15 Summer Medical Internships for High School Students
Medicine can be an intensive and challenging field that requires dedication, academic excellence, and lots of practical experience. If you’re an ambitious high school student interested in the field, an internship is a great way to gain hands-on experience, solidify your interest, and help you decide on a specialization in the vast field.
An internship also shows demonstrated interest in a subject on your college application, and you could even get a strong letter of recommendation! Here are 15 summer medical internships that are worth considering.
1. Ladder Internships—Healthcare and Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students who can contribute 5-15 hours/week for 8-16 weeks
Application Deadline: Summer cohort (priority admission): March 17, 2024 | Summer cohort (regular admission 1): April 14, 2024 | Summer cohort (regular admission 2): May 12, 2024
Dates: The summer 2024 cohort starts on June 3 and runs till August
Cost: Starts at $1,990 (financial aid available)
Ladder Internships offers high schoolers the opportunity to intern with nonprofits and startups around the world in an entirely virtual set up. A fairly selective program, founded by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships allows students to choose the field they wish to work in, from a wide range of industries, including healthcare and medicine. As an intern, you will work on projects that contribute to the organization’s mission, and present your work at the end of the program. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor.
For students interested in medicine and healthcare, there is an option to work with companies specializing in these fields. For example, one of the companies that you can expect to work with is JuneBrain- a health tech company that specializes in improving remote monitoring in ophthalmology/ neurology.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: Applications generally open in December and close in February
Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (8 weeks)
Stipend: All students receive a minimum of $500; students from underrepresented groups will receive at least $1,500
SIMR, a highly prestigious research internship program, allows students to collaborate one-on-one with a mentor, a Stanford graduate student or a postdoctoral fellow, and engage in hands-on research. You will have to select one of eight study fields – Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics and Genetics and Genomics. Once selected, you will be assigned a particular field of study (branch) based on your preference, and spend two months as a mentee. This is a fairly competitive program with a cohort size of about 50 students – at an acceptance rate of less than 3% (approximately).
You will spend a majority of the program in full-time lab work, and a portion of your time attending lectures. During the last 2 weeks of the program, you will work on your research poster of your project, which you present at the end of the program.
3. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD / Virtual
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors can apply. In-person internship applications must attend a high school in Baltimore.
Application Deadline: March 1 every year
Dates: June-August (8 weeks in person) | July-August (virtual 5 weeks)
Stipend: Hourly wages and transportation funds are paid to in-person interns while virtual interns are paid a fixed stipend of $500.
JHIBS is a summer research experience for students interested in the neurological sciences, designed to make the field more inclusive and representative. The program includes educational and professional development training sessions, mentorship training, and learning the fundamentals of working in a laboratory. During the program, you will be expected to participate in research under the guidance and mentorship of leading researchers in the field and will take part in hands-on projects, discussions, scientific seminars, weekly personal and professional development sessions, and interactions with leading neuroscientists at JHU.
The program is also offered virtually, for students who cannot attend the program on campus. The program is open to 5-6 students and provides them with an hourly stipend, and also covers transportation costs. At the end of the program, you will present your research via an oral or poster presentation. To get an idea of past projects, visit this page!
4. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, FL
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, live in Palm Beach or Martin County, and have U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 cohort will open in January 2025.
Dates: June 17, 2024 - July 26, 2024 (6 weeks)
Stipend: $12.5 per hour
This six-week internship, designed for juniors and seniors in Palm Beach or Martin County high schools, dives into the intricacies of brain structure, function, and development, while providing hands-on experience with advanced imaging techniques and technologies. Interns can choose from three specialized tracks: neuroscience, scientific programming, and mechanical engineering.
The program culminates with students writing a scientific abstract and delivering a concise presentation- see past intern presentations here. This full-time opportunity requires 40 hours a week and offers compensation at a rate of $12.50 per hour.
5. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Note: Part of the HS-SIP are two programs, High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0.
Location: Students can choose from NIH campuses across the country. The NIH campus and labs are located in Bethesda, Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Phoenix, AZ.
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated), and are 17 years or older on June 15, 2024, may apply. Do look through all the eligibility requirements before applying. There are some additional requirements for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
Application Deadline: February 1, every year.
