If you're a high school student with a passion for medicine, online medical programs are a great way to explore the field and build valuable skills. These programs cover everything from healthcare and biology to emerging technologies like telemedicine and biomedical engineering, offering a deeper understanding of the medical world. You’ll gain practical knowledge that goes beyond the classroom experience.
What sets these programs apart is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and receive mentorship from professionals - all from the comfort of your home. You’ll also develop key soft skills such as communication, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving.
Here are 13 online medical programs that will help you begin your journey in medicine:
13 Great Online Medical Programs for High School Students
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is an online, trimester-long online initiative that offers high school students a college-level research experience. Mentored by professors and doctoral researchers from globally renowned universities, you’ll develop critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills. You get to select a specific field of interest from a diverse range of subjects, including specialized tracks in medicine and health sciences such as CRISPR & Gene Editing, Machine Learning & Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Protein Biophysics.
Throughout the program, you engage in a structured curriculum that includes small group classes, personalized office hours, and focused writing clinics. You get to explore your chosen topic through guided discussions, independent research, and regular feedback from your mentors, culminating in a comprehensive 20-page research paper. HARP's rigorous design not only strengthens your academic profile but also prepares you for university-level expectations, offering opportunities to receive recommendation letters and external recognition for your work.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher. Some tracks may have specific prerequisites.
Program Dates:
- Summer Seminar: June 24 – September 2, 2024
- Fall Seminar: October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible; applications should be submitted at least four weeks in advance.
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Medicine, with opportunities to explore related fields such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology.
Cost: Program fees are available upon inquiry; financial aid available.
Application Deadlines: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Medicine Track is a 12-week online mentorship initiative designed for high school students passionate about medical research. You are paired with Ph.D. mentors from top-tier universities, such as Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford, and work one-on-one to develop independent research projects. The program develops critical thinking, research skills, and academic writing, focusing on areas like biotechnology, human diseases, public health, and more.
The program starts with choosing a research topic and crafting a focused question with guidance from your mentors. You’ll then conduct in-depth research, develop hypotheses, and draft a thorough paper. By the end, you’ll refine your work into a polished academic paper, which can be submitted for publication, used in college applications, or presented at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record and a keen interest in medicine.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, with the upcoming Winter Cohort 2024 starting December 16, 2024.
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Medicine and related fields such as biology, neuroscience, and public health.
Cost: $2,800; financial aid available. Please visit the website for the most accurate information.
Application Deadlines:
- Winter Cohort 2024: November 24, 2024
- Spring Cohort 2025: February 9, 2025
The Deep Dive: AI + Medicine program by Veritas AI is an advanced 10-week online course for high school students (grades 8–12) that explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. The program teaches you how to apply AI technologies to tackle real-world challenges in medical research and clinical practice. You’ll learn key concepts like medical data preparation, exploratory data analysis, convolutional neural networks, and advanced techniques such as image segmentation, transfer learning, and clinical evaluation.
Through project-based learning, you’ll build and refine AI models to address key medical challenges, gaining hands-on experience that bridges theory and real-world applications. The program also focuses on critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and the ethical implications of AI in healthcare. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation in AI, a portfolio-worthy project, and an enhanced academic profile, preparing you for competitive pre-medical or interdisciplinary AI and medicine programs.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8–12 with a background in coding or completion of the AI Scholars program
Program Dates: 25-hour program conducted over 10 weekends
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Machine Learning
Cost: $2290; financial aid available
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
The Ladder Internships: Healthcare and Medicine Track is a dynamic virtual program offering high school students real-world experience in the medical field. You’ll be matched with innovative startups, healthcare organizations, or nonprofits globally, working on projects that align with your career goals in healthcare and medicine. Over 8–12 weeks, you’ll engage in research, data analysis, content creation, and more, all under the guidance of industry professionals.
