15 Virtual Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking for an accessible way to gain professional experience, virtual research programs, courses, and internships are great options. Virtual medical research opportunities for high school students give you practical skills, industry insight, and even connections that can help later on — and they’re often more affordable than you might think.
The best part? Many top colleges and organizations now offer virtual medical research opportunities for high school students, making it easier than ever to participate from anywhere. For students interested in medicine and healthcare, these programs are especially useful for exploring your passion and learning how the field works.
We’ve done the work and curated a list of the best ones out there on the web. Here’s our list of the top 15 virtual medical research opportunities for high school students to help you get started.
15 Virtual Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students
1. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer between June and August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week online research program designed for high school juniors and seniors. Conducted virtually, the program covers a range of neuroscience topics through interactive lectures and educational resources. You will deep dive into topics like mental illnesses, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain development while learning about basic laboratory techniques and experiments. You will learn essential lab techniques, engage in research-based projects, and receive mentorship along with career guidance. Bringing together participants from across the country, the internship provides a thorough introduction to neurological sciences. At the end of the program, you will earn a certificate of completion.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a prestigious program designed for high school students to gain hands-on experience with high-growth start-ups. Through the program, students intern remotely with start-ups spanning a wide range of industries, including technology, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. During the internship, you will collaborate closely with both the start-up manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on projects, culminating in a presentation of your work to the company. You can view all available opportunities directly on their application form.
3. American Cancer Society - High School Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | $500
Acceptance rate: Varies as per institute
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the institute
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old when the program starts
The American Cancer Society’s High School Program offers institutional support for high school students to join a two-week virtual summer experience focused on cancer research. Designed for students interested in careers in cancer research, healthcare, or health-related sciences, the program combines hands-on learning with career exploration. You will work with the eCLOSE Institute on research projects and case studies to broaden their understanding of cancer science and professional pathways. Beyond the summer session, you can continue to engage throughout the year in career development and networking activities. This program provides both research exposure and guidance toward future opportunities in health and science.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June); upcoming cohort: Fall on September 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research initiative designed specifically for high school students. It provides personalized, 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide array of academic disciplines that students can explore. You will be matched with Ph.D. mentors to collaboratively develop an independent research project. The program includes research method workshops and support for writing a full-length research paper. By the end of the 12-week program, you will complete and submit your own research paper. Available research areas include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can also earn a UCSD credit upon completion of the program. Application details are available here.
5. UCSD Bioengineering Research Scholars
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,600- $3,000 | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: You can find the dates for each program here
Application Deadline: You can find the deadline for each program here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12 | Minimum GPA of 3.0 | At least 14 years old by the start of the course.
The UCSD Bioengineering Research Scholars program offers high school students a pathway to explore bioengineering through hands-on, experiential learning. The program begins with BE-BOAT, a foundational course introducing key bioengineering concepts, experimental design, and lab techniques using custom kits. You can then advance to BE-ROW, collaborating in teams to design and conduct a home-based research project in areas like biomechanics or tissue engineering. Exceptional students may progress directly to BE-SHIP, which pairs you with university labs to independently execute a research project. The program includes live instruction, recorded sessions for flexibility, and weekly support from instructional assistants.
6. UCI School of Medicine Summer Online Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,290; a $50 discount is available for those who get accepted and registered before February 14; scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Session One: June 23 – July 11 | Session Two: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically closes by the end of January or early February
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 - 18 | Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
The UCI School of Medicine Summer Online Research Program is a three-week mentored experience designed to introduce high school students to research methods in medicine. You’ll learn about responsible conduct of human subjects research, evidence-based medicine, and how to critically analyze medical literature. The program also teaches you to write a research report, and along the way, you’ll network with mentors who offer guidance on college and biomedical careers. This flexible program emphasizes research skills and professional development. You can also submit an abstract to a national meeting where, if accepted, your name will be listed as a co-author.
7. Biomedical Engineering Innovation: Online
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,170 | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Summer Session: June 23 – August 1 | Fall Sessions: August 25 – December 5
Application Deadline: May 28
Eligibility: Current high school student; talented 9th-graders (rising sophomores) may be considered | For academic prerequisites, see here.
Johns Hopkins University’s Biomedical Engineering Innovation: Online is a three-credit course for high school students interested in applying engineering principles to biological systems. Delivered mostly asynchronously, the course features pre-recorded lectures, optional live study sessions, and no fixed class times. You’ll design a biosensor, model the human arm and circulatory system, and work on an independent project, either a literature review, an experimental design, or a biomedical device prototype, culminating in an online poster presentation. The program emphasizes interactive, hands-on learning in an engaging virtual format. You can view the past syllabi here to learn more.
8. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 + $40 application fee (full financial aid available for both application and program fees) | None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program introducing high school students to artificial intelligence in healthcare. You will attend technical lectures covering AI fundamentals and their medical applications, alongside daily mentoring and collaborative research projects. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and government share their expertise on emerging technologies in medicine. Career-focused “Lunch and Learn” sessions offer insights into pathways at the intersection of tech and healthcare. You can opt to continue with additional research opportunities after the core program. Upon completing the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing your work.
9. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; waivers are available | None
Acceptance Rate: Selective, around 10%
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers high school students the chance to conduct innovative research alongside faculty mentors. Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies while exploring fields like bioengineering, neuroscience, climate science, cybersecurity, nanoscience, and more. You will develop critical skills in scientific writing, communication, and creative problem-solving while meeting role models in STEM careers. You may have your names published in scientific journals or present work at conferences. Past research topics have spanned from renewable energy and robotics to infectious disease and exoplanet discovery.
10. Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,500 + $95 application fee; financial aid available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Program 1: June 23 - July 4 | Program 2: July 14 - 25
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the first day of the program
The Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Summer Internship gives high school students a hands-on introduction to cardiothoracic surgery. This intensive program covers cardiac and thoracic anatomy, physiology, and surgical diseases through lectures and supervised lab sessions. You’ll learn technical skills like knot tying, dissection, suturing, coronary artery bypass, and valve replacement, taught by Stanford faculty and surgical residents. The curriculum includes ECG interpretation, echocardiography, and imaging techniques, along with an overview of major surgical disorders. You will also practice using surgical instruments and examine porcine heart anatomy to better understand cardiac structure.
11. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,595; scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is an intensive two-week program that explores neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. Through interactive seminars led by Stanford faculty and researchers, you’ll explore topics like behavioral neuroscience, brain imaging, mindfulness, sports psychiatry, and genetics in mental health. The curriculum includes discussions on professional pathways in medicine and science as well as self-care strategies for young adults. Throughout the program, you’ll work in small teams on a capstone project, presenting innovative solutions to real-world mental health challenges. CNI-X combines lectures, collaboration, and creativity in an immersive experience.
12. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 participation fee + $40 application fee; scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16- 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in the Fall | Over 14 by the start of the program
The Summer Health AI Bootcamp is a two-week online program for high school students interested in the future of healthcare and artificial intelligence. Designed for learners of all skill levels, the program combines interactive modules, breakout activities, and group discussions to teach core principles and challenges of machine learning in healthcare. You will explore evaluation metrics, team best practices, and emerging technologies like generative AI through an accessible, engaging format. Daily Virtual Career Lunch and Learns feature guest speakers sharing their experiences from different professional domains. Social activities and collaboration will help you connect with like-minded peers and deepen their learning.
13. Boston Leadership Institute - Biotech Research: Online
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $1,200; competitive need-based scholarships and full tuition scholarships are available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students
The Biotech Research: Online program offers high school students a competitive, summer experience in molecular biology. Throughout the program, you’ll complete hands-on labs from home with supplies shipped directly to you. Activities include a bacterial transformation lab where you manipulate DNA, a micropipetting module to build essential technical skills, and a simulated ELISA antibody test to detect COVID-19 antibodies. You’ll also explore how biotech impacts global markets through a Big Pharma and investing workshop. The program culminates in an independent research project on a genetic disease of your choice, presented to peers at a closing ceremony.
14. Boston Leadership Institute - Biomedical and Surgical Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,200; competitive need-based scholarships are available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
The Biomedical and Surgical Research Program is an intensive, three-week course for students interested in medicine, surgery, and hospital care. You’ll learn basic surgical skills like knot tying and advanced skills such as mock surgeries and diagnostic tests. Through labs and dissections, you’ll examine body systems, implant a mock pacemaker, and perform trauma care scenarios. You will also learn about the nervous and skeletal systems and the digestive system. Research is an essential part of the program, with you presenting on diseases treatable by surgery. You’ll work with real cow hearts, mammalian organs, and fetal pig specimens to gain hands-on knowledge.
15. Camp Zon by Zon Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Paid program, fees not specified | None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 14 - 25
Application Deadline: Typically February
Eligibility: High school or rising college freshman | 16 years of age and older | Residing in Massachusetts
The Camp Zon program is a paid, virtual, two-week research experience for high school students interested in biology and medicine. You’ll work as part of a team to design and analyze a research project on anemia using zebrafish as a model organism. Each team develops a hypothesis, plans experiments, and interprets data collected live from the lab. Along the way, you’ll attend lectures from world-class scientists, learn to read and analyze scientific literature, and practice coding to graph results. The program also includes career mentoring sessions and a final team presentation to the lab. No prior research experience is required.
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