14 Healthcare Internships for High School Students in Missouri
Doing an internship in high school is a good way to start building a strong profile early. Internships can help you add experience to your resume, explore potential career paths, and gain experience in your chosen field. If you're interested in healthcare, internships can give you a closer look at how hospitals, labs, clinics, and public health organizations operate. You’ll learn from professionals and get a clearer sense of what daily work in healthcare looks like, making it easier to decide if the field is right for you. They will also help you develop useful skills like communication, time management, and teamwork.
What healthcare internships are available for high school students in Missouri?
Missouri offers a range of healthcare internships and programs for high school students. These include hospital shadowing opportunities, medical school summer programs, public health internships, research experiences, and volunteer-based healthcare training programs. Some programs focus on patient care and observing doctors and nurses, while others introduce you to medical research, mental health services, or community health work. Many programs also include skill-building, professional guidance, and career exploration. These opportunities will help you learn about different healthcare careers, build confidence, and decide which paths you may want to pursue in college and beyond.
This list focuses on 14 healthcare internships in Missouri for high school students that offer structured, meaningful experiences and exposure to healthcare roles across clinical, research, and community settings.
1. KU Accelerate Cancer Education (ACE) High School Summer Research Program
Location: KU Medical Center - Kansas City campus and other educational institutions in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area (bi-state region encompassing parts of Missouri and Kansas)
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a $2,940 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors attending a high school in Wyandotte County, Kansas, or Jackson County, Missouri can apply. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be at least 16 years old by the program start, and be legally eligible to work in the US
Accelerate Cancer Education is a six-week, paid summer research program for high school students interested in biomedical careers. It is designed to help prepare the next generation of the oncology workforce by offering local students this opportunity. You’ll explore different career paths, gain hands-on experience with cancer research, and take part in activities connected to the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s workforce development goals. The program includes mentorship from a faculty member, on-site cancer-focused programming at the KU Cancer Center, and a summer research project in a laboratory, clinical, or office setting. It concludes with a poster forum where you’ll present your project and what you have learned. Overall, the program offers a strong introduction to cancer research and helps prepare you for future opportunities in science and healthcare.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 19%; the exact percentage varies by internship and cohort
Dates: Programs run year-round in 8–12 week sessions during spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work 10–20 hours a week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a remote program that pairs high school students with nonprofits and startups from around the world. Many host organizations are backed by Y Combinator or run by professionals with experience at places like McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft. Founded by Harvard graduates, the program offers roles in fields such as health tech, mental health, environmental science, finance, AI, consulting, nonprofits, software engineering, and journalism. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects and present your work at the end of the program. You’ll also develop communication and time management skills, join group sessions with other interns, and receive support from a Ladder coach and a site manager throughout the experience. You can view the application form in advance to see which internships are currently available.
3. UMKC Students Training in Academia, Health, and Research (STAHR) Program — High School Scholars
Location: UMKC Health Sciences Campus, Kansas City, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students who meet program requirements will receive financial support through stipends or scholarships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 17 (Summer Session); academic year activities run from August through April
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
UMKC’s STAHR High School Scholars Program helps you prepare for health professional programs and explore healthcare careers. The program begins with a six-week summer session starting in June. You will attend Monday through Friday for about 30 hours each week and gain hands-on exposure to health careers through clinical observations in dental, medical, or pharmacy settings. You’ll work on a health-related research project with UMKC faculty and service projects in the Kansas City community and get to develop writing, networking, and leadership skills. There will be continued guidance during the academic year from August through April. You will receive ongoing coaching and mentorship from health professional students, faculty, and UMKC staff, stay involved in community service or healthcare experiences, prepare application materials, and connect with people and resources that support your path in healthcare.
4. WashU Medicine Young Scientist Program (YSP) Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a $4,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15–18 students
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Students from any high school in the Greater St. Louis area in Missouri or Illinois who have completed their junior year before the program starts in June
Summer Focus offers funded eight-week research internships for high school students from the Greater St. Louis area at Washington University in St. Louis. You’ll work in a lab on a biomedical research project with one-on-one guidance from a mentor and ongoing support from a tutor, both of whom are graduate students, postdocs, or lab staff. You’ll be placed in a lab based on your interests and join the team as a contributing member. Alongside research, you’ll take two courses focused on science communication and college preparation. You’ll develop skills in reading scientific papers, writing and presenting research clearly, exploring careers, preparing college applications, and understanding financial aid. You’ll also meet weekly with your Tutor for project support and present your work at a closing symposium to mentors, peers, and guests.
