16 Medical Internships for High School Students in Louisiana
If you’re a high school student curious about medicine or healthcare, internships can give you solid insight into the field while helping you build useful skills. Many programs place you in real clinical or research settings where you may shadow physicians, observe nurses, assist with simple lab work, or support public health projects. Some even let you practice basics like checking vitals or learning common medical procedures.
Apart from practical experience, internships will help you understand how doctors, nurses, and researchers collaborate to deliver patient care. They give you the chance to explore whether medicine is the right fit for you while adding relevant experience to your resume and college applications. With mentorship, exposure to medical terminology, and access to workshops or seminars, internship programs offered by hospitals, universities, and community health organizations can provide a strong foundation for a career in medicine and healthcare.
If you’re based in Louisiana, you’re in luck - there’s tons of local options for you to explore.
We’ve compiled this list of 16 medical internships for high schoolers in Louisiana to help you get started.
1. AHEC of A Summer – Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center
Location: Various healthcare centers across Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: May 28 - June 13
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 with a minimum 2.0 GPA
AHEC of A Summer is a five-week program that gives students the chance to engage in volunteer work at healthcare facilities in their communities. You’ll shadow professionals in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, observing fields such as nursing, radiology, physical therapy, and pharmacy. The program includes a mandatory orientation, weekly educational sessions on topics like infection control, CPR, health careers, and professional behavior, and training in documentation and confidentiality. You’ll also participate in career development activities such as resume writing, mock interviews, and medical terminology workshops. You’re required to maintain a daily journal during the program to reflect on your experiences, and you’ll present a final project at the end. Some locations may also include facility tours, guest speakers, or group discussions on healthcare ethics and patient care.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies with program type
Dates: 8-12 week programs with multiple cohorts, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varies with cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students
Ladder Internships is a remote program that gives ambitious high school students the chance to work on current projects with high-growth startups. Based on your interests, you’ll be placed with a global startup or nonprofit. You can choose to intern in areas such as health tech, biotech, mental health, and more. The program includes weekly check-ins, skills workshops, and one-on-one mentorship focused on communication, project planning, and professional collaboration. You will also receive feedback and mentorship from your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder coach, and complete a final presentation for your host company. At the end of the program, you receive a letter of completion outlining your role and contribution.
3. The University of New Orleans’ AMRI High School Summer Research Program
Location: The University of New Orleans Campus, New Orleans, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend of $2,000
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who attend a high school or live within 40 miles of the University of New Orleans
The Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI) Summer Research Program gives you the chance to spend eight weeks doing full-time research in New Orleans. You’ll work in advanced labs alongside national and international scientists, exploring topics in STEM and medicine. Past projects have included neuroscience, nanomaterials, 3D printing, and battery development, among others. Depending on your interests, you can design your own project or join a larger research team. Beyond lab work, you’ll take part in weekly seminars and tutorials covering topics such as lab safety, research ethics, nanotechnology, and career paths in STEM. This program gives you practical experience in a professional research environment while helping you develop essential skills.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it follows the work-learn structure of one quite closely!
5. LSU Health Medical Student Summer Research Internship
Location: In New Orleans, either at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, or Children’s Hospital
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend of approximately $3,000
Dates: July 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students must live in the New Orleans area, be high school juniors or seniors, and be between 16-18 years old
This research internship gives you the chance to spend eight weeks working full-time in a lab or clinical setting under the mentorship of a faculty researcher. Depending on your placement, you might explore genetics, neuroscience, cancer biology, epidemiology, or other areas in the health sciences. During the program, you’ll learn lab techniques, practice reviewing scientific literature, and build skills in writing abstracts and designing research posters. Weekly seminars cover topics like research ethics, compliance training, and career development, helping you hone your research and professional skills. The program ends with a symposium where you present your findings to faculty and peers.
6. Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium Summer Research Internship
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend
Dates: June 2 - July 25
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in 11th or 12th grades with a minimum 3.0 GPA
This is an eight-week, full-time research experience that lets you explore careers in cancer and gene therapy research. Funded by the National Cancer Institute and the Louisiana Gene Therapy Consortium, the program matches you with a research mentor at LSU Health Sciences Center, Tulane University, Children’s Hospital, or Ochsner Clinic, based on your interests. You’ll work in a laboratory, contribute to ongoing projects, and gain exposure to modern techniques in cancer biology and molecular medicine. Each week, you’ll also attend the Summer Research Lecture Series, where researchers from across the country present their latest discoveries and new technologies. The program concludes with a poster symposium where you share your own findings with peers, faculty, and guests.
7. Ochsner Health STAR Summer Scholars Program
Location: Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 1-26
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are residents of and attend high school in Louisiana, and are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Designed particularly for high school students with limited means and access, this four-week summer experience gives you the chance to explore science, medicine, and healthcare. The program combines practical research work, medical training, and leadership development. You’ll work in a lab conducting experiments with Ochsner scientists, use advanced medical technologies, and learn directly from physicians, nurses, and healthcare leaders. You’ll also work on honing skills like resume-writing, presenting research, networking, and team leadership. The program includes CPR certification, stress management workshops, and debates on social issues shaped by science and medicine.
8. LSU Health Bobbie Cates Hicks Program
Location: Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend
Dates: May 27 - June 25
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school junior preparing for senior year in Caddo, Bossier, or DeSoto parishes, with a strong academic record that includes A's and B's in science courses; a suggested ACT score of 28; completion or enrollment in biology, chemistry, and physics or other advanced science classes
The Bobbie Cates Hicks Science & Medicine Academic Research Training (SMART) Program is a year-long research program for high school seniors interested in medicine or biomedical sciences. You’ll work on your research full-time during the summer and continue with part-time research during the school year under the mentorship of LSU Health Shreveport faculty. Students will be assigned mentors based on their interests and the availability of active research projects. The program includes lab work, research methodology, scientific writing, and weekly seminars led by researchers and physicians. You’ll also learn how to document findings, interpret experimental data, and present your work in a professional setting. Additionally, you’ll participate in journal clubs, research discussions, and may have the opportunity to attend or present at local science fairs or symposia.
9. Ochsner Health Junior Volunteer Program
Location: Various Ochsner Health facilities in New Orleans, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 2 to August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17 by the start of the program
The Ochsner Junior Volunteer Program is a summer program for high school students. Over two to three weeks, you will volunteer at an Ochsner Health facility and assist with non-clinical support tasks. Your responsibilities may include escorting patients, delivering materials between departments, providing wayfinding assistance, and performing basic clerical work. Volunteer shifts are scheduled during weekdays, and specific assignments may vary with department needs at each facility. Some placements may involve working in units such as patient transport, outpatient services, or rehabilitation. The program also introduces you to the basics of hospital policies, confidentiality, and communication in a healthcare setting.
10. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship (Virtual)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $40 application fee + $850 program fee (some financial aid is offered)
Dates: June 16-27
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students who are rising 9th–12th graders in the U.S. and at least 14 years old by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program where you’ll explore how artificial intelligence is used in healthcare and medicine. Through lectures, coding workshops, and guided research, you’ll learn how to work with medical data, build AI models, and think critically about data ethics and clinical decision-making. You’ll collaborate with peers on projects, receive mentoring from Stanford faculty and student researchers, and receive feedback on your work. The program also includes “Lunch and Learn” sessions with professionals from universities, nonprofits, industry, and government, which will give you insight into career paths in AI and medicine. The program ends with a final presentation of your project.
11. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Virtual | In-person (Baltimore, Maryland)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; virtual interns receive a $500 stipend, while in-person interns are paid at an hourly rate
Dates: 5 weeks, July - August (virtual) | 8 weeks, June - August (in-person)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program; check the program page for detailed eligibility criteria for the in-person option
This program offers a paid opportunity to explore neuroscience research while working closely with a Johns Hopkins scientist. Over the course of the program, you’ll learn lab techniques, practice data analysis, and take part in experiments or virtual workshops that build your research skills. Apart from this, you’ll attend seminars and interactive sessions that will help you deepen your understanding of brain science and explore career paths in neuroscience. You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship and professional development training to strengthen skills like scientific writing, presentations, and networking. With only a small group selected each year, you benefit from close guidance and a focused learning environment. The program concludes with students presenting their research.
12. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None; stipends may be provided based on financial need.
Dates: June 17 - August 9
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February every year.
Eligibility: The applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors at the time of application and at least 14 years old by June 17.
This internship gives you a chance to explore research across science, humanities, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You’ll spend 30–40 hours a week working remotely on interdisciplinary projects guided by Stanford faculty and mentors. Your work may span areas like medicine, psychology, computer science, linguistics, or the arts, allowing you to see how different fields connect and overlap. You’ll learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and approach problems creatively, while also improving your teamwork and communication skills. Past projects have included topics such as using virtual reality in surgical training, combining astronomy and visual art, and addressing gender disparity in engineering. The program concludes with you and your team presenting your research project.
13. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) by George Mason University
Location: Virtual | Hybrid | In-person (Fairfax, Virginia)
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (can be waived based on financial need); no stipend
Dates: June 18 - August 9 (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program can apply. Interns for “wet lab” internships should be at least 16 years old
This internship allows students to spend eight weeks working one-on-one with faculty and researchers on real projects in STEM and medicine. You’ll explore areas like neuroscience, drug discovery, molecular medicine, climatology, software engineering, data science, and more. Based on your placement, you may take part in lab experiments, run data analyses, or use advanced tools in areas such as machine learning, proteomics, or environmental systems. This program will help you sharpen your scientific writing and communication skills by drafting reports, reviewing literature, and presenting your findings. Many interns also get the chance to co-author papers or present their work at conferences. The program concludes with you showcasing your work to peers and faculty.
14. Stanford Medicine’s Clinical Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,380
Dates: July 28 - August 8
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are 16 years or older
With the Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI), a two-week virtual program, high school students will get to explore the field of clinical medicine in depth. You’ll dive into topics in diagnostic thinking, practice physical exam techniques, and study patient cases in small groups. Through interactive lectures and virtual simulations, you’ll build skills in medical specialties like cardiology and pediatrics while receiving guidance from Stanford faculty and clinicians. You’ll also participate in patient interviews, clinical workshops, and career discussions, and you’ll earn a certificate when you complete the program.
15. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 2 weeks in June
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th-grade students and rising college freshmen
This internship, designed for high school and early college students, is a two-week online program that focuses on mental health. You’ll learn from psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, social workers, and physician assistants, gaining insight into their day-to-day work. The program includes interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and guided readings from research journals and articles. You’ll explore areas such as psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, neuroscience, interventional psychiatry, and community mental health care. You’ll learn how different mental health specialties work together and gain insight into career options in the field. The program also offers a chance to interact with professionals in the field, giving you a chance to understand what’s needed to pursue careers in mental health.
16. Medicine Encompassed (ME) Student Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Year-round options, including summer sessions. Flexible work schedules (commitment of at least 1 article/week or up to 2 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) from all over the world can apply
Medicine Encompassed is a student-led nonprofit that invites high school students to explore medicine, biology, and STEAM fields while building practical skills. You can apply year-round and choose from over 18 committees, with opportunities ranging from writing and editing to social media, partnerships, and resource development. In these roles, you might research medical topics, draft accurate articles, revise educational resources, or design study guides and presentations for others to learn from. You’ll also have the chance to take part in Project Cultivation, an outreach initiative that spreads awareness and accessibility in medical education. By contributing to the organization’s curriculum and projects, you’ll help create a collection of strong educational materials while strengthening your own communication, research, and teamwork skills.
Bonus!
While the medical programs listed below are not internships, here are a few more options you can consider as a high school student in Louisiana:
Image Source - Lumiere Research Program Logo