11 Healthcare Internships for High School Students in Indianapolis, IN
Healthcare internships give high school students a chance to see how clinical environments work. You might shadow doctors, help with patient intake, or observe lab work, which gives you a clearer picture of the field. A healthcare internship is also a good way to strengthen your college applications by demonstrating practical skills and a commitment to the field.
What healthcare internships are available for high school students in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis has many healthcare internships for high schoolers. Major health systems like IU Health, Eskenazi Health, and Community Health Network are based here alongside research institutions like the IU School of Medicine. That means you can find opportunities ranging from emergency care to research, and many programs also offer certifications or college credits.
We put together a list of 11 healthcare internships for high school students in Indianapolis to help you find the right fit.
1. IU School of Medicine – Future Scientist Program
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (IU School of Medicine, downtown IU Indianapolis campus)
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 10–15 students
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school juniors enrolled in a Marion County public high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Future Scientist Program is an eight-week summer experience that places you in a university research environment at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. You work on a research project under the mentorship of a university researcher, gaining exposure to laboratory practices and scientific inquiry. The program focuses on developing skills such as independent work, responsibility, and research-based problem solving. You collaborate with research professionals on campus and learn how scientific projects are structured and conducted. As part of the experience, you’ll participate in a professional research setting and follow established lab and workplace expectations. The program is designed as a non-credit enrichment opportunity and includes paid summer employment.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connect you with a remote position at an early-stage or fast-growing startup. You work directly under the guidance of a company manager in areas such as technology, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting. Your role focuses on active projects, allowing you to build practical, real-world skills while making meaningful contributions to the organization. Because many partner companies are in high-growth phases, you gain firsthand exposure to the pace and expectations of startup work. Throughout the program, you collaborate with professionals, strengthen workplace competencies, and deliver a final presentation showcasing your work. Apply now!
3. Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute – SEED/STEM Summer Program
Location: Indiana (Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis, and Indiana Bioscience Research Institute)
Stipend: $4,000 (need-based, qualification required)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 80 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors in Indiana who have completed at least one high school chemistry course
The SEED/STEM Summer Program is an eight-week, full-time research experience for Indiana high school students interested in STEM careers. The program matches you with a faculty mentor and places you in an academic or industry research lab, where you work on a research project in medicine, life sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or technology. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with professional researchers and gain hands-on experience using research methods and laboratory tools. You’ll participate in day-to-day lab work while developing skills related to scientific inquiry, data analysis, and professional communication. At the end of the program, you’ll prepare and present a research poster.
4. IU School of Medicine – Molecular Medicine in Action (MMIA)
Location: Indiana University School of Medicine / Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 50 students
Dates: March 1–2
Application Deadline: November 7
Eligibility: Indiana high school students in grades 10–12 nominated by their school
Molecular Medicine in Action is a short, in-person program that introduces you to careers in biomedical and medical research through hands-on learning. Over two days, you’ll explore topics such as molecular biology, cytogenetics, gene expression analysis, cancer therapy, and imaging technologies. You’ll work in a research-focused environment and learn how scientific discoveries translate into medical applications. The program emphasizes exposure to basic and translational research rather than independent experimentation. You’ll interact with researchers and educators who guide you through current techniques and research questions. MMIA is structured to help you better understand different pathways within science and medicine by experiencing how research is conducted in a professional setting.
5. Crispus Attucks High School – IU Health High School Fellowship
Location: Crispus Attucks High School and IU Health facilities, Indianapolis, Indiana
Stipend: Paid for the summer internship, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 35–45 students per year
Dates: Multi-year program during the school year with summer components
Application Deadline: March 24
Eligibility: Crispus Attucks High School freshmen
The IU Health High School Fellowship Program is a structured, multi-year pathway that prepares you for entry-level healthcare roles while you complete high school. You follow a healthcare-focused curriculum that introduces you to patient care, medical terminology, anatomy, ethics, and healthcare delivery systems. Throughout the program, you will participate in work-based learning experiences, including clinical rotations and two paid summer internships at IU Health facilities. You have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). The fellowship also allows you to earn dual credit aligned with Ivy Tech Community College’s healthcare programs.
