Interested in medicine but want to explore it before college? Medical programs for high school students give you the chance to go beyond textbooks and experience how healthcare works in real settings. Through labs, simulations, anatomy sessions, and research projects, you can start building practical skills while figuring out whether medicine is the right path for you.
Why Georgia Is a Great Place to Explore Medicine
Georgia is home to major medical and research institutions like Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the CDC, which makes it a strong hub for early exposure to healthcare and biomedical science. Programs across the state offer opportunities in research, clinical skills training, public health, and physician shadowing, depending on your interests.
Here are 15 medicine programs for high school students in Georgia to help you take your first steps into the field. If you’re looking for summer camps in Georgia, check out this blog!
1. Emory Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost | Stipend: Free | $2,400
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10–12 students
Program Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 6
Who is Eligible: Current high school juniors or seniors aged 16 and above | Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Summer Scholars Research Program at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute is a six-week, full-time research internship for high school students interested in cancer research and lab-based science. You’ll work one-on-one with a Winship researcher to design and run experiments, analyze data, and complete a cancer-focused research project from start to finish. The program also includes faculty-led lectures on oncology, weekly seminars, and field trips to places such as Emory Proton Therapy Center and the CDC Museum to broaden your understanding of how cancer research connects to clinical care and public health. The program concludes with a research symposium, where you will share your findings with Winship doctors, researchers, and graduate students. There is also a virtual option available for international students and for applicants who are not selected for the in-person program.
2. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: CDC headquarters, Atlanta, GA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 7.6% | 27 slots per session
Program Dates: June 23 – 27 and July 21 – 25 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: March 7 (tentative; subject to change)
Who is Eligible: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is a five-day, in-person medicine program for high school students in Georgia to gain firsthand experience of how public health professionals investigate and respond to real-world health challenges. You will explore what it’s like to work inside an organization such as CDC through lectures, data-driven research, and hands-on activities. You’ll work on tasks that mirror real CDC workflows, such as analyzing outbreak data, studying environmental and global health issues, and examining how policies and public health laws shape health outcomes. Activities may include re-created outbreak investigations, mock press briefings, and introductory sessions in areas such as chronic disease surveillance and laboratory methods. By the end of the week, you’ll have strengthened your skills in data interpretation, scientific communication, and team-based problem-solving. While the camp isn’t focused on clinical medicine, it offers a clear view of the analytical and research-oriented aspects of health careers.
3. SGMC Health Volunteen Summer Program
Location: SGMC Health, Valdosta, GA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 67 students (tentative; based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 9 – July 25, with a mandatory orientation on June 2 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 3 – May 2 (tentative; based on previous years)
Who is Eligible: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of B or higher
The SGMC Health Volunteen Summer Program is a six-week volunteer experience program for high school students in Georgia, which lets them observe both clinical and administrative sides of a hospital system. You’ll work two shifts per week in departments such as nursing units, imaging, and administrative operations, where you can see how patient care decisions are made and workflow is coordinated behind the scenes. You’ll gain real-world exposure by shadowing healthcare staff, assisting with basic non-clinical tasks, and interacting with patients and visitors. The program helps you build practical skills in communication, organization, and professional conduct while giving you a clearer sense of how different hospital roles contribute to patient-centered care.
4. Augusta University’s Summer Research Experiences
Location: Georgia Cancer Center (GCC) at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 3 – July 15
Application Deadline: October 15 – January 15
Who is Eligible: Open to all high school students (only students aged 16 and above can participate in laboratory research projects) | Priority will be given to students from Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken Counties
Augusta University’s Summer Research Experiences let you spend six weeks working alongside cancer researchers on projects in areas such as molecular biology, immunology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and population health. Depending on your placement, you might learn lab techniques, explore various research methodologies, or analyze real-world health and cancer datasets. Throughout the program, you’ll build a strong foundation in cancer biology, gain experience in scientific research and communication, and receive one-on-one mentorship from GCC faculty. You’ll also participate in professional development sessions and stay connected with the GCC research community, opening the door to continued opportunities during the school year.
