For high school students interested in a medical career, pre-college programs offer a way to explore the field early. You’ll gain hands-on experience in anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology, all while working on your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
These skills help you grow academically and also make your resume stand out to future employers or colleges. These programs introduce you to specialized software used in the medical field. You might work with tools for patient management, diagnostic imaging, or research data analysis. Beyond technical knowledge, you’ll observe healthcare professionals in real-world settings.
To make your search easier, here is a list of 12 paid medicine programs for high school students that will look great on your resume!
12 Paid Medicine Programs for High School Students That Look Great on Your Resume
1. Biomedical Engineering (BME) High School Internship Program
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 16 years old and rising high school seniors.
Stipend: Provided (amount unspecified).
Location: College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota.
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative, based on last year dates)
Program Dates: June 24-August 1
The BME High School Internship Program gives you a hands-on introduction to biomedical engineering. Hosted by the University of Minnesota, this six-week paid internship lets you work on real biomedical research alongside graduate students and faculty.
You’ll develop skills in laboratory research, scientific writing, and communication. You’ll also explore how biology and engineering come together in the medical field. During the program, you’ll visit research facilities like the Visible Heart Lab and have the chance to connect with professionals working in biomedical engineering.
2. LHI-AHA Summer Research Scholars Program
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and currently high school juniors or seniors at the time of application.
Stipend: Participants receive a scholarship
Location: Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota.
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: Eight weeks | June 2 – July 25
The LHI-AHA Summer Research Scholars Program offers high school students a hands-on introduction to cardiovascular research. Hosted by the Lillehei Heart Institute at the University of Minnesota, this eight-week paid program lets you work in a research lab, guided by faculty mentors. You’ll contribute to both basic and clinical research projects, exploring topics ranging from molecular biology to medical applications in cardiovascular science. The program also includes weekly seminars with experts and site visits to clinical, industrial, and academic institutions.
3. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD (In-Person) | Remote (Virtual)
Cost: Fully funded; in-person interns receive an hourly wage + transportation funds; virtual interns receive a $500 stipend.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must be enrolled in a Baltimore City public school.
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks (In-Person) | 5 weeks (Virtual), Summer.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS) offers high school students a chance to explore neuroscience research through both in-person and virtual formats. In the in-person track, you’ll spend eight weeks conducting hands-on research at Johns Hopkins, collaborating with faculty, staff, and mentors.
You’ll also rotate through clinical settings with neurologists, attend scientific seminars, and present your research at the end of the program. The virtual track, open to students nationwide, spans five weeks and covers neuroscience research, laboratory techniques, professional development, and mentorship through online sessions.
4. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors attending an SFUSD high school, SF charter school, or College Track San Francisco.
Application Deadline: March 2 (tentative, based on last year dates)
Program Dates: June – August
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; interns receive a stipend based on hours worked—$3,200 for 25 hours/week and $4,500 for 35 hours/week upon successful program completion.
The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) offers an eight-week paid internship that introduces you to biomedical research. You’ll be paired with UCSF scientists who will guide you through hands-on research projects, helping you develop key scientific skills and techniques.
You’ll explore various fields such as infectious diseases, neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, cancer research, stem cell science, and developmental biology. In addition to research, the program focuses on science communication, networking with professionals, and college preparation through counseling sessions.
5. UChicago Medicine’s SHE in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a $500 taxable stipend upon successful completion.
Program Dates: Late July (2 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
The Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology is a virtual program designed for high school students interested in healthcare careers, with a focus on oncology. You’ll explore cancer research, patient care, and the latest advancements in the field through an engaging curriculum. The program includes faculty-led lectures, expert panel discussions, and skill-building workshops.
You’ll explore topics like genetics-based cancer research, patient case studies, and the role of medical professionals in oncology. You’ll also participate in lab-based activities, collaborate with peers, and present your research findings to mentors and fellow students.
6. KP LAUNCH High School Summer Program at Kaiser Permanente
Location: Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; participants earn $24 per hour.
Eligibility: Open to high school students (including graduating seniors) aged 16+ by June 1, with a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente service area.
Application Deadline: Applications open in November.
Program Dates: June 16–August 1.
The KP LAUNCH High School Summer Program is a seven-week paid internship for high school students interested in the administrative and support roles in healthcare. You’ll get hands-on experience in hospital and medical settings, exploring fields like nursing, pharmacy, lab sciences, and healthcare administration.