6. Indiana School for the Deaf Shadowing Program
Location: Indianapolis, IN (at various partner business sites such as N3 Boatworks or Indianapolis Monthly)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rate not publicly disclosed
Dates: Academic school year (Fall and Spring semesters)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled at the Indiana School for the Deaf
The Indiana School for the Deaf Shadowing Program pairs high school students with local professionals for real-world experience. You will explore critical topics like workplace etiquette, technical industry skills, and effective bilingual communication across various fields. During the program, you might shadow at media outlets, participate in surgical simulations, observe daily business operations, or engage in "fireside chats" with Deaf scientists. This experience is unique for its direct access to successful Deaf role models and its focus on providing a fully accessible, inclusive professional environment. Ultimately, you’ll gain career clarity and build the vital self-advocacy skills necessary for a successful transition into the workforce.
7. Eskenazi Health VolunTeen Program
Location: Eskenazi Health Downtown Campus, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 50–60 students per year
Dates: Session 1: June 1–12; Session 2: June 15–26; Session 3: July 6–17
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Students aged 14–19
The Eskenazi Health VolunTeen Program is a two-week immersive experience to explore healthcare careers, educational requirements, and long-term goal setting. During the first week, you’ll attend professional development workshops, take guided hospital tours, and network with various medical professionals. The second week involves hands-on activities such as shadowing doctors, assisting in patient-care units, and rotating through clinical or business offices. This program is unique for its "mock rotations" that provide you with a rare look at hospital operations. Ultimately, this experience helps you earn essential service hours while confirming your future career path in medicine.
8. Community Health Network HS Volunteers
Location: Multiple Indiana locations (e.g., Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville, Anderson, Greenwood)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 20–50 students per campus/session
Dates: Year-round or summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Year-round: Rolling; Summer: March/April
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old
In Indiana’s Community Health Network volunteer program, you will explore healthcare topics like medical ethics, HIPAA compliance, and patient safety. You’ll spend your shifts escorting visitors, stocking supplies in pediatrics, and providing companionship to elderly patients through the Hospital Elder Life Program. The program is unique for its "Partners in Care" approach, treating you as a vital team member while offering perks like free meals and parking. This experience provides a realistic look at clinical environments, building the professional responsibility needed for a healthcare path. Ultimately, these hours build a solid foundation for your future medical career.
9. Ascension St. Vincent Volunteer Program
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 50–100 students
Dates: Typically 8 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15–18 (Must be 15 by May 31 of the program year)
In the Ascension St. Vincent volunteer program, you immerse yourself in the healthcare environment by supporting clinical and administrative teams. You will explore topics like patient privacy, hospital safety, and medical ethics while performing tasks such as delivering lab specimens, escorting patients, and assisting at nursing stations. Through these daily interactions, you develop vital professional skills like effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving. By contributing to the hospital’s operations, you gain the practical experience and confidence needed for a future medical career. This journey ultimately bridges the gap between classroom theory and the fast-paced reality of modern medicine.
10. Gennesaret Summer Community Interns
Location: Various clinic sites and administrative offices in Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 5–10 students
Dates: 6–8 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: Late April / Early May
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Gennesaret Summer Community Interns program immerses you in community-based healthcare designed to serve underserved and homeless populations. You’ll cover vital topics like health equity, public health outreach, chronic disease management, and the social determinants of health. Your days will involve assisting with patient intake, shadowing providers in mobile clinics, and helping manage the charitable pharmacy’s inventory. The program features a specialized no-cost care model and gives a firm commitment to treating every individual with absolute dignity, regardless of their circumstances. You will walk away with sharpened skills in clinical communication, cultural competency, and empathetic patient interaction.
11. Franciscan Health HS Volunteer Services
Location: Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20 students
Dates: Two weeks in June
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Students ages 15–19 with a minimum 2.8 GPA
The Franciscan Health High School Volunteer Services program in Indianapolis offers you a deep immersion into the medical world, focusing on patient support and professional readiness. You will explore core topics like clinical ethics, healthcare career pathways, and hospital operations while rotating through various clinical departments. Shadowing professionals, assisting with patient escorts, and managing front-desk inquiries will give you insight into the hospital's daily operations. Ultimately, you develop vital skills in empathetic communication, adaptability, and professional etiquette that prepare you for a successful future career in medicine.