If you’re a high school student in Boston interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you may be looking for opportunities to explore the field before college. If that’s the case, look no further! Boston is home to multiple hospitals and organizations that offer some great summer medical programs for high school students each year.
As a participant, these summer medical programs give you the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in healthcare and biomedical sciences. These programs are designed for students who want to understand the realities of working in healthcare beyond what textbooks can offer.
If your interests lie in studying anatomy, emergency medicine, or biomedical research, these programs provide hands-on training, mentorship, and a preview of life in medical school. You’ll get opportunities to explore specialties, work with professionals, and even practice clinical techniques. Whether you’re living in Boston and looking for a local program, or looking to attend a course in Boston, these summer programs are a great way to start!
To help you choose, we’ve narrowed down 15 medical summer programs for high school students in Boston:
1. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall; over the age of 14 by the program’s start
Stanford’s Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers the AIMI Summer Research Internship, a virtual two-week program for high school students with strong skills in programming, math, or statistics. This program explores the intersection of AI and healthcare through expert-led lectures, team-based projects, and personalized guidance from Stanford-affiliated mentors.
You also take part in “Lunch and Learn” sessions where professionals from diverse industries discuss their career paths. At the end of the internship, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and may pursue independent research afterwards. The program provides an opportunity to build foundational knowledge in medical AI and connect with leaders in the field.
2. AIM: Introduction to Medicine
Location: Boston University
Cost: $60 application fee + $5,370 (tuition) + $75 service fee
Application Deadline: Applications close once slots are filled
Program Dates:
- Commuter: July 21 – August 8
- Residential: July 20 – August 8
Eligibility: Junior or senior year of high school in the Fall
AIM: Introduction to Medicine is your chance to experience what premedical and medical students study, all in a structured three-week format. You’ll attend daily morning seminars on anatomy, physiology, infectious diseases, and medical challenges in society. Afternoon sessions in week one include simulations in physical exams, suturing, radiology, and anatomy labs.
The following two weeks focus on systems physiology, culminating in a final research presentation. The program is taught by BU faculty and grad students and offers a blend of scientific learning and career exploration. You’ll leave with practical insights into the academic and professional world of medicine.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950
Application Deadline: May 21 for the summer cohort, and September 25 for the fall cohort
Program Dates: Varies as per cohort. 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 runs trimester-long research programs for high school students in a wide range of subjects, including neuroscience, political theory, biology, machine learning, data science, chemistry, psychology, and more. It also offers you the choice between qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
After choosing a subject area and research method, you are matched with a Ph.D. researcher or professor from a leading university who provides one-on-one mentorship. You will complete a 20-page, college-level research paper that you can submit to journals for possible publication. You will also receive a detailed evaluation of your work and a recommendation letter that can be useful for future research and college applications. Apply here.
4. Mini Med School
Location: Tufts University College
Cost: Program fees vary per session
Application Deadline: December 2 – May 1
Program Dates: Multiple 1-2 week sessions are available
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12 or Spring high school graduates;1 year of high school biology is required; 16 years of age by the program start date
Mini Med School is a summer program designed to give you a firsthand look at the medical field through Tufts University School of Medicine. You’ll learn directly from Tufts faculty and medical students through lectures, labs, and clinical simulations. Hands-on experiences include practising skills like suturing and taking vital signs in real simulation settings.
You’ll explore anatomy in advanced labs and complete a capstone project on a clinical or health-related topic. The program also features Q&A sessions with medical professionals and admissions staff to help you understand different healthcare careers.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost:
- Individual Research Program – $2,990
- Premium Research & Publication Program – $5,900
- Research Fellowship: $8,900
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers an academic opportunity tailored for high school students. It features customised, one-on-one research experiences across a broad range of disciplines that you can explore at the high school level. You will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor and collaborate closely to carry out an independent research project.
Throughout the 12-week program, you develop and complete a comprehensive research paper focused on your selected subject. Research fields include economics, physics, psychology, international relations, computer science, data science, chemistry, engineering, and more. More details and application steps can be found here.
6. Mini Dental School
Location: Tufts University College
Cost: Commuter fee: $3,525 + Materials Fee: $100
Application Deadline: December 2 – May 1
Program Dates: June 23 – June 27
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12 or Spring high school graduates;1 year of high school biology is required; 16 years old by the program start date
Mini Dental School introduces you to the diverse field of dentistry in a week-long program filled with hands-on learning. You’ll engage in simulations of dental procedures such as fillings and suturing, while learning about anatomy and oral health.
Professionals will walk you through the latest dental tools and technologies shaping the future of the field. You’ll study real patient cases and understand the broader link between dental health and overall well-being. A final capstone project challenges you to present a creative solution to a dental health issue.
7. Adventures in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Tufts University College
Cost:
- Commuter: $4,725
- Residential: $6,250
Application Deadline: December 2 – May 1
Program Dates:
- Session 1: July 6 – July 18
- Session 2: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 or Spring high school graduates; 15 years old by the program start date
Adventures in Veterinary Medicine is a two-week program that lets you explore the world of veterinary science in a hands-on, immersive environment. Hosted at Tufts University, this experience includes lectures from faculty and vet students, as well as labs in haematology and anatomy. You’ll work directly with animals on the Cummings School Farm and learn clinical skills like suturing, bandaging, and reading X-rays.