This program focuses on career development, helping you build skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while exploring the complexities of healthcare. You’ll learn how medical advancements and healthcare delivery intersect across organizations. By the end, you’ll have a strong portfolio and an enhanced academic profile, positioning you as a competitive candidate for future opportunities in healthcare, biotechnology, and medicine.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: December 16 - 10 February, 2025
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Medicine, Health Technology
Cost: $1,990 program fee, with financial assistance available.
Application Deadlines: November 4, 2024
The Wake Forest University Online Medicine Course gives you a hands-on introduction to the medical field. Taught by Wake Forest School of Medicine professors and doctors, this program helps you explore patient care—from ambulance response to ER treatment and follow-up care. Using interactive simulations, videos, and assignments, you’ll learn about the roles of healthcare professionals, how medical decisions are made, and the ethics behind patient care.
This course builds your medical knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence, helping you prepare for college and pre-med studies. You’ll also improve your communication and critical thinking while earning a certificate.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: Multiple 2, and 4 week sessions available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; applications accepted year-round
Location: Online
Subject Areas: Medicine, Healthcare, Patient Care
Cost: $1,495 per course
The University of Rochester’s Pre-College Online Medicine Courses offer high school students a flexible, self-paced way to explore the world of healthcare and gain foundational knowledge in medical sciences. Designed for high school students, these courses span 20-30 hours of instruction and cover essential topics such as “Human Anatomy and Physiology,” “Medical Research and Clinical Trials,” “Personalized Medicine,” and “Orthopedic Medicine.” Each course is led by University of Rochester faculty and offers a mix of video lectures, simulations, interactive assignments, and projects that allow you to build a comprehensive understanding of medical principles and practices.
You receive mentorship throughout the program and join a community of like-minded peers, providing a collaborative environment for discussions, support, and networking. Completing one or more courses also earns you a Certificate of Completion from the University of Rochester, which enhances your academic profile and signals a strong commitment to future studies in medicine.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: Year-round, with multiple start dates to accommodate student schedules
Location: Online
Subject Areas: Medicine, Healthcare, Medical Research, Ethics
Cost: $1,495 per course
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship offers a unique, two-week virtual experience for high school students interested in the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Through this program, you engage in a deep dive into AI technologies and their applications in medical imaging and healthcare. Designed to inspire innovation, the internship combines lectures, hands-on research, and guided projects led by Stanford’s esteemed faculty and researchers, providing you with a rich, interactive introduction to the field of AI-driven healthcare.
You attend sessions on AI fundamentals, including machine learning and data analysis techniques specific to healthcare. You apply this knowledge to real-world projects, using tools commonly employed in AI research to develop solutions aimed at improving medical imaging and diagnostics.
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025, aged 14 or older, with strong skills in math or programming
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27, 2025
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Location: Online
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare, Medical Imaging, Research
Cost:
- Application Fee: $40
- Program Participation Fee (if accepted): $850
- Financial aid opportunities available
Immerse Education offers online medicine courses for high school students, introducing you to key concepts like human anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, and advancements in medical research. Led by expert tutors, these interactive sessions simulate university-level learning while keeping you engaged with discussions, collaborative projects, and case studies.
The program helps you develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills essential for a career in healthcare. You’ll explore complex topics such as patient-doctor relationships, confidentiality, and medical technology, gaining a deeper understanding of real-world medical challenges. Completing the course also earns you a certificate and strengthens your academic profile.
Eligibility: High school students aged 13-18
Program Dates: Multiple sessions are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; early application is recommended due to limited spots.
Location: Online
Subject Areas: Medicine, Healthcare, Medical Ethics, Anatomy
Cost: Program fees apply; please visit the website for more detailed information.
The HMX Fundamentals Online Courses from Harvard Medical School offer high school students a rigorous introduction to core medical sciences, ideal for those pursuing healthcare careers. Created by Harvard Medical School faculty, these courses cover physiology, immunology, genetics, biochemistry, and pharmacology through interactive modules, case studies, and clinical applications. You’ll explore how these sciences connect to patient care and medical research.
