15 Hospital Internships in NYC for High School Students
For students interested in healthcare, hospital internships offer a way to observe clinical and non-clinical roles, helping you understand how patient care systems operate. These experiences can be especially useful if you are considering fields like medicine, nursing, or public health. You may gain mentorship, improve your communication and teamwork skills, and start building connections that can support your future goals. Another key benefit is the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals, which can provide mentorship and a clearer understanding of educational and career pathways.
For other healthcare-related internships, check out a list of summer-specific internships here, and find a list of virtual healthcare internships here.
Why should I do a hospital internship in high school?
Doing a hospital internship in high school can give you early insight into the healthcare field, helping you understand what different roles involve on a day-to-day basis. You may observe patient care processes, administrative workflows, and the coordination required to run a healthcare facility. This kind of exposure can help you decide whether a healthcare career aligns with your interests before you commit to it academically. From a college application perspective, having hospital experience can strengthen your profile by demonstrating initiative, commitment, and a genuine interest in healthcare. Overall, these internships allow you to gain practical experience while building a stronger foundation for future academic and career decisions.
To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 Hospital Internships in NYC for High School Students
Quick Look
15 hospital and healthcare internships total spanning biomedical research, cancer biology, pediatric medicine, biostatistics, sports medicine, and clinical shadowing, hosted at institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYU Langone, Weill Cornell Medicine, Feinstein Institutes, and Maimonides Medical Center
The strongest disclosed stipends are BEYOND ALBERT ($2,500 plus meal vouchers and transportation), Feinstein ($2,000), and Memorial Sloan Kettering's Summer Student Program ($1,200); several programs are paid but do not publicly disclose the amount
Several programs are geographically restricted to specific NYC boroughs or counties, including BEYOND ALBERT (Bronx residents only), SURE-CAN (Western New York counties), and SHIP Brooklyn/Queens (Brooklyn and Queens residents)
Most programs target rising juniors and seniors aged 16 and above, though SHIP MSI accepts college freshmen and sophomores as well, and Health Scholars at Maimonides accepts students on a rolling year-round basis
The earliest deadlines are Health Hacks (January 4, for a January program), Weill Cornell Pediatrics (January 5), and SHIP Brooklyn/Queens (January 9), so students targeting clinical or research placements should begin preparing materials in December
1. NYU Langone Health – Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP) Internship
Location: New York City, USA (NYU Langone Health)
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (exact numbers not specified)
Dates: Not explicitly specified (multi-session summer program)
Application Deadline: December 21
Eligibility: Students aged 18+; minimum 3.2 GPA; must meet application and documentation requirements
In this internship, you are placed within a specific medical specialty at NYU Langone Health, where you gain direct exposure to clinical and non-clinical environments. Depending on your placement, you may observe operating rooms, attend patient rounds, shadow healthcare professionals, or participate in department-specific activities such as nutrition services, therapy sessions, or research projects. The program involves structured learning through case discussions, lectures, and opportunities to engage with multidisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. In some specialties, you are expected to prepare in advance and may present topics or case insights under supervision. You also gain exposure to different aspects of patient care, from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and support services.
2. NYU Langone Health – Medical Ethics (High School Bioethics Project) Internship
Location: Remote (NYU Langone Health, New York City)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8 students per cohort
Dates: 2 weeks (July 6–17)
Application Deadline: Early May (application window: May 1–May 9)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
In this internship, you are introduced to core concepts in bioethics through collaboration with faculty in NYU Langone’s Section of Medical Ethics. You work on ongoing projects in areas such as clinical ethics, research ethics, public health, and the allocation of medical resources, gaining exposure to how ethical decisions are made in healthcare. The program includes interactions with professionals across fields such as healthcare, law, biotechnology, and patient advocacy, helping you understand diverse perspectives on medical ethics. You also have opportunities to build mentor relationships that may extend beyond the internship. Through participation in section activities and discussions, you develop an understanding of ethical frameworks and their application in real-world contexts. The experience is designed to give you an early foundation in bioethics while engaging you in structured, discussion-based learning.