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer, information on exact dates is not available.
Stipend: $2,300-2,530 (for students currently in high school) | $2,570-2,840 (for students who have graduated high school)
NIH offers a number of summer internship programs for high school students. HS-SIP is a solid opportunity for students to engage in hands-on biomedical research alongside leading scientists and mentors. During this program, you will work on ongoing research projects, analyze data, and acquire essential laboratory skills.
HiSTEP aims to promote diversity in STEM, partnering with renowned research institutions to help you dive into cutting-edge scientific investigations across diverse disciplines. HiSTEP is not a hands-on, full-time research program. It will combine an introduction to scientific, professional, and personal skills with leadership training, wellness programming, and an exploration of STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medically-related) careers. In addition, it will help prepare you for future scholarships and internships.
HiSTEP 2.0, an advanced continuation program, offers an in-depth exploration of scientific research. Tailored for students who have completed HiSTEP or similar research experiences, HiSTEP 2.0 allows you to design and conduct independent research projects under the guidance of mentor scientists in the field of biomedicine.
You will also participate in weekly workshops and seminars aimed at developing your scientific, professional, and personal skills.
6. Student Research Internship Programs at Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI)
Note: The institute offers two internships under this program: one focused on translational science (I - Student Research Internship Program and the other on precision medicine (II - Medical Student Research Internship Program). Both have substantial overlap in subjects covered.
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. The institute provides a few resources to help students find housing.
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school who will be at least 16 years old before the internship begins can apply.
Application deadline: March 30, 2024 (I) and February 29, 2024 (II)
Program dates:
- June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024 OR June 17, 2024 - August 23, 2024 (I)
- May 20, 2024 - July 29, 2024 (II)
If these dates do not work for you, the institute recommends you note your specific available dates in your application (You are required to give 10 weeks for I, 8 weeks for II).
Stipend: For I, information on funding is yet to be updated. For II, a stipend will be provided; travel and housing expenses will be covered.
The competitive 10-week internship brings together 40 talented and motivated students (high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional) from across the country for an immersive, college-level research experience. During it, you will learn about current topics in translational science, precision medicine, focusing on digital health, clinical genomics, and community engagement. You will also study design and analysis procedures relevant for translational research, including genomic/genetic association studies. You will observe the steps of proposing, designing, undertaking and analyzing clinical trials. At the end of the program, you will present a scientific concept to your peers and mentors. Based on your interests, you will be assigned a primary mentor for the program who will guide and advise you.
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus (Children’s Hospital Colorado), Aurora, CO
Eligibility: High school seniors at least 18 years old by June 2024
Application Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024 and will reopen in December for the 2025 internship
Dates: June 3, 2024 - August 2, 2024 (9 weeks)
Stipend: $3,500
The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Child Health Research Enterprise at Children’s Hospital Colorado allows students to gain lab experience and work with mentors on topics related to children’s health.
As an intern, you will also attend weekly lectures by program faculty. At the end of the internship, you must present your work, which includes a written submission of your research experience and an oral, poster, or PowerPoint presentation. Colorado encourages students to send abstracts of their work to local, regional, and national conferences and covers the cost of attendance if accepted.
8. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: High school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in January/February
Dates: June 18, 2024 - August 16, 2024 (8 weeks)
Stipend: Paid (unspecified amount)
This apprenticeship program is for students keen to explore research in biomedicine and medicine. As an apprentice, you will collaborate with some of the leading researchers in their respective fields in a multidisciplinary environment. During the program, you will gain hands-on experience by working on research projects and learn various laboratory techniques.
You will also participate in activities that include lectures on scientific topics; public speaking and written communication; and ethical principles guiding human and animal research. At the end of the program, there will be a public conference where you can present your research to scientific staff, family members, and friends. MSAP is a highly competitive program, with an acceptance rate of less than 10%. On average, 18-24 students are selected from 200 applicants. Typically, approximately 20-30% of accepted students (5 students) are returning students who have attended MSAP in the past.
9. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford, CA
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in November every year.
