15 Health Internships for High School Students
Thinking about a career in healthcare or science but not sure where to start? Health internships designed for high school students can be an excellent starting point to gain valuable knowledge and experience early in your career.
Health internships can allow you to step into real labs, clinics, or research projects and see the day-to-day work for yourself. You’ll develop practical skills, work with professionals, and maybe even present your own findings to a panel of experts.
More than that, you’ll figure out what excites you, and what doesn’t, before you make any big college or career decisions. Some health internships for high school students also help with college preparation, offer mentorship, or even pay you a stipend for your effort and time.
If you're trying to figure out where to begin, here are 15 health internships for high school students that are actually worth looking into.
15 Health Internships for High School Students
1. Samuels Family LA-HIP High School Internship Program
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Current high school junior at a public high school in Los Angeles County
In this program, you will spend your summer conducting biomedical research in a hospital lab while receiving yearlong support with college preparation. LA-HIP pairs you with a faculty mentor at the Saban Research Institute, where you’ll learn how to maintain lab notebooks, run experiments, and present your findings. Professional counselors also help you navigate college applications and financial aid throughout the year. This program is designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. The experience culminates in a formal Science Symposium where you will showcase your research. The internship also provides a stipend, a Metro card, and meals at the hospital cafeteria.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) / None
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; upcoming cohort is Winter on December 8
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; Winter cohort: November 16; apply here
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, founded by Harvard alumni, provides high school students with a well-structured and professional opportunity to gain experience in real-world sectors like healthtech and biomedical research. The program connects you remotely with global startups, many backed by Y Combinator, and led by founders who have worked at companies such as Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. You contribute to meaningful projects aligned with their interests while receiving mentorship from industry professionals at fast-growing companies. The internship includes regular weekly check-ins, career development workshops, and concludes with a formal presentation to the host organization. Emphasizing practical skills, industry exposure, and networking, Ladder internships help strengthen college applications and enhance career readiness.
3. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program
Location: Stanford Campus, Northern California
Cost: None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school juniors from low-income, first-generation backgrounds in Northern California
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is a five-week, immersive summer enrichment program focused on science and medicine, designed for low-income, first-generation high school juniors from Northern California. You will shadow physicians, engage in research, and participate in small-group sessions with Stanford medical staff. The program blends clinical immersion with academic inquiry, including lectures on healthcare access, ethics, and medical research methods. Over the five weeks, you’ll complete a public health project, interact with patients, and explore hospital departments. Mentorship is built into the structure, helping students from underrepresented backgrounds build a pathway to medicine. It’s designed to offer both experience and guidance before college.
4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Summer Internship Program
Location: Bethesda, Maryland, and Framingham, Massachusetts
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive (Roughly 12.5%)
Dates: Can start on one of three dates between May 19, May 27, June 2
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: High school students who are 18 years or older by June 15 | U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents | Enrolled at least half-time as a senior in high school
The Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers high school, college, medical, and graduate students a chance to engage in intramural research at NIH laboratories. You will get a closer look at how biomedical research is conducted at one of the world’s leading health institutes. As an intern, you’ll join a research team working on projects related to cardiovascular and pulmonary health. Your days might include lab techniques, data analysis, and experimental support. The program also includes professional development sessions and networking events with NIH scientists. A generous stipend is provided in two parts over the summer. This is one of the best opportunities for high school students.
5. UT Southwestern Medical Center – Inspiring Careers in Mental Health
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate: Very competitive
Dates: Two weeks in June
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th grade high school students
UT Southwestern Medical Center offers a two-week virtual summer internship called "Inspiring Careers in Mental Health" for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This program provides students with an in-depth look at a broad range of careers in mental health, including psychiatry, psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, neuroscience, interventional psychiatry, and community psychiatry. Through guided readings, discussions, and interactive sessions led by mental health clinician-scientists such as licensed clinical social workers, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and psychiatrists students explore topics like therapy techniques, neuropsychological assessments, and clinical approaches to treatment. This compact yet rich experience is ideal for students contemplating careers in behavioral health.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, and Virtual
Stipend: Hourly wage for the in-person program; amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Extremely selective
Dates: In-person program: 8 weeks, typically from June to August; virtual program: 5 weeks, usually from July to August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Virtual program - High school juniors and seniors anywhere in the U.S.| In-person program: Baltimore City, MD residents
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a prestigious summer research internship program specifically designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience and neurological sciences. In this program, you will discover neuroscience through research placements, clinical exposure, and live lectures with Johns Hopkins faculty. You'll spend part of the summer in a lab working one-on-one with a research mentor, followed by a virtual component focused on theory, analysis, and skill-building. You will learn how to read scientific literature, observe patient care, and explore how neurology intersects with research. You’ll also attend weekly seminars and skill workshops designed to build your confidence in STEM.
7. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, New York
Cost/Stipend: $2360.25 + $500+ meal costs (estimated); bifurcation here / Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Around 4%
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old by the program’s start date | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program is a prestigious and highly selective summer research opportunity hosted by Stony Brook University for academically talented and motivated high school juniors. You will join a university research lab and complete your own independent project under faculty mentorship. The program introduces you to the academic research process, from reading papers and learning lab techniques to presenting your findings at the end. You'll attend research talks, skill-building workshops, and even take field trips to nearby institutions. Past student projects have ranged from biochemistry and engineering to environmental health. It’s an excellent fit for students who want to understand STEM fields over the summer.
8. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: About 10% or less
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: Typically mid to late December
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Are from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ | Be able to prove eligibility to work in the US
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is a competitive, paid summer research apprenticeship designed to stimulate interest in biomedical science and medicine careers, especially among groups underrepresented in science. You’ll research projects like odor perception, flavor chemistry, or air quality. You will work closely with PhD researchers and technicians to understand how chemical sensing influences everything from nutrition to disease. You'll also participate in discussions on ethics, attend scientific talks, and improve your writing and presentation skills. The experience is ideal for students curious about biomedical research that’s rooted in everyday human biology.
9. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship
Location: In-person at Stanford University | Virtual
Cost/Stipend: In person: $6,380; Virtual: $4,380 / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: In person: July 14 – 25; Virtual: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors | Age 16+ | Having completed a high school biology course prior to enrollment is strongly encouraged
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) is a highly selective and intensive program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors that provides a hands-on, immersive experience and a broad overview of the medical profession. Through lectures, case discussions, and simulations, you’ll experience what it’s like to diagnose and treat patients. You’ll learn clinical reasoning, patient communication, and decision-making by working through medical cases in small groups. Sessions are led by Stanford doctors and faculty across a range of specialties. Whether online or on campus, you’ll finish with a stronger insight into medical workflows and healthcare careers. Participants also earn a certificate upon completion.
10. Parkview Health - Summer Internship Program
Location: In-person at Parkview Health facilities | Virtual
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Year-round with the internship lasting one semester
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: All high school students
The Parkview Health Summer Internship Program is a paid 10-week internship primarily for college students interested in both clinical and non-clinical healthcare careers. In this program, you will observe healthcare professionals in action across clinical and administrative departments. It includes job shadowing, clinical rotations, and debrief discussions to help you reflect on what you’re learning. Depending on the format, you might explore careers in nursing, physical therapy, diagnostics, lab sciences, and more. Some tracks involve journaling or group activities alongside hospital exposure. It’s a strong starting point if you want to explore different paths in healthcare without committing to just one.
11. Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center – Future Scientist Program
Location: IU School of Medicine’s downtown Indianapolis campus
Cost/Stipend: None / $2,000
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: 8 weeks between June – July
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: High school juniors from Marion County public schools | Minimum 3.0 GPA
This program offers students the opportunity to engage in an eight-week, hands-on research project under the mentorship of university researchers on the IU School of Medicine’s downtown Indianapolis campus (IUPUI). You’ll be matched with a mentor at the Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and gain experience in techniques like data collection, sample prep, and lab analysis. The program also introduces you to the language of research, enabling you to understand how studies are designed, reviewed, and presented. You’ll be part of a small cohort, which allows for meaningful interaction with faculty and staff. This internship is best suited for students considering careers in cancer biology or academic medicine.
12. Max Planck Florida Institute - Summer Internship for Neuroscience
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $13 per hour
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Typically mid-June to late July
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Legally authorized to work in the United States | 16 years of age or older at the internship’s start | Reside in Palm Beach or Martin Counties and entering their junior or senior year at a high school in these counties during the current school year
This highly selective, fully paid six-week research internship offers an immersive laboratory experience where interns work alongside MPFI neuroscientists on cutting-edge neuroscience research projects. You will spend six weeks in a neuroscience lab learning how researchers study the brain at the cellular level. You’ll use tools like microscopy, genetic engineering, and histological staining to investigate how neurons communicate. With support from a Max Planck scientist, you'll also learn how to frame research questions, analyze your data, and present your findings. The program concludes with a formal abstract and a final research presentation. It’s an immersive experience designed for students with strong interests in biology and neuro research.
13. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA)
Location: MISA, Oakland, CA
Cost: $1,800 + $75 application fee
Acceptance rate: Moderately selective
Dates: Vary by cohort; Spring: multiple dates between March 31 – April 25 | Summer: multiple dates between June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer: March 7
Eligibility: All high school students
The Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) is a five-day, hands-on clinical training program designed for high school students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. You will learn clinical procedures like suturing, taking vitals, and interpreting EKGs while earning multiple certifications. MISA combines classroom learning with practical skill development and professional exposure. You'll interact with EMTs, nurses, and physicians while practicing skills such as splinting, phlebotomy, and patient communication. The program also includes CPR, Stop the Bleed, and First Aid certifications. It's ideal for students who want to get a close-up view of what working in healthcare feels like day-to-day.
14. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None, barring a $65 application fee
Acceptance rate: Very selective
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school students about to enter their last high school year, i.e., grade 11 | High school seniors cannot apply
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious, highly competitive, international summer research program for high school juniors sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE). It combines one week of intensive STEM seminars with five weeks of guided research alongside MIT scientists. You’ll study advanced topics in fields like physics, biology, computer science, and mathematics, then apply those concepts to a research project of your own. Faculty mentors guide you through experiment design, data analysis, and academic writing. By the end, you’ll present your findings in a formal research symposium. This program is best suited for students who are already deeply engaged in STEM.
15. Washington University’s Young Scientist Program - Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: None / $4,500
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Junior year students from any high school in the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois)
Washington University’s Young Scientist Program - Summer Focus is a competitive, funded eight-week summer research internship for highly motivated high school juniors from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois). You will spend the summer contributing to real biomedical research while building college prep skills. You will join research teams across campus, working on lab techniques, experiments, and data analysis with guidance from WashU scientists. The program also includes workshops on college entrance exams, subject tests, and science communication. You’ll develop a strong foundation in lab work while learning how to prepare for competitive college applications. The stipend supports your full-time commitment over the eight-week experience.
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