3. Summer Student Program (SSP)
Location: New York, USA (within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan)
Cost/Stipend: $1,200 stipend; no housing provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: You must be a high school junior living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the main campus, at least 14 years old by June, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and have a minimum 3.5 GPA in science subjects
In the Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, you take part in an 8-week lab-based internship focused on biomedical or computational research. You are paired with a mentor and work on an independent project that contributes to ongoing research within your assigned lab, while also building technical and analytical skills. Through regular lab meetings and interactions, you gain exposure to researchers and the broader scientific community at MSK. Beyond lab work, you attend sessions and events that introduce you to translational medicine and different career paths in science. The program also includes professional and personal development activities organized by various MSK departments. You conclude your experience by presenting your work as part of the program’s closing activities.
4. Next-Gen Summer High School Internship
Location: Buffalo, New York, USA (Jacobs Institute, Gates Vascular Institute)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students (2-week program); 8 selected for extended 7-week track
Dates: July 6 – July 17 (2-week program); extended track continues until August 21
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomore or junior and available to attend Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 1 PM for the full duration
In the Next-Gen Internship at the Jacobs Institute, you participate in a structured STEM immersion focused on medicine, research, and healthcare careers. You attend lectures led by physician-scientist Kenneth Snyder and engage with professionals, including nurses, researchers, and industry experts, through career sessions. The program includes hands-on exposure to medical simulators and 3D models, as well as viewing recorded neurosurgical procedures to understand clinical applications. You also work in small groups to research a healthcare problem and present your findings at the end of the program. Site exposure includes tours of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, helping you understand how hospitals, research centers, and innovation hubs operate together. A smaller group of participants continues into an extended track with additional lab skills training and placement, offering deeper practical exposure.
5. Feinstein Summer Research Internship Program
Location: New York, USA (Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health)
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 25 students
Dates: Late May – Late July (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 23 (11:59 PM EST)
Eligibility: You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student with an interest in medical research; international students must be studying at a U.S.-based college
In the Feinstein Summer Research Internship Program at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, you work on an ongoing, disease-focused research project under the guidance of faculty mentors. You are matched with a research lab based on your selected area of interest, such as cancer research, molecular medicine, or bioelectronic medicine, and contribute to active scientific work. Alongside lab experience, you attend workshops and seminars designed to introduce you to research methods and career pathways in biomedical science. Throughout the program, you build practical skills in research, analysis, and scientific communication. The experience concludes with a poster presentation where you share your findings with faculty and peers. This structure gives you both hands-on exposure and opportunities to engage with a broader research community.
6. Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, New York, USA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Must be 16–24 years old, a rising high school junior/senior or current college student, a resident of Brooklyn or Queens, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have an interest in health professions
In the Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP) offered by the Brooklyn Queens Long Island Area Health Education Center, you gain exposure to healthcare careers while working in community-based settings such as clinics, hospitals, or organizations. You spend three days a week at your assigned site, where you observe and engage with healthcare professionals and learn about real-world health issues affecting local communities. In addition, you attend weekly full-day workshops that include lectures, job-readiness training, and field trips related to health professions. Throughout the program, you collaborate with peers on a health-themed project that you present at the closing ceremony. You also have opportunities to interact regularly with professionals, helping you understand different roles within healthcare. The experience focuses on both practical exposure and understanding healthcare challenges in underserved communities.
7. Summer Health Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: New York, USA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school junior/senior or college freshman/sophomore, at least 16 years old by the start date, interested in healthcare and able to provide two recommendations (including one from a teacher or faculty member)
In this Summer Health Internship Program offered by the MSI Area Health Education Center, you explore different healthcare careers through a mix of hands-on exposure and structured learning. You participate in a six-week placement that introduces you to hospitals and healthcare facilities, where you observe how professionals work in real-world settings. Alongside this, you attend weekly sessions that cover community health topics, career pathways, and broader healthcare issues. The program also includes opportunities to visit health professions schools and interact directly with practitioners. Through these activities, you develop skills in teamwork, leadership, and cultural awareness in healthcare settings. The experience combines practical exposure with guided discussions to help you better understand the field.
8. High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN)
Location: Buffalo, New York, USA (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Cost/Stipend: No application fee; limited subsistence allowances available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 26 – August 7
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors at least 15 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, or Chautauqua counties in Western New York
In the SURE-CAN program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, you take part in a 6-week, full-time research experience focused on cancer science. You engage in both “wet” and “dry” lab work while learning core concepts such as cancer biology, genomics, imaging, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Alongside hands-on research, you attend lectures and group discussions on topics such as research ethics, statistics, and scientific rigor. The program also introduces the ways in which disciplines such as physics, mathematics, and engineering intersect with biomedical research. You participate in professional development sessions focused on scientific communication and career pathways in the health sciences. The experience concludes with a research symposium in which you present your work as a formal poster presentation.
