15 Healthcare Internships for High School Students in Iowa
If you are a high school student interested in healthcare, internships and structured programs are a practical way to explore the field before college. These opportunities help you understand how healthcare systems work, expose you to practical problems, and build skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, and decision-making. By participating, you will gain clarity about different career paths, including clinical, research, administrative, or public health. An internship can also make you stand out in the college admissions process, especially if you’re applying to competitive pre-med programs.
What healthcare internships are available for high school students in Iowa?
High school students in Iowa have access to good internship opportunities through major local healthcare systems like UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, and the University of Iowa Health Care. These internships generally give you a practical overview of what it is really like to work in a clinic or hospital setting, allowing you to shadow doctors and nurses, help out with daily administrative or support tasks, and observe patient care in a safe, supervised environment. Getting involved early is beneficial because it helps you figure out if a medical career is the right fit for you before college. It also builds your resume and connects you with experienced mentors. By spending time in these medical environments, you gain valuable confidence, a deeper sense of empathy, and a much clearer understanding of the daily dedication required to help others.
We have listed 15 healthcare internships for high school students in Iowa below.
1. Iowa Specialty Hospital and Clinic’s Summer Internship Program
Location: Various Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics facilities across Iowa
Stipend: Paid, amount varies by location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; about 20 interns
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school students entering junior year or above who are 16 years or older
The Iowa Specialty Hospital and Clinic Summer Internship Program allows high school students to spend eight weeks in a real healthcare setting, where they will rotate through departments like emergency care, nursing, radiology, orthopedics, cardiac rehabilitation, specialty clinics, IT, and nutrition services, gaining a broad view of how hospitals operate and how different health professionals work together. Throughout the internship, you’ll observe clinical workflows, participate in professional development activities, and learn about patient care and health systems, all while being mentored by experienced staff. As part of the program, you’ll complete a project that summarizes what you’ve learned and present your work to staff.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; 100% financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: 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
In the Ladder Internship Program’s healthcare track, you will dive into the world of early-stage medical startups to understand how new clinical ideas are executed. You will explore topics such as health tech innovation, artificial intelligence in medicine, mental health platforms, and remote patient monitoring. During the eight weeks, you will define project goals with a company manager, draft business deliverables, conduct market research, and ultimately present a final project to the host organization. The program's standout feature is its dual-mentorship model, pairing you with both a startup executive and a dedicated Ladder coach for continuous guidance. By the end of your internship, you will have developed skills in professional communication, time management, and independent problem-solving. Apply now!
3. Broadlawns Medical Center TECH Apprenticeship Program
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 9–15 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Broadlawns TECH program is a practical, earn-while-you-learn opportunity designed to help you overcome employment barriers and start a healthcare career. During this apprenticeship, you will study essential topics like hospital work culture, various medical career paths, and the foundational knowledge required for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential. As a participant, you will shadow healthcare professionals across different departments, participate in professional soft-skills workshops, provide patient care, and complete clinical rotations. A unique feature of this program is that you receive an actual paycheck and dedicated, one-on-one mentorship while completing your training entirely for free.
4. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center School-to-Work Internship
Location: Des Moines, Iowa (MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center)
Stipend: Paid and unpaid roles available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 3–5 students per participating high school
Dates: Full Academic Year (Typically August/September to May)
Application Deadline: Varies by school district (Generally, the Spring semester of your Junior year)
Eligibility: High school seniors enrolled in a participating Greater Des Moines area school district (like Johnston CSD)
The MercyOne School-to-Work internship gives you a year-long opportunity to explore the medical field while earning school credit. You will cover practical topics including direct patient care, hospital administration, medical terminology, and specific clinical pathways. During the program, you will shadow medical professionals, assist with daily hospital tasks, observe various clinical departments, and participate in guided learning seminars. This initiative is unique because it blends your daily high school curriculum with actual on-site hospital experience. By the end of the year, you will develop skills like critical thinking, professional communication, adaptability, and basic clinical patient care.
