15 Health Science Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student exploring health-related careers, joining health science programs can be one of the most effective ways to understand the field. These programs allow you to develop practical skills, learn how different areas of healthcare work, and connect with professionals who can guide your journey. Many of them are offered by top colleges, medical institutions, and research organizations, making them great additions to your college applications.
These programs are offered by high schools as Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways or through summer internships and academies at top organizations like the NIH, CDC, and major university/hospital systems like Stanford and Children's Hospitals. They provide early exposure to concepts in anatomy, medical terminology, and basic patient care. By participating, you gain practical skills through labs, simulations, and clinical shadowing opportunities, and get insight into healthcare careers. To make your search easier, we’ve created a list of 15 health science programs for high school students, including both in-person and virtual options.
1. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Bay Area, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $3,000 stipend available for students with demonstrated financial need
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; 35 – 40 students
Dates: June 8 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors who are 16 or older | Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 | Live and attend school in one of the following counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Cruz
At PIPS, you’ll gain experience in pediatric research while working alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students. You’ll conduct your own introductory research project, learning how scientific research is performed and how to analyze data in a real-world setting. The program provides mentorship to help you explore careers in medicine, maternal and child health, and biomedical research. You’ll collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, develop teamwork and communication skills, and engage in lab activities that build practical research experience. Additional opportunities include networking with medical professionals and exploring pathways to medical school and science careers.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies according to the program type; 100% financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 15%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies by 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 match you with a remote internship at an early-stage or fast-growing start-up. You work directly under a company manager in areas like technology, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting. Your assignments involve real tasks that help you build practical skills while contributing to active projects. Because many partner companies operate in fast-paced, high-growth settings, you get exposure to the day-to-day demands of start-up work. Over the course of the internship, you collaborate with professionals, strengthen workplace abilities, and complete a final presentation outlining what you accomplished. Since the program is fully online, you can participate from anywhere while gaining valuable experience in a professional environment.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee / $500–$2,500 stipend paid based on a needs-based system from special grants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors in high school | 16+ by program start | U.S. citizens or permanent residents (with a green card) and attending high school in the country
SIMR is an eight-week research program where you’ll work alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on a medically focused project. During the program, you’ll participate in hands-on lab work that helps you understand how scientific research is designed, conducted, and analyzed. You’ll gain exposure to fields within the biological and medical sciences while developing skills in experimental techniques, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The experience will also introduce you to research careers through mentorship and collaboration with experts in academic labs. Throughout the program, you’ll engage with a supportive research community and observe how scientific questions translate into real-world medical applications.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 1:1 mentorship
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows you to participate in a structured research experience alongside a Ph.D. mentor. Over roughly 12 weeks, with some cohorts running longer, you work on an independent research project from start to finish. You can choose from a wide range of fields, including physics, psychology, economics, chemistry, engineering, data science, computer science, and international relations. Throughout the experience, you learn how to develop a research question, assess sources, and improve your academic writing. Your project ends with a completed research paper that reflects your findings. You also become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit.
5. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp (DDC)
Location: CDC Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 27 students per session
Dates: June 23 – 27; July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: High-school students entering junior or senior year; must be at least 16 years old on the camp’s first date
The Disease Detective Camp allows you to explore how CDC professionals approach real-world challenges. You’ll participate in interactive projects and group work that cover topics such as infectious and chronic diseases, epidemiology, laboratory methods, public health interventions, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. The program also introduces skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and disease surveillance. You’ll work collaboratively with other students, learning to solve problems as a team of “disease detectives.” Activities vary yearly, giving you the opportunity to investigate current public health issues. By the end of camp, you can expect to have gained hands-on experience and a broader understanding of careers in public health.
