15 Hospital Internships for High School Students in Maryland

Hospital internships in high school offer more than just a resume boost; they provide an introduction to medical careers. Through shadowing, research, and public health work, you can apply academic knowledge to professional settings while gaining clarity on whether healthcare is the right path for you! These experiences also demonstrate initiative and professionalism to colleges and employers, and can help you build a strong skillset in the field.

If you’re a high school student in Maryland interested in medicine, here is a range of local and virtual programs you can apply to. These include clinical observation, lab-based research, and community health projects. Some opportunities are highly selective; others are more accessible. A few even offer stipends. Here are 15 hospital internships for high schoolers in Maryland!

1. MERIT Health Leadership Academy – Professional Summer Internship

Location: Baltimore City, Maryland (site varies based on placement)
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; Baltimore City students only
Dates: Spring semester (internship typically begins in February)
Application Deadline: November 29
Eligibility: Must live in Baltimore City or attend a Baltimore City high school

The MERIT Health Leadership Academy offers you a multi-year academic and professional development program if you come from an underrepresented background and are interested in healthcare. A major highlight is the professional summer internship, where you gain exposure to clinical work in hospitals and public health initiatives. In your junior year, you’ll complete a Clinical Internship by shadowing providers in departments like emergency medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. As a rising senior, you’ll choose between a Community Health Internship, where you’ll work with public health nonprofits, or a Research Internship, where you’ll join lab-based research projects. Throughout the year, you’ll also attend Saturday academic sessions and receive one-on-one mentorship. MERIT is
designed to support you from high school to a future in medicine or public health.

2. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)

Location: Virtual or Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: $500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective (8 students per cohort)
Dates: June–August (8 weeks in-person) or July–August (5 weeks virtual)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must attend a Baltimore City high school

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) gives high school students the chance to explore neuroscience research through a structured summer program. You can join virtual or in-person sessions that include educational presentations, lab training, and professional development workshops. The in-person cohort receives one-on-one mentorship, works in research labs, and presents findings through oral or poster presentations at the end of the program. The curriculum covers neuroanatomy, neurological disorders, and scientific communication skills. Designed to support Baltimore students interested in medicine and neuroscience, JHIBS offers you exposure to research environments typically reserved for college or graduate students. A stipend is awarded to all participants.

3. Werner H. Kirsten (WHK) Student Intern Program

Location: National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend for summer interns; school-year interns receive academic credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Begins June 16 (8-week summer program)
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 17+, GPA 3.0+ (or teacher recommendation if GPA 2.5–3.0); must attend a participating school near NCI-Frederick; must attend a partner school within 30 miles

The WHK Student Intern Program gives Maryland high school students the chance to gain experience in medical and biomedical research. You will be placed in research or research support tracks, including fields like molecular biology, cancer metabolism, bioinformatics, and science communication. You can work alongside NCI scientists and professionals, gaining technical skills and contributing to research projects. The summer program is full-time, while the year-round option allows for part-time volunteering during the academic year. In addition to lab work, you can build skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and project design. It’s one of the few paid research internships in Maryland that integrates lab learning with career exposure and academic growth.

4. Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; prioritises low-income backgrounds
Dates: June 23 – August 14
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1 (deadline varies)
Eligibility: High school students from low-income families

The SARE program provides an 8-week lab-based research internship at Johns Hopkins for high school students interested in biomedical science. Scholars are paired with mentors in JHU labs to work on research projects and develop practical lab techniques. The curriculum also includes classes in scientific writing, bioethics, and mathematics, preparing you for both college and research careers. In addition to academic learning, SARE focuses on workplace readiness, with sessions on communication, teamwork, and public speaking. The program ends with a final research presentation, giving you a platform to share your work with scientists, mentors, and peers. A stipend is provided to support participation.

5. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)

Location: NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, MD
Cost/Stipend: $2,530 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders who are 17+ by June 1

HiSTEP introduces Maryland high school students to careers in biomedical science and public health through a structured summer program at the NIH. You can expect to attend lectures, participate in leadership and professional development workshops, and explore different scientific career paths. The program is designed keeping in mind students with limited STEM exposure and focuses on building both academic and soft skills. You will gain a strong foundation in research literacy, ethics, and health disparities. Past participants have gone on to pursue STEM degrees and return as NIH interns. A stipend is provided upon successful completion.

6. Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited; Baltimore City students only
Dates: June 9 – August 9
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Must live in Baltimore City and attend a Baltimore City public school

The BRBT program is a rigorous lab internship that introduces Baltimore high school students to biophysics research. Over nine weeks, you will work in JHU labs on projects involving molecular biology, DNA/protein engineering, and microbiology. The program integrates daily lab work with instructional sessions that explain the underlying science. You will also gain exposure to coding, experimental design, and data analysis. Led by Johns Hopkins faculty and graduate mentors, BRBT offers an opportunity to explore interdisciplinary research in a professional academic setting..

7. STEP-UP (Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential)

Location: National Institutes of Health, Maryland (site varies)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (up to $2,500 total)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Varies (usually June–August, 8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+

The STEP-UP program is a federally funded research internship that connects high school students with mentors at NIH labs or affiliated institutions. It offers a full-time summer experience where you will design and conduct research in areas like biomedical science, public health, or engineering. You will complete a pre-program training module and will then be matched with labs based on your interests. The program culminates in a presentation at a national research symposium, giving you a chance to showcase your findings to scientists and peers. STEP-UP is especially focused on providing opportunities to students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.

8. Eve & Gene Black Virtual Medical Career Program

Location: Virtual (hosted by Los Angeles Pediatric Society)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (~60 students per cohort)
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the U.S.