9. Health Scholars Program
Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA (Maimonides Medical Center)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple rotations throughout the year (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer; each ~3 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: At least 16 years old; high school, college, and post-baccalaureate students are eligible
In the Health Scholars Program at Maimonides Medical Center, you gain direct exposure to clinical environments by working as part of the Emergency Department team. You complete one five-hour shift per week over a three-month rotation, where you assist staff and interact with patients from diverse backgrounds. Your role includes communicating with patients, understanding their needs, and supporting staff in improving patient experience. You rotate through different areas of the Emergency Department, including adult and pediatric units, which helps you observe how various healthcare professionals operate in a fast-paced setting. In addition to clinical exposure, you attend lectures and sessions on medical topics, career pathways, and patient care. There may also be opportunities to participate in research projects with additional training.
10. Bridge to Biostats Summer Program (B2BSP)
Location: New York City, USA (Midtown Manhattan – Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Cost/Stipend: Paid program (stipend provided; amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 14
Application Deadline: Not specified (applications closed; decisions released in early April)
Eligibility: High school students (rising sophomore to senior), a New York City resident attending school in NYC, able to commute to Midtown Manhattan, have an interest in quantitative subjects, and submit a recommendation letter and transcript
In the Bridge to Biostats Summer Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, you explore the application of data science in biomedical research through a 7-week, in-person experience. You learn the fundamentals of statistics, develop basic programming skills in R, and attend sessions focused on statistical thinking. As part of the program, you work on a cancer data analysis project under the guidance of professional biostatisticians and present your findings at the end. Alongside technical training, you participate in academic development workshops and SAT preparation sessions. The program also includes mentorship and exposure to the use of quantitative methods in real-world research settings. This structure allows you to build both analytical skills and an understanding of data-driven research in healthcare.
11. Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship
Location: New York, USA (Weill Cornell Medicine)
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7 (6-week or 10-week options within this period)
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: You can apply if you are a high school junior/senior, current college student, graduate, or medical student
In the Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship at Weill Cornell Medicine, you gain exposure to both clinical and research aspects of pediatric medicine. You are placed in a specific program area—ranging from lab-based research topics like pediatric asthma or microbiome studies to clinical, education, or policy-focused tracks—based on your interests. You work under faculty and staff mentorship, contributing to ongoing projects while learning relevant methods such as data analysis, literature review, or clinical observation. The program emphasizes structured supervision and collaboration across different pediatric divisions, allowing you to interact with professionals in multiple roles. You also develop practical skills through hands-on tasks and team-based work within your assigned area. This setup gives you a broad view of how pediatric research, clinical care, and healthcare systems operate together.
12. BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program
Location: Bronx, New York, USA (Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 stipend; additional meal voucher and transportation support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Late June – August
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old, a rising high school junior or senior, and live in and attend school in the Bronx
In the BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, you take part in a full-time, 8-week summer research experience focused on biomedical science. You work in a lab alongside faculty, gaining hands-on exposure to scientific research while building foundational skills. The program also includes workshops and seminars led by researchers, as well as sessions on career development and college readiness. You prepare and present an independent research project, giving you experience in scientific communication. In addition to the summer component, you continue engagement during the academic year through regular sessions and mentorship. The program combines lab work, structured learning, and ongoing support to help you explore pathways in science.
13. YES in THE HEIGHTS Program
Location: New York City, USA (Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (stipend provided for 8 weeks; amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (less than 10% for high school; less than 20% for undergraduate applicants)
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: You must be at least 14 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, in good academic standing, and able to commit full-time in person; preference is given to students from the local area
In the YES in THE HEIGHTS Program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, you take part in an 8-week summer research experience focused on cancer biology and biomedical science. You are paired with a faculty mentor and work on hands-on research alongside scientists and physicians, building foundational lab and analytical skills. Throughout the program, you attend journal clubs where you read and discuss scientific papers with peers, as well as sessions on academic professionalism and research practices. You also develop an Individual Development Plan and prepare a scientific abstract, with opportunities for presentations in later stages of the program. The program includes community-building activities and networking with other participants and professionals. Designed as a two-year experience, it allows you to deepen your exposure to research over time while understanding pathways into biomedical careers.
