclude the program by sharing your journey in a presentation and celebrating with a full staff luncheon. 

Location: Houston, Texas. 

Cost: Stipend provided ($6,000). 

Eligibility: Must be a high school senior living in Texas. 

Application deadline: January 17th. 

Dates/duration: June 3rd - August 9th. 

9. Washington University School of Medicine’s Young Scientist Program

Washington University’s Young Scientist Program (or YSP) aims to increase the participation of students from historically-excluded groups in science. This program includes paid summer research internships, scientific demonstrations, and field trips to the Washington University campuses. The program also offers teaching kits containing pre-planned lessons, individual and personalized mentoring, and laboratory equipment. These paid summer research internships provide you with experience and insights into various scientific disciplines, preparing you for future careers in STEM.

Location: St. Louis, Missouri. 

Cost: Stipend provided. 

Eligibility: Junior high school students from St. Louis area schools can apply.

Application deadline: April 1st.  

Dates/duration: June 9th - July 13th. 

10. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Summer Internship in Biomedical Research 

NHLBI, a division of NIH, offers this internship in which interns conduct biomedical research under award-winning scientists and receive professional development opportunities. The NHLBI Summer Internship Program offers high school students the chance to engage in intramural research at NIH laboratories in Bethesda, Maryland, and Framingham, Massachusetts. Over a period of six to eight weeks, you will explore basic and clinical research fields guided by an NHLBI principal investigator. This program places an emphasis on professional development events and mentorship.

Location: Bethesda, Maryland, and Framingham, Massachusetts. 

Cost: No cost. 

Eligibility: Seniors in high school. 

Application deadline: March 1st. 

Dates/duration: Dates vary, see here. 

11. TGEN Helios Scholars

In the Helios Scholars program, you will engage in research and attend educational seminars to enhance your professional skills, explore bioscience career paths, and refine your scientific writing. The program culminates in a formal research symposium, where you will present your project results. This 8-week paid internship program is available to incoming and current undergraduate and graduate students with ties to Arizona high schools, colleges, or universities. Guided by TGen scientists, you will learn about researching genetic aspects of diabetes, cancer, and neurological diseases.

Location: Flagstaff, Arizona. 

Cost: No cost. 

Eligibility: High school seniors in Arizona. 

Application deadline: February 7th. 

Dates/duration: June 10th - August 2nd. 

12. Harvard Medical School’s Project Success

Exclusively for Boston and Cambridge high school students, this six-week program focuses on underrepresented and disadvantaged students interested in biomedical careers. You’ll be placed in a Harvard Medical School research lab, attend seminars, visit hospitals and biotech organizations, and receive computer training. Mentors and research advisors will support you throughout the course, offering career guidance and helping you build the required technical skills. The program aims to develop your critical thinking and ensure you have the resources needed to pursue your academic goals in the biomedical field.

Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Stipend: Paid internship, amount unspecified  

Application Deadline: February 2

Dates: July 8 –  August 1

Eligibility: Students who reside in Boston or Cambridge, are in grade 11 or 12, have a minimum GPA of 2.70, will be at least 16 years old by the program start date, and have completed courses in algebra, biology, and chemistry.

13. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

The Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week paid internship aimed at 11th-12th graders from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical science. You’ll start with two weeks of lab training, learning techniques such as DNA isolation and gel electrophoresis. For the remaining six weeks, you’ll work in pairs within a research group, guided by a mentor. Weekly activities include presentations on ethics, data visualization, and college essay writing. SHIP concludes with a presentation to the Fred Hutch community.

Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA

Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend, but the exact amount has not been specified. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation

Application Deadline: March 31

Dates: June 24 – August 16

Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year or final term after the summer

14. Wistar Institute's Biomedical Research Internship

Wistar Institute’s High School Fellowship allows you to spend four weeks in a state-of-the-art lab, learning lab techniques and working on science projects. Open to 15 high school students, this program teaches you to read scientific literature, explore careers in biomedical research, and present your findings. To apply, you have to submit a personal statement, two recommendations, and your high school transcript. Wistar encourages applications from students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, providing a unique chance to gain skills in the biomedical field.

Location: Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA

Stipend: $1,000 

Application Deadline: Applications will open in January

Dates: July – August

Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, have successfully completed at least one high school science course, and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster

15. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is a five-week summer program for low-income, first-generation high school juniors from Northern California. You'll engage in hospital internships, academic lectures, and research projects on Stanford's campus. The program focuses on health disparities, allowing you to work in small groups to address real-world public health issues. You’ll also attend seminars on anatomy and research methods and sessions designed to prepare you for college applications. You’ll be mentored by health professionals, faculty, and college students.

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free. A stipend of $1,250 is provided. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation

Application Deadline: March 15

Dates: June 24 – July 26

Eligibility: Current high school juniors in Northern California

Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you find yourself taking on academically rigorous opportunities often, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program 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.

Mandy Brenner is a current junior at Harvard University. She is concentrating in History and Literature and loves to read and write in her free time.

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