This virtual medical mentorship program introduces you to a wide range of careers in paediatrics and general medicine. Over two weeks, you can attend daily online sessions led by physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and radiologists. You will engage in discussions about hospital routines, patient care, and specialty fields like surgery, infectious disease, and child psychology. The program includes a final group presentation and provides a certificate of completion. It's ideal for students who are seeking career clarity and professional role models in the healthcare space.

9. UT Southwestern Medical Center – Virtual Internship (Mental Health)

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June – July (14 days total)
Application Deadline: September
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students

This virtual internship provides a look into mental health careers such as psychiatry, psychology, social work, and neuroscience. Over the course of two weeks, you will attend live sessions with professionals, participate in discussions, and complete readings from scientific and media sources. Topics include neuropsychological testing, psychotherapy, community psychiatry, and brain science. The program offers early exposure to an important but often overlooked side of healthcare, helping you understand the science and practice of mental health support.

10. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,380
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 28 – August 8 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors

Stanford’s Clinical Summer Internship is a case-based, simulation-driven online experience for students interested in clinical medicine and hospital operations. You will explore specialties like surgery, emergency medicine, and paediatrics through live sessions, patient scenarios, and discussions on ethics. The program also features Q&As with current medical students, residents, and admissions officers. Through this virtual setup, you can develop problem-solving and diagnostic reasoning skills relevant to hospital environments.

11. Parkview Health – Virtual High School Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited; varies by department
Dates: May – July
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students nationwide

Parkview Health’s FutureREADY and clinical observation programs offer flexible virtual internship options in both clinical and non-clinical healthcare fields. You may be assigned to departments like radiology, HR, patient care, or IT, depending on interest and availability. The internships involve team calls, project-based work, and exposure to hospital workflows. This is a strong option for students who are curious about multiple roles within healthcare systems.

12. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from all backgrounds

PIPS is a six-week research-focused internship designed to introduce you to paediatric healthcare and biomedical science. Interns are paired with Stanford faculty mentors and work on paediatric research projects. The program includes training in research ethics, experimental design, and data interpretation. You will also get the opportunity to attend professional development workshops and seminars led by Stanford researchers. It’s a good virtual entry point into academic paediatric medicine.

13. Cornell Precollege Studies – Health and Medicine Courses

Location: Virtual (synchronous and asynchronous options)
Cost/Stipend: $1,840 per credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective;  Varies
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: December
Eligibility:  At least one semester of introductory biology

Cornell’s Precollege Online Program allows high school students to take college-level courses in health, medicine, and public health taught by Cornell faculty. You can choose from offerings like Nutrition, Health, and Society, Body, Mind, and Health, and Historical Perspectives for Future Health Professionals. These courses offer academic insight into the human body, healthcare systems, and the social dimensions of health. You can also earn 3 to 12 official college credits, which are recorded on a Cornell University transcript. This program is ideal if you’re looking to strengthen your medical school prep or explore academic healthcare pathways through structured, research-backed learning.

14. Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) – Johns Hopkins University

Stipend: $3,000 (awarded upon program completion)
Location: Johns Hopkins University
Application Timeline: Opens November 1; final deadline not yet announced
Program Dates: June 23 – August 14
Eligibility: Open to high school students from low-income backgrounds

The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) offers high school students exposure to biomedical research in a university lab setting. You will work closely with faculty mentors and doctoral researchers, gaining experience in advanced laboratory techniques, experimental design, and scientific inquiry. Alongside practical lab work, you will take part in academic sessions covering topics such as scientific writing, mathematics, bioethics, and data analysis. The program also emphasizes professional development, teaching skills like communication, teamwork, networking, and presenting research findings. Your experience concludes with a formal presentation, where students showcase their research to peers and members of the scientific community.

15. National Eye Institute (NEI) Summer Internship Program

Stipend: Not specified
Location: Interns are placed at either the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, or the Twinbrook facility on Fishers Lane in Rockville, Maryland
Application Deadline: February 19
Program Dates: Typically runs 8–12 weeks, with flexible start dates between mid-May and late June
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who will be 18 or older by the internship start date and who have been admitted to a U.S. university

The NEI Summer Internship Program provides you with research experience in vision science and eye health. As part of the broader NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP), you will collaborate with researchers to study topics such as macular degeneration, retinal cell biology, ophthalmic genetics, and visual neurobiology. You will work in NEI laboratories located in Maryland, gaining exposure to biomedical research while attending scientific seminars and workshops. The experience culminates in participation in the NIH Summer Intern Poster Day in August, where students present their research findings.

Bonus - Horizon Academic Research Program – Medical Sociology Track

Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1:1 research mentorship
Dates: Multiple rolling cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students globally

Horizon Academic’s Medical Sociology track is a remote research internship designed for students interested in the social side of healthcare, including public health policy, access to care, and health equity. Over several weeks, you work 1-on-1 with a professor or doctoral researcher to develop a 20 page research paper. The program helps build skills in academic writing, critical analysis, and research design - all of which are valuable for students considering careers in medicine, public health, or health law. The final paper may be submitted to research journals or used in college applications.

Bonus - Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; application includes interview
Dates: Multiple cohorts: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring – Jan, Summer – May, Fall – Sept, Winter – Nov)
Eligibility: Able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships offers you the opportunity to work remotely on projects with fast-growing startups, including those in health tech and medical innovation. You will be matched with a startup aligned with your interests and receive guidance from both a company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Expect to contribute to projects - ranging from research and content development to product or market analysis - and present your work at the end of the program. With multiple cohorts throughout the year, the program is designed to be flexible yet rigorous, giving high school early exposure to the startup ecosystem within healthcare and beyond. You can explore all the options here on their application form.