5. High School Intern – Sheldon Medical Center
Location: Sanford Sheldon Medical Center, Sheldon, IA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited cohort sizes
Dates: Primarily Summer (Typically June through August)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: All high school students
The High School Intern position at Sheldon Medical Center allows you to gain hands-on exposure to how healthcare works within a community hospital setting while contributing to operations that support patient care and clinical teams. In this role, you’ll assist in clinical areas with patient care tasks and daily activities, help with documentation and clerical work related to your assigned department, support sanitation and supply stocking, and work on delegated projects or administrative duties. You’ll also attend training and development opportunities designed to strengthen your understanding of healthcare processes, enhance your professional skills, and expand your awareness of roles within a large health system, making this a strong option if you’re exploring health careers before college.
6. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid and academic credit internships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by department
Dates: Internships are offered year-round (spring, summer, fall, winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution; must submit an official District of Columbia Work Permit with application if under the age of 18; eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s e-verify service), and must reside in a state where APA is registered as an employer
The APA internships place you in virtual roles with the American Psychological Association, suitable for students interested in policy, research, communications, or finance. Positions can be paid or unpaid, depending on the opening. In this internship, you’ll contribute to projects like literature reviews, writing and editing, web or digital assignments, and general administrative support tailored to your skills. The internship builds practical knowledge of how a major professional organization operates and gives you concrete experience to list on your résumé.
7. American Cancer Society Cancer Research High School Program
Location: Virtual (multi-institutional collaboration including Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa)
Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, up to about 20 students
Dates: July 20–31
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; residents of Iowa; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The American Cancer Society Cancer Research High School Program is a two-week, virtual summer experience designed to introduce high school students to cancer science and clinical care through collaborative research and case-study projects with peers across the Midwest. You’ll work on genetics-based research tasks and patient case analyses, participate in faculty lectures and panel discussions, and join skill-building workshops focused on career exploration in biomedical science and the health professions. This program is a good fit if you’re curious about health research and want structured exposure to scientific thinking and clinical concepts while engaging with mentors and fellow students interested in healthcare.
8. Kirkwood Community College Chiropractor Intern
Location: Chiropractic clinic or wellness center (placement coordinated through Workplace Learning Connection)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 placements
Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the Kirkwood service area
This internship introduces you to chiropractic care and holistic health by placing you in a clinic or wellness setting where you can observe practitioners and support day-to-day operations. You’ll have the chance to shadow chiropractors during patient consultations, exams, and treatments; assist staff with tasks such as preparing rooms and organizing supplies; support front-office duties like greeting patients and filing; and learn about spinal health, posture, and lifestyle factors that impact overall wellness. Throughout the internship, you’ll build professional communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
9. Mahaska Health Job Shadow Program
Location: Mahaska Health, Oskaloosa, IA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students age 16 and older; provide proof of immunizations
At Mahaska Health, high school students can gain firsthand exposure to multiple healthcare roles through their job shadow program, which lets them observe professionals as they work in a community hospital setting. You’ll spend time in areas such as nursing, clinical support services, imaging, laboratory, or therapy while asking questions and learning how daily operations unfold under supervision. This type of observational internship is especially helpful if you’re exploring what different healthcare careers really look like on the job and want to build confidence and clarity before pursuing longer internships or post-secondary training.
10. University of Iowa Health Care STEM Group Shadowing Days
Location: University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by group day
Dates: Multiple single-day events throughout the school year
Application Deadline: Varies by participating high school
Eligibility: High school students in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties
The University of Iowa Health Care STEM Group Shadowing Days provide you with a structured opportunity to explore medical pathways within a major hospital. The program partners with the Workplace Learning Connection, giving you access to clinical environments normally restricted to adults. You will dive into specific topics covering child development, genetics, pathology, research science, allied health, nursing, physician assisting, radiology, and junior medical school. You will tour hospital departments, observe healthcare professionals in action, and participate in interactive career panel discussions. Through these experiences, you will learn skills in clinical observation, professional communication, and career assessment.
