TL;DR
Tennessee has summer medical programs for high school students interested in biomedical research, veterinary medicine, clinical exposure, healthcare careers, medical laboratory science, and health sciences. The list includes free programs, paid opportunities, programs with stipends, and options that offer college credit. Eligibility ranges from students in grades 6–12 to programs limited to rising seniors, with some opportunities restricted by school, county, or rural residency. If you want to take a more independent approach to research, explore the Horizon Academic Research Program for 1:1 mentorship and an independent research project.
If you’re thinking about a career in medicine, you don’t have to wait until college to start exploring the field. Summer programs can give you a chance to see what medical research, clinical work, healthcare, and related fields actually look like. Depending on the program, you might work in a university lab, learn clinical skills, explore healthcare careers, or work with researchers on a project. We’ve put together 15 summer medical programs for high school students in Tennessee. For students who prefer to do research remotely, you can also explore online medical research opportunities for high school students.
Which Tennessee medical programs don’t require you to be a junior or senior?
Grade level is one of the easiest ways to narrow this list. Some Tennessee medical programs are designed specifically for older high school students, while others open their doors much earlier. If you’re still in middle school or early high school, there are options here that let you explore healthcare before committing to a more advanced research or internship program.
For a broader look at summer opportunities by grade level, you can also explore summer programs for high school sophomores.
Find a Tennessee medical program by what fits you
Which programs are restricted to a specific city, county, or school?
Residency and school requirements matter across this list. Some opportunities are open to students across Tennessee, while others are designed for students from specific communities or schools.
The restrictions can be particularly important for research programs. Before applying, check whether the program requires you to attend a particular high school, live in a specific county, or come from a rural community.
For more research-focused options outside Tennessee, you can also browse 35 summer research programs for high school students.
Which programs offer college credit or a stipend?
Funding and academic credit are two useful ways to separate these programs.
Some opportunities help you earn college credit while exploring a health-related subject. Others provide a stipend for participating in research or a summer experience. If earning credit is one of your priorities, you can compare these options with 15 college credit courses for high school students.
Which programs focus on research vs. career exploration and shadowing?
The list covers several very different kinds of medical experiences. Research-heavy programs give you a chance to work on projects, learn research methods, analyze information, or present findings. Career-exploration programs are more focused on observing professionals, learning about healthcare roles, and getting familiar with medical environments.
If you’re mainly interested in observing professionals, 15 shadowing programs for high school students offer more options. If you want to work with data and computational methods, 15 computational biology summer programs for high school students are another useful starting point.
15 Tennessee medical summer programs to consider
1. 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: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Vary 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 gives you a structured way to pursue independent research with a Ph.D. mentor. You can work across subjects including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. The main outcome is an independent research paper developed through 1-on-1 research guidance. You can also explore the program’s application process and student reviews before deciding whether it fits your goals.
Who is it right for? High school students who want 1:1 mentorship while exploring an independent research project in a subject connected to medicine, science, technology, or the social sciences.
2. Veritas AI – Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Program Dates: Multiple 10-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: May 25 (summer session I); June 22 (session II)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12; Completion of the AI Scholars program or prior experience in Python
The Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine program focuses on how machine learning is being used across medicine. You’ll study applications in areas such as genomics, diagnostics, and drug discovery while learning technical concepts including medical data preparation, exploratory data analysis, convolutional neural networks, and image segmentation.
Who is it right for? High school students in grades 8–12 with prior AI or Python experience who want to explore the intersection of machine learning and medicine.
3. Vanderbilt Biomedical Informatics Summer Program (VBISP)
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend
Program Dates: Approximately 10 weeks during the summer, from late May through early August
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students interested in biomedical informatics and STEM; current eligibility requirements should be confirmed through the application
VBISP puts you at the intersection of computer science, engineering, biology, cognitive science, and clinical medicine. You’ll work on a faculty-mentored research project while taking part in seminars, professional development activities, and a group design challenge. You’ll finish by presenting your work and submitting a final report, with potential opportunities to share your research more broadly.
Who is it right for? High school students interested in computer science, data, and healthcare who want to explore how technology can be used to solve real-world problems in medicine and biomedical research.
4. St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program
Location: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Cost: Free; $4,800 stipend provided
Program Dates: June 1–July 24
Application Deadline: December 4
Eligibility: High school juniors, 16+, from the Memphis-Shelby County area and surrounding counties in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas; current eligibility requirements should be confirmed through the application
This eight-week experience gives you direct exposure to biomedical research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You’ll work with research mentors on an ongoing project, learn how scientific questions are investigated, and take part in educational and professional development activities. You’ll also communicate your research through a scientific presentation or poster at the end of the program.