14. Sports Science & Medicine Summer Research Internship
Location: New York, USA (Research Institute of Sport & Exercise; collaborations with Hospital for Special Surgery and New York University)
Cost/Stipend: Paid or unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – August 13 (8–12 weeks, flexible)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students (specific grade requirements not specified)
In this Sports Science & Medicine Summer Research Internship, you work on collaborative research projects related to sports medicine, injury prevention, and data analysis. You join a student–faculty research team and contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as epidemiology, injury surveillance, and sports-related health conditions. The program includes seminars on topics like career development, statistics, and research ethics, alongside opportunities to engage in data collection and applied research activities. You may also gain exposure through shadowing opportunities and collaborations with institutions such as Hospital for Special Surgery. Throughout the internship, you build research and analytical skills while working with peers and mentors. The experience concludes with presenting your work at an informal symposium.
15. Health Hacks: 5 Weeks to Level Up
Location: Virtual (hosted by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University)
Cost/Stipend: Free program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January 8 – February 5
Application Deadline: January 4
Eligibility: You must be a student in grades 8–12 interested in healthcare
In the Health Hacks program by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, you take part in a 5-week virtual series focused on health awareness and careers in healthcare. You attend weekly sessions led by current medical students, where you learn about common health issues and their real-world impact. The program is designed to introduce you to basic concepts in healthcare while also offering academic guidance and mentorship. Through interactive discussions, you explore different topics and gain exposure to how healthcare professionals think about patient care and public health. The sessions are structured to be accessible while still providing useful insights into the field. This format allows you to engage with peers and mentors without needing prior experience.
Bonus: Ladder Internships University Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (exact rate not specified)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
In the Ladder Internship Program, you work remotely with a startup or nonprofit on a real-world project over the course of your internship. You are placed with a company operating in areas such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting, depending on availability and fit. During the program, you collaborate with a manager from the organization and receive guidance from a Ladder Coach who supports your progress. Your work focuses on contributing to an actual project that the startup is actively developing, allowing you to understand how teams operate in a professional setting. You also prepare and present your work to the company at the end of the internship. The structure combines independent work with mentorship and regular collaboration.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I don't have any prior lab or clinical experience. Are these programs realistic for me, or do most require a science background?
Most programs on this list are designed to introduce you to research and clinical environments rather than assume you already have experience in them. Programs like Health Hacks, SHIP, the Health Scholars Program at Maimonides, and BEYOND ALBERT all explicitly welcome students without prior lab or clinical backgrounds. A few programs, like MSK's Summer Student Program (which requires a minimum 3.5 GPA in science subjects) and NYU Langone's HCOP (minimum 3.2 GPA), do expect strong academic standing in science, but neither requires hands-on experience going in.
2. Several of these programs are restricted to students from specific boroughs or counties. What if I live in NYC but not in the required area?
It depends on how strictly the residency requirement is defined. BEYOND ALBERT requires both living and attending school in the Bronx, while YES in THE HEIGHTS and SHIP Brooklyn/Queens give preference to local students without making it an absolute bar. Programs like MSK's Summer Student Program, NYU Langone's Bioethics Internship, and Weill Cornell Pediatrics have no borough-specific restriction and are open to students from across the city and surrounding region. If you're unsure whether you qualify for a specific program, reaching out to the program coordinator directly before investing time in an application is the most reliable approach.
3. How do the shorter programs like Health Hacks and the NYU Bioethics Internship compare to longer ones like BEYOND ALBERT or MSK for a college application?
Longer programs, particularly those producing a research output like a poster presentation or scientific abstract, tend to carry more direct weight in college applications because they demonstrate sustained commitment and a concrete academic deliverable. BEYOND ALBERT, YES in THE HEIGHTS, and MSK's Summer Student Program all culminate in formal research presentations, which gives you something specific to reference in essays and interviews. Shorter programs like Health Hacks and the NYU Bioethics Internship are more introductory and discussion-based, which makes them a good starting point for freshmen or sophomores but less impactful as a standalone credential for juniors or seniors building a competitive application.