5. Emory Pre-Med Institute
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $8,264 (Residential) | $5,874 (Commuter) | Additional $70 application fee (there might be additional lab and course book fees of $75 – $125) | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 100–150 students per session
Program Dates: June 28 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 1
Who is Eligible: Current high school sophomores or juniors aged 15 and above | Required minimum GPA is 3.0 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
This three-week summer program at Emory University is designed for high school students interested in medicine. You will study core subjects such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy, while also gaining insight into the essentials of clinical practice and patient care. You’ll work through diagnostic cases, trauma scenarios, and labs, strengthening your critical thinking, collaboration, and practical problem-solving skills. The experience is complemented by site visits and workshops where you interact with physicians, residents, and fellows, giving you a clearer sense of a career in medicine.
6. Emory University School of Medicine’s Summer Science Academy
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $1,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 20–25 students per session
Program Dates: June 1 – 12 (Session A) | June 15 – 26 (Session B) | June 29 – July 10 (Session C)
Application Deadline: TBA; registration opens on January 12
Who is Eligible: Rising high school freshmen and sophomores
The Emory University School of Medicine’s Summer Science Academy is a two-week, in-person program that lets you explore science the way it is practiced in real academic and medical settings. Through a mix of lectures, labs, and field-based activities, you’ll work across subjects such as natural science, biotechnology, engineering, and math, while building hands-on skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and basic research. The program introduces you to the applications of science principles in healthcare, giving you a look at various medical and scientific career pathways. The program also offers a practical overview of the college application process. By the end of the program, you’ll have completed a group research project, gained experience in public speaking, and developed a clearer understanding of how scientific questions are formed and investigated at the university level.
7. PCOM Georgia Opportunities Academy Suwanee Summer STEM Program
Location: PCOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine) Georgia, Suwanee, GA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 9 – 13 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: April 4 (tentative; subject to change)
Who is Eligible: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors from underrepresented communities who attend high school in Gwinnett County, GA
The PCOM Georgia Opportunities Academy Suwanee Summer STEM Program is a free, one-week experience that introduces you to healthcare through hands-on, clinically-oriented activities. You’ll take part in clinical simulations, visit the anatomy lab, and practice skills such as CPR, while learning how different medical disciplines approach patient care. The program also includes college preparation sessions that walk you through the application process and what to expect in undergraduate STEM coursework. Along the way, you’ll interact with physicians, PAs, pharmacists, and current PCOM students, helping you build practical skills in collaboration, problem-based learning, and professional communication.
8. Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) S.T.E.A.M. Academy
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $600 for the 3-Week Experience and $1,000 for the 6-week, in-person Authentic Research Experience
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 3-Week Experience: June 2 – 20 | Authentic Research Experience: June 3 – July 11
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 21
Who is Eligible: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA can apply to the 3-Week Experience | Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 can apply to the Authentic Research Experience
The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) S.T.E.A.M. Academy introduces high school students to the core areas of biomedical science and public health through a mix of coursework, lab work, and career-focused workshops. Depending on the track you choose, you’ll spend three weeks studying topics such as anatomy, healthcare app development, lab techniques, and health equity, or you may spend six weeks completing an authentic research project under the guidance of an MSM faculty mentor. Both options focus on practical scientific skills such as using lab instruments, analyzing data, and applying critical thinking to real health problems. You’ll also explore pathways in medicine and the health professions through mini-courses, discussions, and college planning sessions.
9. Grady Teen Experience and Leadership Program (TELP)
Location: Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: May 27 – July 15 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: January 27 – March 17 (tentative; subject to change)
Who is Eligible: Students who have completed at least grade 9 and are aged 14–19
TELP is an eight-week program that lets you explore a wide range of healthcare careers through both clinical and non-clinical rotations at Grady Hospital. You’ll observe hospital workflows and patient care by shadowing healthcare professionals, while participating in learning labs and workshops focused on leadership and career development. The program also introduces you to public health research, with the option to work on a community-focused health outcomes research project and present your work at the Health Outcomes Research Showcase. Throughout the experience, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of different healthcare roles while developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
10. Summer Springboard – Emergency Medicine at Georgia Tech
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $5,798 (Residential) | $3,298 (Commuter) | There may be an additional application fee that varies based on when you apply | Scholarships and discounts available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: May 16 (the earlier you apply, the lower your application fee; check here)
Who is Eligible: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent grades
Summer Springboard’s Emergency Medicine program at Georgia Tech is a two-week hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of emergency care. You’ll train in core emergency skills, including suturing, splinting, wound care, taking vital signs, and performing CPR, all within a simulation lab used by healthcare students. Through realistic clinical scenarios, you’ll learn the medical reasoning behind each procedure while practicing how to respond under pressure. The curriculum also introduces you to wilderness medicine techniques and team-based diagnostic exercises, where you’ll research symptoms, identify possible conditions, and outline treatment plans. The program culminates in a mass casualty simulation that challenges you to triage patients and make rapid decisions. This program offers a practical way to understand how emergency medicine functions in both controlled and high-pressure environments.
