15 Medical Internships for High School Students in Northern Virginia

If you’re a high school student interested in medicine, an internship can be a great way to explore healthcare before college. These opportunities let you experience medical or research settings, where you might practice basic clinical skills, assist with lab work, or shadow healthcare professionals. Along the way, you’ll build experience, strengthen your college applications, and gain insight into whether a medical career is right for you.

Northern Virginia is home to many hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare organizations that offer programs designed for high school students. Many also provide virtual options, making it easier to get involved no matter your schedule. Here are 15 medical internships for high school students in Northern Virginia for you to consider.

15 Medical Internships for High School Students in Northern Virginia

1. AEOP High School Apprenticeship Program at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)

Location: Silver Spring, MD (close proximity to Northern Virginia)
Stipend: Up to $4,500 for 300 hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Program Dates: 6-10 weeks in May – August
Application Deadline: Varies by position, typically early spring
Eligibility: High school students (or graduating seniors not attending college) who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents, aged 14+

The AEOP High School Internship at WRAIR immerses you in biomedical research at the Department of Defense laboratory. You will collaborate with scientists on projects addressing infectious diseases, brain health, and performance optimization. The program offers experience with laboratory equipment, fostering skills in experimental design and data analysis. You will also participate in professional development activities, such as seminars, to deepen your understanding of STEM careers. 

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter 
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks

Ladder Internships connects you with startups in health tech and biotech, offering project experience. You will work with mentors and a Ladder Coach to develop skills in project management and problem-solving. You will present your work to the company, showcasing contributions to healthcare innovation. The program provides organized training in communication and time management, helping students gain exposure to the startup environment. 

3. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University

Location: Fairfax, VA (hybrid); Virtual
Cost: Free, $25 application fee (waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: High school students, aged 15+ for remote and hybrid in a computer lab, 16+ for in-person and hybrid in a wet lab 

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers research experience in biomedical sciences and other STEM fields. You will work one-on-one with faculty researchers, using laboratory techniques to tackle scientific challenges. The program culminates in a poster session where you present your findings, refining your scientific communication skills. You will also explore career paths through mentorship and networking.

4. American Red Cross Youth Volunteer Program

Location: Various locations, including Northern Virginia
Cost & Stipend: Volunteer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students

The American Red Cross Youth Volunteer Program involves you in health-related activities like blood drives and disaster response support. You will develop skills in public health, emergency services, and community outreach while working with experienced volunteers. The program offers flexible opportunities to contribute to healthcare initiatives in Northern Virginia. You will gain experience in event organization and health education promotion. This volunteer role suits students interested in public health and emergency medicine careers. Its year-round availability allows participation at your convenience. 

5. Inova Advanced Lung Disease & Transplant Summer Student Research Internship

Location: Falls Church, VA
Cost & Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2-5 students
Program Dates: 6+ weeks in summer; minimum 15-20 hours/week commitment
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school seniors aged 16+

The Inova Advanced Lung Disease & Transplant Summer Student Research Internship focuses on lung disease and transplantation research at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. You will assist with data analysis and attend clinical conferences, gaining insights into medical research. The program exposes you to patient care scenarios in a high-stakes medical field. You will develop skills in data interpretation and scientific inquiry, valuable for future medical studies. This internship offers a chance to work with experts in a clinical setting.

6. Medicine Encompassed Virtual Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive
Program Dates: Year-round during the school year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students

Medicine Encompassed provides virtual internship opportunities for high school students interested in medicine and healthcare. You can select from projects in areas like clinical research, public health, or medical education, customized to fit your interests and availability. With support from seasoned mentors, you’ll acquire insights into the healthcare industry and skills in research and communication. The program concludes with a presentation of your project or findings.

7. Improve Life PLLC’s Pre-Health Profession Intern Program

Location: Herndon, VA
Cost & Stipend: Free; Unpaid, letter of recommendation provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program Dates: Year-round; minimum 4 weeks (5 hours/week) or 8 weeks (2.5 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students with a strong resume

The Improve Life PLLC’s Pre-Health Profession Intern Program offers mentorship under Dr. Stephanie Waggel. You will attend weekly lectures on patient care, medical ethics, and healthcare careers, and may shadow clinical appointments with patient consent. The program includes community outreach projects, enhancing your skills in health messaging and patient interaction. You will learn to take vitals and interpret basic medical data, preparing you for healthcare professions. A letter of recommendation will also be provided, adding value to your college applications.

