15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Louisiana

Internships and summer programs can help high schoolers explore their interests in a structured way. This can be very useful as you plan your future career. If you’ve ever thought about working in healthcare, it can be tough to know if it’s the right fit without seeing it up close. Summer medical programs offer you the opportunity to shadow doctors, work in labs, participate in patient care, and acquire valuable skills like CPR.

Louisiana, home to several universities, hospitals, and research centers, offers many summer opportunities for medical students. From public health and anatomy to biomedical research and patient care, these programs let you explore various aspects of medicine while developing your skills. Whether you want to understand how doctors diagnose illnesses, how researchers study diseases, or how healthcare teams work together, there’s something here for every interest.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 15 summer medical programs for high school students in Louisiana!

Top 15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Louisiana

1. LSU Health Summer Research Internship

Location: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital—New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend details may vary by funding availability
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort chosen annually
Dates: July 25
Application Deadline: Varies annually (check LSU Health program website for updates)
Eligibility: Interested high school students must be available in New Orleans for 8 weeks.

This 8-week summer program immerses you in hands-on research alongside mentors at LSU Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. You’ll learn lab techniques, strengthen your research and study skills, and prepare for future STEM careers through seminars and professional development sessions. A strong focus is placed on communication — interns are trained to create and deliver scientific presentations. The program ends with a research symposium, where you’ll present your findings to peers, faculty, and the scientific community.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

3. A-HEC of a Summer

Location: Multiple hospital sites across Louisiana (including Avoyelles, Rapides, Ochsner, Our Lady of the Lake, and more)
Cost/Stipend: Free; students also earn ½ unit of high school elective credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 15 days in June (some sites may begin in late May)
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: 9 to 11th-grade students with at least a 2.0 GPA residing in eligible Louisiana parishes

In this summer medical program for high school students in Louisiana, you’ll spend 15 days volunteering in local hospitals while shadowing healthcare professionals and rotating through departments. You’ll gain first-hand exposure to patient care, health issues, and different medical career paths. The program also offers CPR certification, training in vital signs, interactive workshops, and field trips. Alongside hands-on learning, you’ll serve your community, earn high school elective credit, and strengthen your college applications. With guidance from mentors and professionals, this program gives you a strong foundation if you’re serious about exploring healthcare.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote ,  you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
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, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

5. A Day with the Doctors

Location: LSU Health – Shreveport or New Orleans School of Medicine campuses
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: One-day program (dates announced annually)
Application Deadline: November 21st
Eligibility: High school students living in Louisiana parishes: Ascension, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Grant, Iberville, LaSalle, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Rapides, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, Winn

A Day with the Doctors gives you the chance to step into the shoes of a physician for one day. You’ll learn hands-on diagnostic skills, such as taking blood pressure, listening to heart and breath sounds, and measuring pulse and respiratory rate. You’ll also interact with medical students and doctors to get a closer look at medical school life, including admissions requirements and career paths. This program is designed to give you both inspiration and practical insight if you’re considering a future in medicine.

6. M.A.S.H. (Medical Applications of Science for Health)

Location: LSU Alexandria
Cost/Stipend: Free; students can earn 3 college credit hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 2-week program in June 
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Students who completed 11th or 12th grade with prior participation in an AHEC program with a minimum ACT composite score of 19

The M.A.S.H. program is an intensive 2-week summer experience where you explore different health careers through college-level courses, labs, and simulations. You’ll take classes like Introduction to the Health Care System and Client Care Interactions, while applying your high school science knowledge to real-world scenarios—whether in labs, ER settings, or even mock trials. The program demands focus, study, and testing, making it a true preview of college academics. You’ll earn 3 hours of college credit and gain firsthand exposure to healthcare teamwork, patient care, and professional pathways.

7. Dash into Dentistry

Location: LSU School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots; competitive selection
Dates: One-day program (date varies annually)
Application Deadline: November 21st
Eligibility: Current junior or senior with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Dash into Dentistry is a one-day, hands-on program that lets you explore the world of oral health and dentistry. You’ll practice real techniques in dentistry, dental hygiene, dental forensics, and lab technology, giving you a taste of what it’s like to work in the field. You’ll also meet current dental students, gain admissions insights from LSU’s School of Dentistry, and participate in interactive activities that make learning both fun and practical. If you’re curious about pursuing dentistry, this program offers a valuable and direct introduction.

8. Bobbie Cates Hicks Science & Medicine Academic Research Training (SMART) Program

Location: LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free; funded by the Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 8–12 students per year
Dates: 7 weeks followed by 10 hours/week during senior year
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current juniors entering senior year in Caddo, Bossier, or DeSoto parishes with A’s and B’s in all science classes and enrollment in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or other advanced sciences)

This summer medical program for high school students in Louisiana gives you the chance to step into the world of real biomedical research before graduating from high school. Over the summer and throughout your senior year, you’ll work alongside clinicians, scientists, and academic staff at LSU Health Shreveport. You’ll engage in advanced projects related to medicine, scientific research, and biomedical engineering, and gain the skills needed to compete in prestigious competitions like the Siemens Science Competition, Intel Science Fair, and bioGENEius. 

