15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Tennessee
Participating in medical programs for high school students is a valuable opportunity to learn outside the classroom. These programs give you the chance to gain valuable skills and exposure at an early stage, and they’re a great way to explore whether medicine is the right career path for you. These programs can also help you build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while connecting you with medical professionals and peers.
As a high school student, participating in summer medical programs within your state is typically more convenient compared to out-of-state alternatives. Local summer medical programs for high schoolers are often hosted by universities, hospitals, and medical organizations. They provide hands-on experiences in the field through research, clinical shadowing, college-level coursework, and more.
In this blog, we’ve listed 15 summer medical programs for high school students in Tennessee that you should check out.
15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Tennessee
1. St. Jude High Research Immersion Program
Location: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Stipend: $4,800
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; ~30 students per cohort
Dates: June 1 – July 25
Application Deadline: October 31 – January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors (16+) with a 3.0+ GPA from Memphis-Shelby County or nearby counties
The St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program is an eight-week summer internship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. During this program, you’ll work in pairs with a research mentor on a project in fields like laboratory science, psychology, epidemiology, or data science, gaining direct, hands-on experience. They’ll also help you craft compelling personal statements for college applications. The program includes seminars on scientific methods and reflection on science careers and culminates in a poster presentation of your findings to the community. You will gain valuable lab skills and mentorship in biomedical sciences.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program designed for motivated high school students. You will have the opportunity to spend around eight to twelve weeks working with high-growth start-ups. These start-ups are typically high-growth companies raising over a million dollars. They span across a variety of industries, including tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. As an intern, you will collaborate closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and will have the chance to present your work to the company. You can apply here!
3. Vanderbilt Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS)
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research labs, Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: May 27 – July 3
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+) in the ISR program at Hillsboro, Stratford STEM Magnet, or John Overton High School
The Vanderbilt REHSS is an intensive six-week research internship for rising high school seniors in Vanderbilt’s specialized science programs. As a participant, you will work full-time in a Vanderbilt University or Medical Center laboratory on an independent research project guided by a faculty mentor. The experience is hands-on; you learn lab techniques, analyze data, and often present your work at a student symposium. This internship offers one-on-one mentoring and access to Vanderbilt’s research facilities.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.3
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a competitive research program for high school students that provides extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas. During the program, you will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor, who will collaborate with you and offer support as you work on an independent research paper. You can cover topics across multiple fields, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. Additional details about the application process can be found here.
5. Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Stipend: $2,000 + full or partial needs-based travel scholarships
Cohort Size: 15-20 participants
Dates: May 31 – July 11
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: high school students (15+)
The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship is a residential, mentored lab experience that takes place over six weeks at Vanderbilt. As an intern, you’ll become part of a research team working on topics like diabetes, cancer, or related fields. Beyond lab work, the program gives you exposure to college life, including living in dorms and interacting with peers and mentors. You’ll also attend social and cultural events and professional development sessions, such as one-on-one career planning, standardized test prep, and networking with faculty. The program also emphasizes wellness, self-discovery, and preparing you for future academic and STEM career steps.
6. Vanderbilt University: Summer Research Internship Program in Biomedical Informatics
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 2-4 high school students
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Metro Nashville Public Schools students; A background in programming or computer technology is recommended
Vanderbilt’s Biomedical Informatics Summer Program is a ten-week paid research internship that introduces you to health data science. As a participant, you will work in Vanderbilt’s Informatics Department on a mentored project that applies computer science or statistics to biomedical problems. You also get to attend a seminar series by leading informatics researchers and write up a final report to present at the end. The program is open to Nashville high school students from diverse backgrounds. It aims to cultivate interest in the field of biomedical informatics and encourage students to pursue PhDs in the field.
7. University of Tennessee Veterinary Summer Experience Program
Location: University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN + local veterinary clinics
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~8%; 12 students each year
Dates: June 9 – July 11
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Tennessee high school juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0; 16+ by June 1; More details here
The University of Tennessee Veterinary Summer Experience Program is a five-week summer camp for Tennessee high school juniors and seniors. For four weeks, you will shadow and assist at a local veterinary clinic of your choice (you must arrange an approved clinic beforehand), working with veterinarians and animals. In the final week, you return to the UT campus for on-campus lectures, labs, and field trips related to veterinary medicine. This program gives you hands-on exposure to animal health care, from surgery observation to preventive veterinary practices.
8. Vanderbilt Observational Experience
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: 30 days before the desired observation date
Eligibility: High school students (16+) from VUMC-affiliated schools; Homeschooled and non-VUMC students may participate if their school or organization has an approved affiliation agreement
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Observational Experience Program allows you to explore real-world careers in healthcare by shadowing professionals in clinical or research settings. You’ll observe doctors, nurses, and medical staff as they work, helping you understand how different roles contribute to patient care and hospital operations. The experience is individually arranged, allowing flexibility based on your interests and department availability. You’ll achieve a clearer perspective on medical environments, workplace ethics, and professional communication. You’ll also gain valuable insights if you’re considering a future in medicine or healthcare.