You’ll also participate in physical exams, meet working animals, and visit a dairy farm. Whether you’re interested in surgery, diagnostics, or animal care, this program introduces you to many aspects of veterinary medicine in a supportive, interactive setting.
8. MEDscienceClinical by Harvard Medical School
Location: Harvard Medical School
Cost: $2,250 – $2,800
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – August
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application.
MEDscienceClinical immerses you in the high-stakes world of emergency medicine through interactive simulation at Harvard Medical School. You’ll learn to assess and treat medical conditions using clinical tools and hands-on techniques like IV placement, CPR, and wound care.
You’ll also train in trauma care and earn CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed certifications. MEDchats offer insight into a wide range of medical careers through candid conversations with working professionals. This is a fast-moving, team-based program for aspiring healthcare students.
9. MEDscienceLAB
Location: Harvard Medical School
Cost: $2,800
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – August
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application; At least 16 years old at the start of the program
MEDscienceLAB is a one-week, full-day program where you’ll explore the connection between biotechnology, lab research, and clinical care. Held at Harvard Medical School, the program places you in state-of-the-art simulation labs and research settings. You’ll perform diagnostic experiments using real patient samples and apply lab tests to treat a life-like patient simulator.
Along the way, you’ll learn techniques like PCR, DNA extraction, and ELISA, all relevant to careers in research and medicine. Daily MEDchats with professionals will introduce you to paths in biotech, public health, and biomedical science. It’s an immersive way to experience modern medicine thoroughly.
10. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 31
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school senior/ recent high school graduate living or studying in Massachusetts at the time of the program
Explore the field of neurology through a full-time, paid summer internship with Mass General’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program. Designed for high school students, the program runs for 6 to 8 weeks and includes lab-based research, mentoring, and weekly educational sessions.
You’ll start with a bootcamp to get oriented and build lab and communication skills. You are matched with leading neurologists and contribute to practical research projects. At the end, you’ll present your findings to peers and professionals in the field. After the program, you’ll continue to receive mentorship and support to help advance your academic journey.
11. Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: 7-11 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: High school sophomore, junior, or senior; 16 years old at the start of the program;
Reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts and be able to travel to the Longwood Medical Area in Boston five days a week in the summer
The CURE Program is a full-time, paid summer research internship designed for students interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. Over 7 to 11 weeks, you’ll be paired with a research mentor and conduct hands-on cancer research in a real academic setting. You’ll attend seminars, journal clubs, and professional development sessions while building critical lab skills.
The program also includes networking opportunities, resume workshops, and social events to add to your experience. At the end, you’ll write an abstract and present your findings at a formal presentation event.
12. Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: June 30 – August 15
Eligibility: Boston and Cambridge high school students; ages 16 and above by the program start date; a minimum GPA of 2.70
The Project Success program at Harvard Medical School is a seven-week paid internship for high school students in Boston and Cambridge who come from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds. You are assigned to research labs at Harvard Medical School or its affiliated institutions, where you work under the guidance of experienced physicians and scientists.
The program features mentored research projects, hospital and biotech site visits, and career development sessions. You will also attend workshops covering topics such as biomedical career paths, technical lab skills, and public speaking. Following the summer session, the program continues with academic enrichment and networking opportunities throughout the year.
13. RISE Internship / Practicum
Location: Boston University
Cost: $60 (Application Fee)+ $5,700 (tuition)+ $485 (Service Fees)
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates:
- Residential: June 29 – August 8
- Commuter: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Students entering senior year of high school in fall
Boston University’s RISE program is a six-week summer experience tailored for aspiring scientists. If accepted, you will perform laboratory or computational research alongside faculty members or senior researchers. As an intern, you will immerse yourself in full-time research across scientific disciplines. If you’re a Practicum student, you will attend lectures and engage in collaborative experiments focused on data science or computational neurobiology.
In addition to research, you’ll take part in weekly academic sessions and connect with professionals from the biotech industry. You’ll wrap up your experience by presenting your research findings at the program-wide poster symposium.
14. AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology
Location: Boston University
Cost: $60 application fee + $5,370 (tuition) + $75 service fee
Application Deadline: Applications close once slots are filled
Program Dates:
- Commuter: June 30 – July 18
- Residential: June 29 – July 18
Eligibility: Junior or senior year of high school in the Fall
The AIM: Introduction to Experimental Psychology program gives you a hands-on introduction to psychological research. Over three weeks at Boston University’s Charles River campus, you’ll attend morning seminars to build your knowledge of research methods and design. In the afternoons, you’ll work in teams to conduct your own experiments—collecting, analyzing, and presenting real data.
You’ll also hear from BU faculty and professionals about ongoing studies and career paths in psychology. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your communication, collaboration, and analytical skills. This is a chance to explore what it’s like to think—and work—like a psychologist.
15. MEDscienceLAB Forensics
Location: Harvard Medical School
Cost: $2,800
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – July
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application; At least 16 years old at the start of the program
MEDscienceLAB Forensics is a one-week, full-day program at Harvard Medical School for high school students. You’ll explore crime scene investigation by collecting evidence, analyzing samples, and working in teams to solve a realistic case. The program includes access to state-of-the-art labs and training in techniques like PCR, ELISA, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis.
You’ll also connect with research professionals during MEDchats to learn about careers in biomedical fields. By the end, you’ll be prepared to present your forensic findings as if you were part of a professional investigation.
Image source – Harvard Medical School