15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Arizona

If you’re a student in Arizona interested in medicine and related fields, local summer medical programs offer a chance to explore different career paths, work alongside professionals, and understand what it’s really like to be part of the healthcare and research space in the state. What’s more, attending a summer program near where you live can be a great way to engage in advanced academics/research experience, without having to spend on travel, housing, and meals out-of-state!

Summer medical programs and research opportunities can help you develop workplace skills, gain industry exposure, and build valuable connections that may support your future studies or career path.

These programs stand out for students who want hands-on experience without a long-term commitment.

To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 15 summer medical programs for high school students in Arizona. 

1. Mayo Clinic CARES (Career Advancement, Research, and Education Summer Program)

Location: Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: Not specified (free enrichment program; no stipend)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~40 students admitted in recent years
Dates: Summer (exact dates vary each year)
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Arizona high school students; competitive application process

In the Mayo Clinic CARES program, you’ll explore the wide range of healthcare careers through structured workshops, professional interactions, and skill-building activities. Instead of shadowing or research, the focus is on meeting Mayo Clinic professionals, learning about their daily work, and understanding the many roles that make up a hospital system. You’ll attend sessions that highlight career paths such as respiratory therapy, clinical research, surgical technology, and medical assisting. You can expect to build connections with healthcare professionals while gaining clarity about possible career paths in medicine.

2.  Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts
Dates: Multiple sessions offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (8 - 12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by session  -  Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school, gap year, and college students; must be able to commit 10 - 20 hours per week

Through Ladder Internships, you’ll take part in virtual, project-based work with start-ups in fields such as healthcare, AI, technology, and consulting. Over 8–12 weeks, you’ll be placed with a company that aligns with your interests and join a small peer group. You’ll work on real-world projects, receive mentorship from professionals within the company, and get ongoing guidance from a Ladder Coach. Your schedule includes regular check-ins, independent project work, and a final presentation to the host company, giving you the chance to strengthen practical skills, expand your portfolio, and experience startup environments early on.

3. Explore Medicine Program (Summer Scrubs Residential Session)

Location: UA College of Medicine–Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix, AZ (435 N. 5th St.); lodging at AC Hotel, Downtown Phoenix
Cost/Stipend: $500; need-based scholarships available (includes room and board, meals, camp activities, scrubs, t-shirt, and group transportation/activities)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 24 students
Dates: June 1 – June 7
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (rising seniors); preference given to socioeconomically disadvantaged students, first-generation college students, from rural Arizona, or members of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe

The Explore Medicine Program is part of Summer Scrubs and is designed for rising seniors who want to learn more about becoming a physician. During the one-week residential program, you’ll attend lectures from medical professionals, participate in hands-on lab experiences, and go on health-related field trips. You’ll also get the chance to explore different physician specialties by interacting with practicing doctors. Throughout the week, you’ll stay with other participants in downtown Phoenix, with all meals and group evening activities provided. 

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts with 1-on-1 mentorship
Dates: Multiple cohorts: Spring (March - June), Summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort - Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students with strong academic records (recommended GPA 3.3+); no prior experience in your chosen field required

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a highly selective opportunity that enables you to conduct independent research under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll work closely with a mentor to investigate a topic in mechanical engineering and complete a research paper. You can explore fields such as Civil & Environmental Engineering or Chemical & Biological Engineering while gaining practical experience through an academic-style project. The program is fully online and helps you strengthen subject expertise, develop research skills, and build a strong portfolio for college or future academic pursuits.

5. The Healthcare Team (Summer Scrubs Session)

Location: Phoenix Biomedical Campus, Downtown Phoenix, AZ (435 N. 5th St.)
Cost/Stipend: $250; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 36 students
Dates: June 16 – June 20
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th graders (rising sophomores and juniors)

The Healthcare Team session of Summer Scrubs is designed for rising sophomores and juniors who are curious about healthcare but not yet set on a specific career path. Over the course of a week, you’ll explore a variety of health professions through lectures, lab activities, and direct engagement with professionals such as medical doctors, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other members of the healthcare team. Each day introduces you to new specialties and includes hands-on experiences such as simulation labs and anatomy demonstrations. 