9. University of Tennessee High School to Health Care (HS2HC) Summer Camp
Location: UT Martin Ripley Center, Ripley, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; Small stipend offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: 11th-12th graders
The High School to Health Care (HS2HC) Summer Camp is a free program for rising 11th and 12th-graders in Tennessee. Funded by NIH, it allows you to explore careers in medical laboratory science and public health informatics. Over five days on the UT campus, you’ll learn about lab activities like blood/DNA testing experiments, and learn about data science skills relevant to healthcare. This pre-college program uses a case-based approach, allowing you to dive deep into a healthcare scenario through creative, hands-on activities with UTHSC faculty.
10. Baptist Health Sciences University’s HealthCORE Summer Camp
Location: Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU), Memphis, TN
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: Opens in March
Eligibility: 6th-12th graders
Baptist Health Sciences University’s HealthCORE Summer Camp is a five-day STEM camp for students interested in health professions. Each day combines hands-on labs, campus tours, and clinical demonstrations. You’ll also attend sessions like CPR training, biomedical device workshops, and live physiology experiments. The camp also offers interactive seminars covering a wide range of fields, from diagnostic medical sonography and nursing to public health and biomedical sciences.
11. Methodist University Hospital VolunTEEN Program
Location: Methodist Healthcare Volunteer Services Department, Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: Not Specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – 26
Application Deadline: April 1 – 18
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18
The Methodist Summer VolunTEEN Program is a four-week hospital internship for high schoolers who want a healthcare experience. You’ll begin with a one-day orientation, then spend the next three weeks volunteering in a chosen department at Methodist University Hospital or its affiliates. Duties vary by department but often include assisting staff, supporting patient activities, and observing clinical work. As a VolunTEEN, you will earn a certificate of completion and in-depth insight into hospital operations whilst strengthening your college applications.
12. East Tennessee State University (ETSU): Rural High School Medical Camp
Location: ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine, TN
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 20 students
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Rising seniors or recent grads from rural TN high schools or bordering counties
East Tennessee State University’s Rural High School Medical Camp is a free five-day program designed to encourage students from rural areas to pursue careers in primary care medicine. The camp is geared toward rising juniors and seniors from rural high schools in Tennessee and bordering counties who want to explore medicine and other health-related careers. As a participant, you’ll visit cadaver anatomy labs, practice clinical skills on simulators, and tour the medical school campus. You’ll also engage in hands-on lectures and activities in labs, learn about the medical school admissions process, and tour the ETSU campus.
13. Vanderbilt Summer Academy
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Cost: $2,150 – $2,750; Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Varies according to the grade (1 week or 2 weeks) from June 7 – 12 to July 12 – 18
Application Deadline: January 7 – March 3 (2 weeks); March 14 (1 week)
Eligibility: Rising 7th-12th graders
The Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA) is a residential program at Vanderbilt University that gives you the chance to experience college-level academics while living on campus. The program offers one- to two-week courses covering a diverse array of interdisciplinary topics, including nanotechnology, biomedical ethics, philosophy, history, and medicine, taught by Vanderbilt faculty and scholars. Exploring challenging subjects beyond your school curriculum engages you in hands-on learning and connects you with motivated peers who share your interests. Outside the classroom, you’ll participate in supervised campus activities, gaining a sense of independence and insight into college life while developing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
14. Vanderbilt Summer High-School Internships in Research Experiences (SHIRE)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $12/hour (ages 14-16); $15/hour (ages 16-18)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Application Deadline: Typically, Mid-February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, ideally from Vanderbilt's ISR program
The SHIRE (Summer High-School Internships in Research Experiences) through Vanderbilt’s Collaborative for STEM Education & Outreach allows you to work side-by-side with scientists on real research, develop technical skills, and present your findings. You’ll join as a rising junior or senior (especially those in Vanderbilt’s ISR high school pipeline) and receive a stipend for your summer work. Your projects might explore areas such as cancer biology or sustainable engineering, depending on the year. This hands-on internship is meant to build research experience, professional communication, and confidence in STEM.
15. East Tennessee State University’s Doc for a Day
Location: ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine, TN
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 6
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Rising high school students from rural TN high schools or bordering counties
The East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine’s “Doc for a Day” program gives you a one-day, hands-on introduction to life as a medical student. You’ll explore clinical skills, visit medical simulation labs, and interact with current students and faculty to better understand the path to medicine. Designed for rising high school juniors, the program focuses on encouraging future healthcare professionals from all backgrounds, especially those from rural or underserved areas. Held each June at ETSU’s Johnson City campus, the program has limited spots available.
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