6. Tufts Mini Med School
Location: Tufts University (Medford/Somerville Campus and Boston Health Sciences Campus)
Cost/Stipend: Session 1 Commuter: $3,625 | Session 2 Commuter: $5,425; Residential: $6,950 | Session 3 Commuter: $3,625; Residential: $4,650; limited need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 25 – 30 students
Dates: Session 1 (Commuter Only): June 22 – 26; Session 2: July 5 – 17; Session 3: July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11–12 or a spring graduate | At least 16 years old by the program’s start date | One year of high school biology required
In this program, you’ll explore foundational topics in medicine through lectures, case studies, and interactive sessions led by Tufts medical students and faculty. You’ll participate in activities such as suturing practice, taking vital signs, and using simulation tools in the Clinical Simulation Center. The program includes time in the anatomy lab, where you’ll study human physiology in a structured and guided setting. You’ll also attend Q&A sessions with medical professionals, allowing you to learn about different pathways within healthcare fields. In longer sessions, you complete a capstone project focused on a clinical skill or public health topic.
7. Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: $10,050 + $100 application fee (can be waived); full scholarships available for eligible Philadelphia residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically, April
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students who have completed one year of high school biology
The Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Academy introduces students to core topics in cell biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, and epidemiology. Through daily lectures and guided discussions, you’ll learn how pathogens function, how outbreaks are investigated, and how public health responses are designed. The program includes hands-on lab work, site visits to biomedical research facilities, and interactive case studies focused on major infectious diseases. You’ll collaborate with peers to interpret data, review scientific material, and engage with guest speakers working in fields related to virology, microbiology, and epidemiology. As a final project, you’ll prepare a public service announcement and lead a discussion on a selected epidemic.
8. Wake Forest University – Summer Immersion: Medicine Institute
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus)
Cost/Stipend: $3,500 + $60 application fee; need-based scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: July 5 – 10; July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until full
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade students in good academic standing and have no school suspensions
The Wake Forest Medicine Institute offers a weeklong introduction to clinical practice and the broader field of healthcare. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in lab simulations, medical skill workshops, and facility visits at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. You’ll learn foundational clinical skills such as taking blood pressure, performing physical exams, conducting ultrasounds, and practicing suturing. The schedule also includes guest lectures, medical student panels, and guided activities that highlight different specialties, including internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, and surgery. You’ll tour the Wake Forest School of Medicine, observe medical technologies in action, and interact with professionals across multiple hospital departments.
9. Georgetown University – Medical Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $4,120; Commuter: $3,490 + $50 nonrefundable application fee; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, small cohorts
Dates: Session I: June 21 – 27, Session II: July 5 – 11, Session III: July 12 – 18
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school students having a minimum 2.0 GPA
The Georgetown 1-Week Medical Academy introduces you to core areas of medicine through a mix of lectures, labs, and clinical simulations. Throughout the week, you’ll explore subjects such as anatomy, radiology, physiology, surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and biomedical ethics. You’ll also participate in practical skill-building sessions that may include suturing, casting, ultrasounds, dissections, and working with high-fidelity patient simulators. The program also gives you direct interaction with Georgetown medical students, faculty, and physicians, providing insight into medical training and the path to becoming a clinician. You’ll take part in group discussions, off-site visits, and immersive lab activities that help you understand different medical specialties.
10. Rady Children’s Health – Medical Academy
Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 + $50 registration fee; limited scholarships available for students from eligible Title I San Diego County high schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 42 students per session
Dates: June 15 – 26; July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–19 who have completed at least 9th grade
Rady Children’s Medical Academy introduces you to the field of healthcare through lectures, hands-on activities, and skills clinics. You’ll participate in simulations and group projects that help you understand how different medical professionals work together. The program exposes you to a wide range of careers, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work. You’ll also attend career panels and discussions led by professionals who share their experiences and daily responsibilities. Throughout the program, you’ll explore how healthcare teams approach challenges in a complex and evolving system.