11. Washington County Hospital and Clinics Student Job Shadow
Location: Washington, Iowa
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no cohorts
Dates: Flexible (Arranged based on availability)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school or college students
The Student Job Shadow program at Washington County Hospital offers you a brief, one-on-one observational experience to explore the medical field in a rural healthcare setting. You will dive into various clinical and non-clinical healthcare topics depending on the specific department you shadow. During your visit, you will clock in with a hospital ID badge, accompany an experienced professional, observe patient care, and have the chance to ask questions about daily medical responsibilities. The program features a personalized, one-on-one structure that guarantees direct mentorship. By participating, you will learn practical professional communication, begin to understand clinical workflows, and develop empathy for patients.
12. Kirkwood Nurse Intern – Workplace Learning Connection
Location: Hospital, clinic, or long-term care setting arranged through Workplace Learning Connection (WLC)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited placements based on host site availability
Dates: Flexible scheduling through Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies as per session
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in a participating school district within the Kirkwood service area
The Kirkwood Nurse Intern placement through the Workplace Learning Connection gives high school students an introduction to the nursing profession and patient care environments by observing and assisting in supportive roles under supervision. You will shadow nurses across different healthcare settings to observe tasks such as patient check-ins, vital signs monitoring, and daily care routines. You also help with non-clinical support duties like organizing supplies, stocking equipment, and maintaining clean work areas to keep clinical spaces efficient and safe. You’ll also learn about communication between nurses, doctors, patients, and families, observe how documentation and safety protocols are followed, and complete reflective assignments or a workbook.
13. Kirkwood Healthcare Administrator Intern
Location: Hosted at a local healthcare facility or administrative office (placement arranged through Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: Offered in Fall, Winter (J-Term), Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies as per session
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors in the Kirkwood service area
This internship places you in the administrative side of healthcare, where you’ll support office operations, patient intake, billing and scheduling systems, record management, and communication workflows in a clinic or hospital administrative setting. You’ll learn about healthcare systems management, office software tools, and the coordination needed to keep clinical services running smoothly. You’ll work alongside administrators and staff to assist with tasks like organizing files, tracking appointments, communicating with patients, and observing leadership meetings. Participation builds skills in professional communication, organization, health information systems, and teamwork, helping you explore careers in healthcare management, health services administration, or medical office leadership.
14. Kirkwood Dental Academy
Location: Linn County Regional Center & partner clinics
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; approximately 15–25 students
Dates: K-12 Academic Calendar (August – May)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors in partnering Eastern Iowa districts
The Kirkwood Dental Academy and Internship offers you a pathway to jumpstart your dental career by combining classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience. You will explore essential topics like dental terminology, head and neck anatomy, dental nutrition, and healthcare standards. In the clinic, you will complete activities like shadowing dentists, sterilizing equipment, setting up operatories, and assisting with patient data. A unique feature of this program is that you simultaneously earn dual high school and college credit while working directly in a local dental office. By the end, you will develop skills like proper instrument transfer, infection control, and professional patient communication.
15. Scrubs Camp at Northwest Iowa Community College
Location: Northwest Iowa Community College (Sheldon, IA)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; typically around 90 students
Dates: March 6
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 (including homeschool students)
Scrubs Camp at Northwest Iowa Community College gives high school students a hands-on introduction to a variety of healthcare fields through interactive activities and demonstrations led by health professionals and instructors. You will rotate through sessions on topics like nursing, radiologic technology, pharmacy, medical laboratory technology, surgical technology, emergency response, and health information systems. You’ll see how different parts of the healthcare system work and try basic skills used in patient care. You’ll also experience an emergency care simulation with local EMS partners, explore real medical equipment, and visit career booths to learn about training pathways and professional opportunities.
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