6. Med-Start Health Careers Program

Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (residential on-campus program)
Cost/Stipend: Med-Start costs approximately $6,000; (scholarships and tuition waivers are available through the University of Arizona)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Early June – mid-July
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (rising seniors); Arizona students from diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply

The Med-Start Health Careers Program is a six-week academic enrichment and career exploration program designed to prepare you for future studies in the health professions. As it’s a residential program, you will live in University of Arizona residence halls and participate in a combination of college-level coursework, hands-on labs, professional lectures, and health-related field trips. You’ll earn elective college credit in English, science, and math, while also taking part in workshops on college readiness, personal statements, scholarship applications, and life skills such as financial literacy and time management. Beyond academics, students will explore healthcare and research facilities, visit Arizona universities, and engage in community service projects.

7. Burton Family Foundation Summer Health Institute

Location: Arizona State University, Downtown Phoenix, AZ (with daily activities at Creighton University School of Medicine)
Cost/Stipend: Free; housing, meals, materials, and instruction included. Students cover only travel to and from camp.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Camp 1: June 15 – 21; Camp 2: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school juniors 

The Burton Family Foundation Summer Health Institute is a one-week residential program where you’ll get an immersive introduction to health careers while living on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Each day, you’ll spend three hours in medical simulation training at Creighton University School of Medicine, practicing hands-on skills such as suturing, IV insertion, intubation, and injections. You’ll also explore different healthcare professions—including physicians, dentists, physical therapists, optometrists, physician assistants, and occupational therapists—through direct interaction with professionals and tours of facilities in Arizona’s health corridor.

8. The Health Careers Institute at Midwestern University

Location: Glendale, AZ (Midwestern University)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Rural Housing Scholarships available for eligible Arizona students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited space available
Dates: July 9 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring prior to the program
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

At the Health Careers Institute at Midwestern University, you’ll spend 8 days exploring a wide range of health professions through interactive, hands-on workshops. You’ll work directly with faculty and graduate students as you try out osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, optometry, veterinary medicine, clinical psychology, and more. Expect to take part in anatomy labs, dental simulations, patient exams, and even clinical skill practice, such as suturing and venipuncture. Throughout the program, you’ll receive mentorship from Midwestern graduate students and guidance on different career pathways in healthcare. You can expect a preview of what it’s like to pursue professional degrees in medicine and related fields or to test and deepen your interest in healthcare careers.

9. KEYS Research Internship

Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes 3 units of MCB college credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~65 students selected annually
Dates: June 1 – July 17
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: You must be 16+ by the program start, a current high school student, and an Arizona resident for at least one year

At the Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Research Internship, you’ll spend 7 weeks immersed in real-world scientific research at the University of Arizona. Before the program begins, you’ll complete online assignments in science literacy, data science, and biotechnology to prepare. Once on campus, you’ll start with a training week that gives you hands-on practice with lab skills and research techniques. You’ll then join a University of Arizona lab where you’ll work side by side with faculty, graduate students, and researchers on innovative projects that may span biology, medicine, engineering, agriculture, or other STEM fields. Along the way, you’ll develop technical lab skills, strengthen your science communication, and explore how research is applied to real-world problems. By the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at the KEYS Research Showcase to an audience of family, peers, and faculty. 