11. BEAT (Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training) Academy)
Location: UT Health San Antonio, Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20 students
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: June 20
Eligibility: High school students interested in healthcare and biomedical research
In the BEAT Academy, you will explore medicine and biomedical research through a mix of lectures, hands-on experiments, and interactive activities. You’ll investigate topics like anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, aging, and neurodegeneration while conducting lab experiments and learning about the latest biomolecular technology. The program allows you to interact with real and simulated patients, visit anatomy labs, and see ongoing research firsthand. You’ll also participate in college prep sessions to guide your future career in health or medicine. Working alongside peers in small groups, you’ll engage in discussions, projects, and mentorship opportunities that show what a career in healthcare entails. By the end, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.
12. Health Care Careers Exploration Program (HCCEP)
Location: RIT/NTID Campus, Rochester, NY
Cost/Stipend: $900; limited scholarships may be offered on financial need in the absence of state Vocational Rehabilitation agency support / $1,000 scholarship, and waiver of application fee upon completion
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; typically small group sizes
Dates: July 18 – 22
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Deaf and hard-of-hearing students entering grades 10–12 in the upcoming Fall
At HCCEP, you’ll explore a wide range of health care and health sciences careers through hands-on workshops, lab tours, simulations, and group projects. You’ll gain practical skills, such as performing ultrasounds, working in lab settings, and practicing patient care techniques, while learning from experienced health professionals. The program provides mentorship and guidance on college pathways, career options, and professional development to help you plan your future. You’ll collaborate with other students in small groups, developing teamwork and communication skills in an inclusive, accessible environment. Evening activities, field trips, and social events give you the chance to connect with peers and build lasting friendships.
13. Harvard Medical School – MEDscienceClinical
Location: Boston, Massachusetts (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: 5-day: $2,800; 4-day Holiday Week: $2,250; limited scholarships are available for Boston area students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions between June and July
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 at the time of application
The HMS MEDscienceClinical program enables you to explore healthcare by working through realistic, simulated medical emergencies. You’ll learn how to assess patients, interpret vital signs, and practice procedures such as suturing, inserting IVs, and performing CPR/AED skills. Throughout the week-long session, you work in small groups alongside physicians, nurses, and medical students who guide you through diagnosis and treatment steps. The program also introduces you to various healthcare careers through structured MEDchats with Harvard-affiliated professionals. As you move through each simulation, you’ll strengthen your teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in a setting designed to mirror real clinical environments.
14. Thomas Jefferson University – SummerScience@Jefferson
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $650; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 students
Dates: June 23 – July 22
Application Deadline: Typically, late May
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
In SummerScience@Jefferson, you’ll spend four weeks engaging with Jefferson College of Life Sciences faculty, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows through live lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiments you can complete at home. You’ll explore topics such as biochemistry, genetics, forensics, cell biology, neuroscience, cancer biology, microbiology, and immunology while investigating real research questions. The program provides mentorship and guidance as you gain experience with lab techniques like PCR, DNA fingerprinting, and advanced tools such as CRISPR gene editing. You’ll collaborate with peers on scientific challenges and build skills in analysis, experimentation, and scientific communication. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research during a Virtual Symposium, receiving feedback from mentors.
15. Tufts Mini Dental School – Explorations in Dental Medicine
Location: Tufts University, Boston Health Sciences Campus
Cost/Stipend: Session 1: $3,625 (Commuter) | Session 2: $5,425 (Commuter) / $6,950 (Residential); limited need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: Session 1 (Commuter Only): June 22 – 26 | Session 2: July 5 – 17 (Residential); July 6 – 17 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11–12 or a Spring high school graduate | Must have completed one year of high school biology | At least 16 years old by the start date
In this program, you’ll explore the field of dentistry through hands-on clinical simulations, anatomy lessons, and case-based learning. You’ll participate in activities such as cavity fillings, plaque removal, suturing, and other basic procedures under the guidance of dental professionals. Throughout the session, you’ll also examine real patient cases and study how oral health connects to overall wellness. You can also expect to attend workshops and technology-focused sessions that introduce you to innovations in dental science and clinical tools. The program concludes with a capstone project where you apply what you learned to propose solutions or ideas related to oral healthcare.
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