Who is it right for? High school juniors in the Memphis area and surrounding counties who want to explore biomedical research related to childhood diseases and healthcare.
5. University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Summer Experience Program (VSEP)
Location: University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, and UTCVM-approved veterinary practices across Tennessee
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Program Dates: June 9–July 11
Application Deadline: February 3–27
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are Tennessee residents or attend a Tennessee high school or homeschool program; additional age, GPA, and participation requirements apply
VSEP combines veterinary clinical observation with a week of university-based learning. For the first four weeks, you’ll observe veterinarians in approved practices and learn about animal care, clinical routines, and veterinary careers. The final week at UTCVM adds academic sessions, facility tours, and interaction with veterinary faculty and students.
Who is it right for? High school juniors and seniors interested in veterinary medicine who want experience in both clinical practice and a university veterinary setting.
6. Vanderbilt University: Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS)
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Cost: No program fee listed
Program Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors participating in the Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) Program at Stratford STEM Magnet High School, John Overton High School, or Hillsboro High School
REHSS gives rising seniors in the ISR Program a six-week research experience at Vanderbilt University. You’ll work with Vanderbilt or Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty on a research project while building research and scientific communication skills. The program ends with a formal symposium where you present your work to the Vanderbilt community.
Who is it right for? High school students in Vanderbilt’s ISR Program who are entering senior year and want hands-on faculty-mentored research experience before college.
7. Methodist University Hospital’s Summer VolunTEEN Program
Location: Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, TN, for orientation; volunteering at Methodist University, North, South, Germantown, or Olive Branch Hospitals
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 1–25
Application Deadline: April 5–18
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18 who are at least 16 years old by June 1 of the program year
Summer VolunTEEN gives you volunteer experience inside a hospital environment. After a mandatory orientation, you’ll spend three and a half weeks volunteering at an assigned hospital or department. Your placement can give you experience supporting patients, visitors, hospital staff, or administrative operations while you learn how a healthcare organization functions.
Who is it right for? High school students ages 16–18 who want to explore healthcare careers through direct volunteer experience in a hospital setting.
8. East Tennessee State University EQUIP Programs
Location: Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Cost: Free; housing and meals are provided for the Rural High School Medical Camp
Program Dates: Rural High School Medical Camp: June 8–10 or July 20–22; Doc for a Day: June 5
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rural high school students in Tennessee and nearby counties in Virginia and North Carolina; Medical Camp is for rising high school seniors and recent graduates, while Doc for a Day is for rising high school juniors
EQUIP offers two different ways to explore medicine. Doc for a Day is a one-day introduction with a campus tour, anatomy lab and simulation center visits, and conversations with Quillen faculty and admissions staff. The Rural High School Medical Camp gives rising seniors and recent graduates three days of hands-on exposure to anatomy, human simulation, and physical exam skills.
Who is it right for? High school students from rural communities who are considering medicine and want hands-on exposure to anatomy, simulation, physical exams, and medical school life.
9. Vanderbilt University’s Discover Biomedical Research Summer Program
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from Nashville and surrounding areas; no prior laboratory experience required
This two-week program is designed as an introduction to biomedical research. You’ll work with Vanderbilt biomedical graduate students, take part in laboratory activities, learn research techniques, and discuss careers in science and medicine. You do not need previous laboratory experience to get started.
Who is it right for? High school students from the Nashville area who are new to biomedical research and want hands-on laboratory experience in an academic research environment.
10. University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) High School to Health Care (HS2HC) Summer Camp
Location: UT Martin Ripley Center, Ripley, TN
Cost: Free; participants who complete the camp are expected to receive a gift card stipend
Program Dates: July 20–24
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
HS2HC introduces you to healthcare careers that combine medicine, laboratory science, public health, and technology. You’ll take part in activities involving medical laboratory science, health informatics, data management, patient safety, and healthcare systems. The program gives you hands-on exposure to medical laboratory and healthcare data work while you learn from UTHSC faculty.
Who is it right for? High school students entering grades 11 or 12 who want to explore medical laboratory science, health informatics, and healthcare data through hands-on activities with UTHSC faculty.