You’ll take part in job shadowing, interactive activities, and workshops that build your understanding of healthcare operations. The program focuses on mentorship, teamwork, and professional skill development.
7. ResearcHStart at UChicago Medicine
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a $3,000 taxable stipend
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the time of application
Application Deadline: Late January
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
The ResearcHStart program at UChicago Medicine is an eight-week summer research internship focused on cancer research. You’ll work in high-tech labs alongside top scientists in cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental therapeutics, and health disparities.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience with lab techniques used in cancer diagnostics and treatment development while exploring the research process in depth. The program includes workshops on scientific ethics, research methodologies, and medical career pathways.
8. Go4Brains: High School Neuroscience Summer Program
Location: University of Minnesota
Cost/Stipend: Free for 10 of 12 selected students | $400 stipend
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–11 from underrepresented backgrounds in science and medicine
Application Deadline: March (tentative)
Program Dates: One week in July (tentative)
Go4Brains is a week-long summer program at the University of Minnesota designed to introduce high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to neuroscience. You’ll get hands-on experience in neuroscience research, career pathways, and professional development.
You’ll tour advanced neuroscience labs, conduct mini-research projects, and engage in workshops on brain function, neurological disorders, and emerging technologies. You’ll also connect with faculty and industry professionals to build mentoring relationships.
9. M-ASCEND School-Year High School Program
Location: Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
Stipend: $15 per hour
Eligibility: 10th or 11th-grade students attending select metro-area public high schools (Brooklyn Center, Central, Harding, Hiawatha, Highland Park, Patrick Henry, Roosevelt, Johnson, Washington Tech, South); must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 9 (based on last year’s dates)
Program Dates: 8 online and 5 in-person sessions throughout the school year
The M-ASCEND School-Year High School Program offers Minnesota students hands-on exposure to cancer research, healthcare careers, and college readiness. This paid program runs through fall and spring, providing mentorship, research experience, and professional development.
You’ll attend seminars on cancer biology, clinical trials, and health disparities while receiving guidance from undergraduate science and healthcare students. For students 16 and older, a competitive internship is available. The internship includes an eight-week Summer Research Internship with independent projects and a 12-month Community Health Internship focused on DNA damage research
10. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Institutes of Medicine, Stanford University
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; participants receive $500–$1,500 depending on grant awards
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors (must be at least 16 years old)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers high school students hands-on experience in biomedical research. You’ll work with Stanford faculty and researchers in fields like immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, and genetics.
Through lab work, you’ll learn research techniques, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to real projects. The program also includes mentorship and professional development, helping you build a foundation for careers in medicine, healthcare, and scientific research.
11. The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $1,500
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16 and older who have completed at least one high school science course
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 7-31
The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research is a four-week, hands-on experience where you will work in a professional laboratory alongside experienced scientists. You will learn essential research skills such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, cell culture techniques, and data analysis.
You will also gain experience in scientific communication, learning to analyze research papers, interpret experimental results, and present findings through scientific posters and oral presentations. This program helps you build problem-solving and critical thinking skills while designing and troubleshooting experiments.
12. High School Internship – Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; participants receive $13/hour
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications open on January 7 (deadline not specified)
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering their junior or senior year who reside in Palm Beach or Martin Counties; applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship is a competitive six-week program where you’ll explore neuroscience research. You will work closely with scientists, gaining hands-on experience in techniques like genetic engineering, histological staining, and advanced microscopy.
You will also develop scientific communication skills by writing a research abstract and presenting your findings. This program provides access to top research facilities and mentorship from neuroscientists, offering a solid foundation for those interested in neuroscience, biomedical research, or related fields.
Bonus –
1. Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Cost: $1790
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior Python experience.
Duration: 10 sessions, 2.5 hours per session
Dates: Jun 9 – Aug 11 (Sundays, 11 AM – 1:30 PM EST)
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine program, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. You will get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students focused on medicine and health sciences. You can explore courses like Medical Sociology, Neuroscience, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Protein Biophysics, Gene Editing and CRISPR, Machine Learning in Biotechnology, and other interdisciplinary subjects. Horizon is one of the few programs that lets you choose between quantitative and qualitative research tracks in these specialized fields.
After selecting your track, you will work closely with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university who will mentor you throughout your research. You’ll write a 20-page research paper at the university level, which could be eligible for publication in top journals. The program provides a letter of recommendation as well. Apply here!
Image source – Johns Hopkins University logo