5. Children’s Mercy Research Institute’s STAR 2.0 Program
Location: Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI), Kansas City, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a $2,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20–25 students
Dates: June 15 – July 23
Application Deadline: December 15 – January 9
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who live in Missouri or Kansas and attend public or charter schools can apply
The STAR 2.0 Program is based at the Children’s Mercy Research Institute and gives local students a close look at science and medicine, including careers, education paths, and related opportunities. You’ll develop research skills, learn what working in medicine or research is like, and gain experience that can help improve care for patients. You’ll improve your scientific writing and presentation skills, connect with faculty, staff, and peers through mentorship, and build relationships within the local medical research community. You’ll also have chances to present your work at scientific meetings and possibly contribute as an author on peer-reviewed publications. The program runs for six weeks and meets Monday through Friday.
6. BESt Healthcare Institute Summer Program
Location: Washington University Danforth Campus, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a cash stipend of up to $400 (BESt I and BESt II) or $500 (BESt III)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Eligible students include full-time freshmen for BESt I, sophomores for BESt II, and juniors for BESt III who attend a St. Louis regional high school. Students must be enrolled in schools in St. Louis City, St. Louis, or St. Charles counties in Missouri, or Madison or St. Clair counties in Illinois, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and be involved in at least one extracurricular activity or organization
The BESt Healthcare Institute helps you explore and prepare for future careers in healthcare through academics and professional development. The program aims to build early interest and create a strong pipeline of students ready for healthcare roles in the St. Louis area. BESt summer programs run for four weeks and follow a STEM-focused curriculum that introduces you to healthcare-related careers. You’ll explore healthcare fields through team projects, team-building activities, and case competitions, as well as get hands-on experience connected to medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. Participating in lectures and site visits will give you real exposure to healthcare settings and professionals. You’ll also engage in professional development activities focused on leadership, character growth, and personal branding.
7. Saturday Academy at UMKC School Of Medicine
Location: UKMC Health Sciences Campus, Kansas City, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students receive a small stipend gift after completing the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: September 13 – December 13 (eight sessions held on Saturdays)
Application Deadline: August 31
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 2.75 GPA who are economically or educationally disadvantaged
Saturday Academy is a free program for high school students run by UMKC STAHR in partnership with the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing. The program will help you explore healthcare careers, improve study skills and test strategies, and prepare for college and health education programs. You’ll take part in hands-on and simulated activities, meet admissions representatives to learn about career pathways, and work on identifying your academic strengths and weaknesses. You’ll gather resources to prepare for college and the workforce, develop admission materials for future applications, and advance your knowledge for prerequisite classes and standardized tests. You’ll also connect with healthcare professionals from medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy, giving you networking opportunities and insight into different healthcare specialties.
8. UMKC STAHR Program — Collegiate Scholars
Location: UMKC Health Sciences Campus, Kansas City, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students who meet program requirements will receive financial support through stipends or scholarships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 17 (Summer Session); academic year activities run from August through April
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school seniors or students who are academically beyond high school but not yet admitted to a health professional program can apply. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, be United States citizens or permanent residents, and be economically or educationally disadvantaged
UMKC’s STAHR Collegiate Scholars Program supports students who are preparing for health professional programs by helping them grow personally and professionally while exploring health careers. You can join from the summer before freshman year of college through post-baccalaureate status as long as you have not yet been admitted to a health professional program. You can also learn about options like DAT Prep Scholars and MCAT Prep Scholars for admissions test prep. During the summer, you’ll get a closer look at health professions through clinical observations in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy based on your interests. You’ll also complete a health-related research project with UMKC faculty, take part in community service in the Kansas City area, and develop writing, networking, and leadership skills. During the academic year, you’ll receive coaching and mentorship from health professional students, faculty, and UMKC staff.
9. WashU Medicine Saturday Scholars Program
Location: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: February 14 – March 14 (five consecutive Saturdays)
Application Deadline: January 5 – February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, or sophomores with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The Saturday Scholars Program allows high school students, especially those from St. Louis Public Schools and nearby county schools, to study human anatomy through labs and lectures while connecting with Washington University medical students. The program runs for five consecutive Saturdays, with each session lasting three and a half hours and covering a body system such as the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, renal, or reproductive. Each session includes a lecture led by medical students along with interactive activities like anatomy labs and clinical skills breakouts. On the final Saturday, you will present a research PowerPoint project to teachers and family members, followed by an awards ceremony. You will also receive an invitation to apply to the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s Excellence in Learning Program, where selected students and one teacher from each school take part in a full-day patient-based learning experience on the Columbia campus.