11. Baptist Health Sciences University’s HealthCORE STEM Summer Camp
Location: Baptist Health Sciences University, Memphis, TN
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Summer; dates vary by year
Application Deadline: Registration opens in March; check the current application for the exact deadline
Eligibility: Rising students in grades 6–12
HealthCORE is one of the most accessible options on this list by age. You’ll explore healthcare and STEM through hands-on activities and demonstrations covering areas such as medical laboratory science, biomedical science, nursing, diagnostics, public health, and respiratory care.
Who is it right for? High school students entering grades 6–12 who want to explore different healthcare careers through hands-on STEM activities and exposure to medical professionals.
12. Lipscomb University Summer Scholars Program – Lipscomb HCA/Tri-Star Health Sciences Track
Location: Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
Cost: $1,300 for lodging, meals, and activities
Program Dates: July 9–16
Application Deadline: March 15 for the early deadline; April 15 for the final deadline
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA over six completed semesters and a composite ACT score of 24, SAT score of 1160, or CLT score of 79; test-optional applicants need a minimum 3.5 GPA
The Lipscomb HCA/Tri-Star Health Sciences course is an eight-day introduction to multiple healthcare professions. You’ll take part in laboratory experiences and presentations from faculty across nursing, physician assistant, nutrition, pharmacy, kinesiology/exercise science, and cardiovascular perfusion. You’ll also earn three college credit hours while exploring health sciences and healthcare careers.
Who is it right for? High school students entering senior year who want to explore multiple health professions through hands-on laboratory experiences and earn college credit before starting university.
13. Pathways to Health Care Practice Summer Camp – Belmont University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS)
Location: Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Cost: Not specified
Program Dates: June 2–6
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 11–16
Pathways to Health Care Practice gives younger students a chance to explore several healthcare fields in one program. You’ll take part in hands-on activities with Belmont faculty and interact with current CPHS students while exploring pharmacy, social work, mental health counseling, exercise science, occupational therapy, and nursing. You’ll finish the camp with a certificate of completion.
Who is it right for? Students ages 11–16 who want to explore different health care careers through hands-on activities and exposure to multiple health professions.
14. Research Intensive Summer Experience in Molecular and Cellular Biology (RISE-MCB) – Belmont University
Location: Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Cost: $1,700; financial support may be available by contacting the camp director
Program Dates: June 8–July 2
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years old with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in math and science
RISE-MCB combines introductory statistics with hands-on molecular and cellular biology research. You’ll spend time in the lab learning how cells generate energy, store genetic information, communicate, and build essential structures. You’ll also earn college credit for the statistics course while learning research techniques used to study human cells and disease.
Who is it right for? Students 14+ with strong math and science grades who want college-level statistics alongside hands-on molecular and cellular biology research.
15. Vanderbilt Summer Academy Programs
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Cost: $2,600 for rising 9th/10th graders or $2,750 for rising 11th/12th graders, plus a $50 application fee; need-based financial assistance is available
Program Dates: June 7–13, June 21–27, July 5–11, or July 12–18, 2026, depending on grade level and session
Application Deadline: January 14 priority deadline; rolling admission began January 15 while spots remained
Eligibility: Rising 9th–10th and 11th–12th graders who meet Vanderbilt’s academic eligibility requirements through qualifying test scores or a portfolio
Vanderbilt Summer Academy is a residential academic option where you can take accelerated courses across science, technology, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Medical-related options include courses such as AI in medical imaging, alongside other research-oriented and specialized subjects. Your experience will depend on the course you choose, with activities ranging from experiments and research analysis to projects and discussions.
Who is it right for? High school students entering grades 9–12 who want an academically challenging residential course and can demonstrate strong preparation in the subject they want to study.
One more option: the Horizon Academic Research Program
If you want to develop your own research question and work on an independent project with 1:1 guidance, the Horizon Academic Research Program offers a different kind of research experience. You can explore a subject connected to medicine, biology, neuroscience, psychology, chemistry, data science, or another academic field while working toward a university-level research paper.
What families ask about Tennessee medical summer programs
It depends on the program. Some opportunities accept students from across Tennessee or nearby states, while others have specific county, school, or regional residency requirements.
Yes. Some opportunities begin as early as grades 6–12 or accept students from age 11, while many research and internship programs are reserved for juniors, seniors, or recent graduates.
Yes. Some programs provide stipends, while others offer college credit for completing academic coursework. The amount and requirements vary by program, so check the individual program details before applying.
Some programs involve mentored research projects, while others follow a structured curriculum or focus on career exploration. If you want 1:1 guidance while developing an independent research project, explore the Horizon Academic Research Program.
Image source: Vanderbilt University