8. GW Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Summer Immersion Program

Location: Ashburn, VA or Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $500 fee + $500 registration fee (In-person session); $250 fee + $250 registration fee (Virtual session); financial aid available  
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: July 21 – July 25 (In-person session); July 28 – August 1 (Virtual session)
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: High school students

The GW Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Summer Immersion Program provides training in biomedical laboratory sciences at GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus. You will engage in lectures, demonstrations, and activities to develop laboratory skills. The program covers laboratory subjects, offering insights into medical research and diagnostics. You will apply theoretical knowledge in settings, preparing you for health science careers. This opportunity grants access to facilities and expert instruction.

9. National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Health Care

Location: American University, Washington, D.C. (close to Northern Virginia)
Cost & Stipend: $4,295 (residential); Unpaid (online college credit opportunity); Financial aid available 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive
Program Dates: June 12 - June 20 (Summer I); June 24 - July 2 (Summer II)
Application Deadline: Rolling 
Eligibility: High school students

The National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Health Care offers a summer program at American University, where you explore medical careers through clinical simulations and workshops. You will practice surgical techniques, participate in diagnosis exercises, and tour medical facilities. Guest speakers discuss current healthcare challenges, providing a realistic view of the medical field. You will develop leadership and teamwork skills through interactive activities. The cost covers housing, meals, and all program activities. 

10. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $850 + $40 fee (waivable), Up to 100% financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 21 (scholarship deadline); February 28 (application deadline)
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall; 14+ by the program’s start

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a virtual program exploring the intersection of medicine and artificial intelligence. You will attend lectures and mentorship sessions, gaining insights into how AI is transforming healthcare. The program includes virtual career discussions, helping you understand emerging trends in medical technology. You will develop skills in data analysis and critical thinking, valuable for medical and tech careers.

11. George Mason University Young Scholars Program – BioScience: AI & Life Science in Disease Research

Location: Hybrid (primarily virtual, optional in-person at George Mason University Science & Tech Campus)
Cost: Program fee + registration fee; need-based scholarships available; winning teams receive $500 scholarships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~25 students
Program Dates: June 21 – September 6 (12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications open the first week of February; limited seats on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students; more information on the website 

The George Mason University Young Scholars Program’s BioScience track offers an opportunity to explore AI and life science applications in disease research. You will engage in a 12-week hybrid program, combining virtual learning with optional in-person lab experiences at GMU’s facilities. Under the guidance of researchers, you will analyze data, develop critical thinking skills, and explore innovative disease treatments. The program includes weekly virtual meetings, a conference day for presenting your research, and a final paper published on GMU’s platforms. 

12. Children’s National Hospital Summer High School Volunteer Program

Location: Washington, D.C. (close proximity to Northern Virginia)
Cost & Stipend: Volunteer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 23 - August 1; 75-hour commitment over 6 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by year, typically Spring
Eligibility: High school students currently in 9th-11th grade, aged 15+

The Children’s National Hospital Summer High School Scholars Program allows you to volunteer in a pediatric hospital, gaining exposure to healthcare environments. You will observe medical professionals and assist with non-clinical tasks, learning about pediatric care. The program offers insights into various healthcare roles, helping you explore career options. You will develop communication and teamwork skills through patient and staff interactions. This volunteer opportunity provides a meaningful way to contribute to patient care while building your resume. 

13. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Junior Volunteer Program

Location: Woodbridge, VA
Cost & Stipend: Volunteer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Program Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: May 17
Eligibility: Rising high school students, aged 14-17

The Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Junior Volunteer Program offers you the chance to support hospital staff and patients in Woodbridge. You will assist with tasks like patient transport and supply delivery, gaining insight into hospital operations. The program helps you develop communication and interpersonal skills essential for healthcare careers. Its structured summer schedule ensures a meaningful volunteer experience. 

14. Fairfax County Public Health Youth Ambassador Program

Location: Fairfax County, VA
Cost & Stipend: Volunteer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in Fairfax County, grades 10-12

The Fairfax County Public Health Youth Ambassador Program engages you in public health initiatives, promoting community wellness. You will work on projects addressing health disparities and learn about epidemiology and health education. The program offers opportunities to collaborate with public health professionals, enhancing your understanding of community medicine. You will develop skills in project planning and community outreach, valuable for public health careers.

15. Janelia Research Campus High School Internship Program

Location: Ashburn, VA
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohort
Program Dates: June 16 - August 8
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ from Loudoun County Public Schools or residents of Loudoun County, with computational backgrounds (experience programming in Python or Matlab required), who have experience in scientific research

The Janelia Research Campus High School Internship Program engages you in biology and computational science research at a facility. You will work 40 hours per week under leading scientists, using equipment to explore hypothesis-driven questions. The program includes seminars and journal clubs to enhance your scientific literacy. This paid internship provides an opportunity to develop research skills in a professional environment. Tailored for Loudoun County students, it’s a local opportunity for aspiring researchers. You will also participate in discussions that strengthen critical thinking and collaboration skills. 

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