With multimedia content, interactive quizzes, and clinical insights, the program deepens your understanding of complex topics. The flexible, self-paced format fits your schedule, letting you learn at your own pace. Completing the program earns you a certificate from Harvard Medical School and strengthens your academic profile for future studies in medicine.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates:
- January 14 – March 28, 2025
- April 15 – June 27, 2025
- June 3 – August 15, 2025
Application Deadlines:
- For the January 14 – March 28, 2025 session: Apply by December 10, 2024
- For the April 15 – June 27, 2025 session: Application opens December 11, 2024
- For the June 3 – August 15, 2025 session: Application opens March 26, 2025
Location: Online
Subject Areas: Physiology, Immunology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology
Cost: $995 per course, $1,490 for two courses, $1,985 for three courses.
The Stanford Summer of Neurosciences Program is an immersive, virtual experience for high school students keen to explore neuroscience, neurology, and neurosurgery. Hosted by Stanford University and the VA Palo Alto, this program combines weekly sessions, professional insights, and exposure to live medical discussions, offering you a comprehensive introduction to the field. Each week, you engage in Journal Club sessions to discuss current research, Career Insights sessions to learn about various neuroscience professions, and Grand Rounds presentations where experts share the latest clinical developments.
Participating in this program provides you with valuable academic and career advantages. Through direct interaction with medical professionals and exposure to cutting-edge advancements, you gain a practical understanding of neuroscience careers and develop critical research and analytical skills.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: July 9 – August 8, 2024
Application Deadline: Please visit the website for more detailed information
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Neurology, Neurosurgery
Cost: Available on request. Check the website for details.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week virtual internship designed for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups, providing them with hands-on experience in neuroscience research. Hosted by Johns Hopkins University, this program allows you to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects, gaining exposure to advanced neuroscience techniques, scientific inquiry, and data analysis. Throughout the internship, you actively engage in neuroscience studies, attend seminars, and participate in workshops covering various topics in brain science and research methodologies.
Through this experience, you’ll develop key skills in scientific thinking, analysis, and problem-solving, crucial for success in medical and scientific fields. By the end, you’ll have completed a research project and gained a solid foundation in brain science, making it a valuable addition to your portfolio.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
Program Dates: July – August 2025 (specific dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Brain Sciences, Research
Cost: Free; $500 scholarship for virtual participants
Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare, by Northwestern University on Coursera, helps high school students explore diverse healthcare careers and build essential professional skills. This self-paced course covers career planning, resume writing, job searching, networking, and communication strategies. Insights from over 50 guest speakers, including Northwestern faculty and healthcare experts, provide a clear roadmap to pursuing a medical career.
Interactive modules, real-world assignments, and personal stories from professionals make the course practical and engaging. You’ll define your goals, align them with industry demands, and connect with peers and mentors, preparing for the next step in your journey.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: Self-paced; approximately 6 hours per week for 3 weeks
Application Deadline: No specific deadline; enrollment is open
Location: Online via Coursera
Subject Areas: Healthcare careers, professional development, job search strategies
Cost: Free enrollment; optional certificate available for $49
Offered by Duke University through Coursera, "Introductory Human Physiology" is a detailed and engaging course designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive understanding of how the human body functions. This course introduces the major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems, and explores their roles in maintaining homeostasis. You learn about the mechanisms that regulate body functions, from cellular processes to system-wide integration, allowing for a deeper understanding of human physiology.
The course focuses on applying physiological principles to real-world situations, helping you connect theory with health, fitness, and disease management. Through video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, you’ll actively learn and gain insights into how the body responds to stress, disease, and environmental factors.
Eligibility: Open to all learners interested in understanding human physiology
Program Dates: Self-paced; approximately 33 hours to complete
Application Deadline: No specific deadline; enrollment is open
Location: Online via Coursera
Subject Areas: Human physiology, medical sciences, healthcare
Cost: Free enrollment; optional certificate available for $49
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.