9. Allied Health Education and Discovery (AHEAD) Program

Location: LSU Health Shreveport – School of Allied Health Professions, 1450 Claiborne Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103
Cost/Stipend: Free; daily lunch and program materials provided (non-residential, housing not included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: selective application-based 
Dates: Session 1: June 8 – 12 | Session 2: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program with a minimum 3.0 GPA

The AHEAD Program gives you the opportunity to explore health careers through hands-on activities, workshops, and field trips in different allied health disciplines. Over 5 days, you’ll get an inside look at the health sciences, learn what it takes to succeed in college, and receive guidance on building a career in healthcare. This non-residential program also provides a daily lunch and all the necessary resources. If you’re ready to take your first step toward a healthcare career, AHEAD is a strong, practical introduction that prepares you for the journey ahead.

10. BioStart Program

Location: LSU Health Shreveport – Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to students from Southwood’s Biotechnology Academy (small cohort)
Dates: Runs annually 
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students of Southwood's Biotech Academy interested in life sciences, biotechnology, or medicine

The BioStart Program has been running since 2009, giving Southwood Biotechnology Academy seniors the chance to dive into real laboratory research at LSU Health Shreveport. You’ll work directly with faculty mentors on translational and clinical research projects, gaining advanced skills in biotechnology and life sciences. The program is designed to prepare you for future studies and careers in medicine, research, and related fields. Many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees and contribute to the regional workforce as scientists, teachers, and healthcare professionals.

11. Ochsner STAR Program

Location: Ochsner Health facilities, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small cohort
Dates: Varies by program 
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: 16-year-old/ rising high school seniors residing in Louisiana

The Ochsner STAR Program is a cost-free, 4-week summer experience designed to give you a head start in healthcare and science. You’ll conduct experiments, learn from Ochsner’s scientists and physicians, and get exposure to advanced medical technology. Beyond academics, you’ll also build leadership skills, prepare for college applications with resume and presentation training, and even earn certifications such as CPR. STAR makes a special effort to include students who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities, ensuring a supportive and inspiring environment.

12. Fundamentals of Anatomy

Location: LSU (School of Veterinary Medicine campus), Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: $1,250 program fee; residential option available for an additional $1,500 (room & board)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 20 students (first-come basis)
Dates: July 13 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling basis 
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12

The Fundamentals of Anatomy course offers high school students a chance to explore the human body in depth. Each day begins with the study of a major body system, followed by hands-on specimen dissections to reinforce learning. You’ll compare systems between humans and preserved specimens, take tours of LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and interact with practitioners. Designed for students considering careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, or kinesiology, this program strengthens anatomy knowledge while building practical lab and dissection skills.

13. Human Health and Environment

Location: LSU, Louisiana
Cost/Stipend: $1,250 program fee; residential option available for an additional $1,500 (room & board)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 20 students (first-come basis)
Dates: July 13 – 26
Application Deadline: June 14
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12

This summer medical program for high school students in Louisiana introduces students to the connections between human health and environmental change. Through scientific inquiry, you will study the fundamentals of environmental sciences and human disease while exploring how these fields intersect. Alongside classroom learning, students will engage in hands-on activities that develop critical thinking and scientific investigation skills. By the end of the program, students will be better prepared for advanced coursework in biology and environmental science.

14. Medical Scholar Program—Centenary College of Louisiana

Location: Willis-Knighton Health System (in partnership with Centenary College of Louisiana)—Shreveport, LA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort (varies by year)
Dates: February 15 
Application Deadline: Not specified (refer to program webpage for deadlines)
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in medical careers

Over 5 weeks in the summer, you’ll spend time at Willis-Knighton Health System, shadowing clinicians and observing real-world medical practice. The program lets you explore a range of medical career paths, prepares you for medical school or allied health programs, and gives you practical exposure to hospital systems. You’ll think critically and work collaboratively on activities that highlight clinical procedures and professional expectations. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer career direction, stronger readiness for further training, and firsthand experience that strengthens college and career applications.

15. Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium Summer Research Internships

Location: LSU Health Sciences Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Children’s Hospital, and Ochsner Clinic—New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Funded by the National Cancer Institute and the Louisiana Gene Therapy Consortium 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~28 participants (includes high school, college, and medical students)
Dates: Dates vary yearly
Application Deadline: Not specified 
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and medical students (Louisiana students prioritized).

This competitive 8-week internship introduces students to advanced biomedical research in cancer and gene therapy. Participants are matched with mentors across 28 laboratories at LSU, Tulane, Ochsner, and Children’s Hospital. Alongside lab research, you’ll attend a Summer Research Lecture Series featuring leading scientists from across the U.S. The program culminates in student poster presentations, giving interns an authentic academic research experience. Designed to encourage Louisiana’s brightest students to pursue graduate or medical school locally, this internship offers exceptional mentorship and professional growth opportunities in cancer research.

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