10. Helios Scholars at TGen internship

Location: Phoenix, AZ (TGen Headquarters) or Flagstaff, AZ (TGen North)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; full-time internship (40 hours/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: You must be 16+ by June 8, eligible to work in the U.S., and a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or medical student in the Fall. You must also have either graduated from an Arizona high school or currently attend a college/university in Arizona

As a Helios Scholar at TGen, you’ll spend eight weeks working full-time alongside leading scientists in biomedical research. You’ll be paired with a TGen mentor and take on a research project that directly contributes to discoveries in areas such as cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, infectious disease, bioinformatics, and translational bioscience. Depending on your placement, you may conduct laboratory research in Phoenix or focus on public health and pathogens at TGen North in Flagstaff. Beyond research, you’ll attend seminars to strengthen your professional skills, explore bioscience career pathways, practice scientific writing, and network with peers and professionals. You’ll also create a scientific poster and present your work at TGen’s formal research symposium, where selected interns deliver oral presentations.

11. Summer High School Internship Program at Barrow Neurological Institute

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (volunteer program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots available
Dates: May 30 – July 3 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program.

As a participant in the Summer High School Internship Program at Barrow Neurological Institute, you’ll gain hands-on experience in translational neuroscience research and explore what it’s like to contribute to a professional lab environment. If selected, you’ll take part in lab training, contribute to ongoing projects, and present your work at the High School Symposium at the end of the internship. Depending on your interests, you can also apply for research support roles beyond the lab, such as assisting with neuroscience publications, marketing, or the Barrow Neurological Foundation. You can expect to improve your knowledge of biology, scientific communication skills, and see firsthand how research teams work together to study and treat neurological diseases.

12. NIH High School Student Research Programs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine

Location: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Paid (minimum federal hourly wage, 40 hours/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 20–25 students selected each year
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a Social Security card, a current high school student (preferably a junior) with at least a 3.0 GPA

In the NIH High School Student Research Programs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, you’ll spend the summer working full-time in a basic or clinical research lab under the guidance of medical students and faculty mentors. The program is designed to give you direct exposure to biomedical research while also helping you explore possible careers in medicine and science. As part of the experience, you’ll join seminars led by visiting professors, interact with “big brother” and “big sister” medical student fellows, and participate in hands-on projects that align with ongoing research. By the end of the summer, you’ll deliver a short oral presentation and submit a written report summarizing your research. 

13. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual Experience

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 5 weeks (typically July–August)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors in the U.S. and Canada

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a selective five-week online summer program that’s perfect for you if you have an interest in neuroscience, neurology, and biomedical research. The program combines virtual lectures, lab simulations, and hands-on research training to introduce you to brain and behavioral sciences. You’ll also take part in mentorship sessions, career discussions, and professional development workshops with experts in the field. By the conclusion of the program, you’ll have practiced fundamental neuroscience lab skills remotely and earned a certificate highlighting your participation and achievements.

14. Thomas Jefferson University – SummerScience@Jefferson

Location: Virtual — fully online program
Cost/Stipend: $650 program fee (due after acceptance)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to 30 students
Dates: June 23–July 22
Application Deadline: Applications open in the spring
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors

SummerScience@Jefferson is a four-week online program offered by the Jefferson College of Life Sciences. Throughout the program, you’ll engage with Jefferson faculty, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows through live lectures, discussions, and hands-on experiments you can complete at home. Topics covered include biochemistry, genetics, forensics, cell biology, neuroscience, cancer biology, microbiology, and immunology. You’ll investigate real research questions, gain experience with lab techniques such as PCR and DNA fingerprinting, and get exposure to advanced tools like CRISPR gene editing. The program concludes with a Virtual Symposium, where you’ll showcase your own research project to mentors and fellow participants.

15. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual (Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging)
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; $850 program fee if accepted; financial aid available (can cover up to full cost)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: You must be a high school student (entering grades 9–12 in Fall), over age 14 by program start (Strong preference is given to students with math, coding, or healthcare project experience).

At the Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship, you’ll spend two weeks immersed in artificial intelligence and medicine. Each day includes introductory and technical lectures, mentorship from Stanford researchers, hands-on research projects in groups, and social and career-building activities. You’ll also join career lunches with guest speakers from academia, industry, government, and non-profits. By the end of the program, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. For highly motivated students, extended independent research opportunities may be available. Stanford emphasizes diversity and strongly encourages students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.

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