10. MU Health Care Volunteen Program
Location: University of Missouri Health Care, Office of Volunteer Services, Columbia, MO, and Jefferson City, MO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Opportunities are offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; To apply for the program, you can contact umhsvolunteersvcs@health.missouri.edu
Eligibility: Students aged 15 to 18 from across mid-Missouri
The MU Health Care Volunteer Program allows volunteering opportunities where you can support patients, families, and hospital staff in meaningful ways. You’ll be matched with roles that align with your interests and allow you to make an impact. The Volunteen Program is open to students aged 15 to 18 from across mid-Missouri. Orientation is offered in Columbia and Jefferson City. You’ll be placed in one or more departments, most often during the summer, with assignments adjusted for age-related safety guidelines. Volunteers work in over 25 departments, including admissions, information desks, nutrition services, surgery waiting rooms, medical records, coffee shops, and gift shops. Roles may include Friendly Visitor in the Ellis Fischel Oncology Inpatient Unit, Clerical Assistant at South Providence Medical Park, Ambassador, Gift Shop Assistant, Emergency Department support at University Hospital, or Baby Holder in the Children’s Hospital NICU.
11. High School Student Volunteer at Children’s Mercy Hospital
Location: Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Opportunities are available during the summer, with dates varying by program
Application Deadline: Applications for the summer will open in the spring
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
Children’s Mercy Hospital offers volunteering opportunities for high school students. As a volunteer, you’ll support staff and help make visits positive for patients, families, and visitors. Once accepted, a staff member will register you for New Volunteer Orientation, where you’ll learn the essentials of volunteering at the hospital. A few weeks after orientation, your volunteer supervisor will contact you to schedule site-specific training. Volunteer shifts are usually three hours per week, scheduled over a set period. The summer program offers a short-term opportunity to make a difference while supporting patients and families. You can work in Guest Services & Hospitality, welcoming visitors and helping them feel comfortable throughout their visit, or in Outpatient areas, engaging patients and families with activities to pass the time while they wait.
12. KU Medical Center U-CHaMP Ambassadors
Location: University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS (around 10 minutes away from Kansas City, MO)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Academic year (September to May)
Application Deadline: Applications open in the Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate a strong interest in a health professions field and are educationally or economically underserved
KU Medical Center U-CHaMP Ambassadors is for students who are interested in health careers and making an impact in their communities. The program provides mentoring, academic advising, and opportunities to learn about health professions and health disparities. You’ll get personalized advising to prepare for applying to health professions programs, develop leadership and networking skills, and take part in shadowing experiences with health care providers. You can receive up to $10,000 per year in scholarships for educational expenses at the KU School of Health Professions. You’ll also work with academic advisors and financial aid staff, attend workshops and seminars on health care topics and disparities, and join group sessions with students and faculty. The program activities may vary based on school and community resources.
13. Children's Mercy College and High School Student Observerships — Non-Medical Student (and Allied Health) Observerships
Location: Children's Mercy (Adele Hall, Kansas City, MO, and other locations)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: The commitment ranges from a half day to a full day, with a flexible schedule
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Non-medical college students and high school students
Children’s Mercy offers observer experiences for non-medical college and high school students who are exploring careers in medicine or allied health. An observership is a short-term shadowing experience that lasts from a half day to a full day, with a maximum of one day or eight total hours. You will observe a licensed physician with full medical staff privileges who is not a resident or fellow. There is no direct patient contact, no responsibility for patient care, and no academic credit. Allied health professionals are a key part of the care provided at Children’s Mercy and offer learning opportunities for students interested in these fields. Observership areas include pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory care, pulmonary lab, child life, radiology, laboratory services, hearing and speech, and audiology, among others. After finding a physician to observe, you must review and sign the Agreement for Student Observation and the Information About Children’s Mercy brochure and obtain the required faculty signatures.
14. Western Missouri Medical Center’s Exploring Careers in Healthcare Opportunities (ECHO)
Location: Western Missouri Medical Center, Warrensburg, MO
Cost/Stipend: Information about a cost or stipend is not provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots are available
Dates: June 8 – 12 | July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: March 30 – April 10
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Exploring Careers in Healthcare Opportunities ECHO program at Western Missouri Medical Center is a week-long camp for current high school students interested in learning more about healthcare careers. The program offers an immersive experience with job shadowing, hands-on activities, and interactive learning led by healthcare professionals from WMMC. You will experience healthcare careers in a real-world medical setting. You will explore a wide range of healthcare departments, including the Emergency Department, Diagnostic Imaging, Obstetrics, Laboratory Services, and many others. Camp sessions take place at Western Missouri Medical Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Image source - The University of Kansas Cancer Center logo