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Stipend: Unpaid
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program is a unique opportunity for students interested in biotechnology to explore the intersection of medical innovation and advanced biotech applications. It’s focused on the cutting-edge field of reconstructive surgery, which relies heavily on biotechnological advances to improve the outcomes of surgical procedures. Participants gain hands-on experience working alongside leading reconstructive surgeons and researchers, exposing them to state-of-the-art biotech tools and techniques. This program not only equips students with practical skills in areas such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical devices but also instills a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of biotechnology in the medical field. You can go through past intern stories here.
10. High School Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors residing in the Cincinnati metropolitan area
Application Deadline: The 2024 applications closed in February and will reopen for 2025 in November 2024.
Dates: June-July (8 weeks, 20 hours/week)
Stipend: $13 per hour
The High School Summer Internship Program at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center allows high school seniors to work with a mentor from a pediatric specialty like pediatric surgery, development biology, molecular cardiovascular biology, infectious diseases, and more.
Interns will shadow their mentors in the clinic and provide support in clinical or research projects. Additionally, they will attend training sessions, community service projects, lunch seminars, and group luncheons to network with peers and working professionals. At the end of the program, interns present their work to their mentors and peers.
11. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March every year.
Dates: June 3, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (10 weeks)
Stipend: $4,000
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy provides a hands-on biomedical research experience under the guidance of the City of Hope faculty. As a student researcher, you will select your research project and spend 10 weeks integrated into a biomedical research team. You will be mentored by City of Hope’s cancer specialists and researchers, attend workshops on ethics and creating posters for research talks, weekly seminars to present research findings, and networking sessions. At the end of the program, you submit a written report of your research and experience.
Many past students have published papers alongside their mentors, and some have even patented and sold life-saving products.
12. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors age 18+ by the program start date
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in November and close in January
Dates: June 3, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (10 weeks)
Stipend: $6,800
Students interested in an allied health career (diagnostic, technical, and other services that support health care) can consider the MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program for a firsthand research experience in a laboratory. Every year, the program selects ten students to work on a biomedical research project under the mentorship of an MD Anderson faculty member. Mentors include department heads, professors, and full-time researchers.
Students will participate in faculty seminars, activities, competitions, and a concluding presentation at a celebratory luncheon.
13. Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Location: South Lake Union, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds who are U.S. residents
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Dates: June 24, 2024 - August 16, 2024 (8 weeks)
Stipend: Financial award available (details revealed in the interview) + free ORCA card to commute
Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s SHIP is a full-time internship aimed at students with backgrounds underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. The eight-week program is split into two weeks of laboratory safety and basic skills training followed by research. For the research component, students are paired with mentors and work with biomedical research groups in a lab.
You will also attend research seminars, participate in professional development workshops that prepare you for college and beyond, and enjoy social and networking activities.
Location: Phoenix, AZ or Flagstaff, AZ
Eligibility: Graduating Arizona high school seniors who are at least 16 years old and have U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February each year
Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 2, 2024 (8 weeks)
Stipend: $14.35 per hour
Helios Scholars offers internships in laboratory research, computational biology and bioinformatics, mathematics and statistics, and research administration. Here, you work full-time at TGen labs on a research project under TGen scientists. Project areas include the genetic components of diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, and public health and pathogens.
Interns will also attend seminars and activities to gain new skills, learn about career opportunities, and practice scientific writing. At the end of the program, you will present your research project at a symposium and also deliver an oral presentation.
15. Seacole Scholars Program at Lifespan
Location: Providence, RI
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-19 with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 have shut;2025 cohort applications will open late 2024
Dates: June-August (7-8 weeks)
Stipend: Paid (unspecified amount)
The Seacole Scholars Program, named for pioneering nurse Mary Seacole, provides its interns with a seven-week paid summer employment journey with Lifespan Hospital, Rhode Island’s largest private employer. Participants must apply with a valid CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) license in order to join 80 other fellow interns in engaging in hands-on experience by working four days a week on nursing units.
Additionally, one day a week is dedicated to Lifespan Workforce and Youth Development training. The Seacole Scholars Program is designed to push its interns to pursue a future career in medicine and provides daily career counseling, and a possible offer of employment upon completing your summer internship!
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, with a large number of them in medicine. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.