11. Summer Springboard – Biomedical Engineering @ Georgia Tech
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $5,798 (Residential) | $3,298 (Commuter) | $250 (Course Supplement) | There may be an additional application fee that varies based on when you apply (check here) | Scholarships and discounts available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: May 16
Who is Eligible: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent grades
This two-week program lets high school students explore how engineering, math, chemistry, and computer science intersect to solve problems related to human health. You’ll study medical technologies ranging from implantable devices such as pacemakers to emerging innovations such as 3D-printed biological organs and stem cell-based therapies. A key component of the course is designing and building a simple biomedical prototype, such as a prosthetic hand, giving you hands-on experience with the engineering design process. Along the way, you’ll develop analytical, engineering design, and troubleshooting skills. You’ll also learn how biomedical engineers apply core engineering principles to clinical challenges and get exposure to research trends and potential career paths in biomedical engineering.
12. University of Georgia (UGA) Mini-Medical School 2
Location: UGA Health Sciences Campus, Athens, GA
Cost: $530 (assistance might be available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited spots
Program Dates: Multiple one-week sessions in June and July, starting from June 15, June 22, July 6, and July 13
Application Deadline: Rolling
Who is Eligible: Students aged 14–17
This one-week program introduces you to core concepts in human physiology and disease through an examination of major body systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. You’ll take part in dissections of organ specimens and use lab tools and learning resources typically reserved for medical students. You’ll also practice basic clinical reasoning by examining the link between the normal functioning of the human body and the development of diseases. The program is led by current medical students, giving you practical insight into study strategies and academic pathways in medicine. You’ll also have opportunities to ask questions about pre-med coursework, research, and clinical experiences, helping you understand the academic steps involved in preparing for medical school.
13.Emory Pre-College Program – Medicine Tracks
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $5,510 (Residential) | $3,925 (Commuter) | + $70 application fee | Select courses might come with additional lab and course books fees of $75 – $125 | Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Average class size is 14 students
Program Dates: June 14 – 27 (Session A) | June 28 – July 11 (Session B) | July 12 – 25 (Session C)
Application Deadline: May 1
Who is Eligible: Current high school sophomores or juniors aged 15 and above | Required minimum GPA is 3.0 | Check individual course pages for additional prerequisites, if any
The Emory Pre-College Program lets you experience college academics firsthand by enrolling in noncredit, college-level courses taught by Emory instructors, while also getting a realistic feel of campus life. If you’re interested in medicine, you can choose from courses such as Biological Foundations of Medicine, Human Physiology, The Science of Disease, Cardiovascular Engineering, Health Care Challenges in the 21st Century, and other pre-med, public health, or psychology-related topics. Along the way, you’ll build skills in scientific reasoning, reading academic material, and discussing complex health topics in a college setting. You’ll also participate in enrichment sessions, such as College 101 workshops and degree explorations, that help you understand different academic and career pathways in healthcare and related fields.
14. The Neuroscience School at Georgia State University (GSU)
Location: Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (online courses also available)
Cost: $350 – $550, depending on the course (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Multiple one-week sessions throughout June 2 – July 24 (check here for individual course dates) (tentative; dates are subject to change)
Application Deadline: Registration open until filled; courses may be canceled if minimum enrollment is not met
Who is Eligible: Open to high school students (only students aged 16 and above can apply to the in-person programs)
The Neuroscience School at GSU offers short, college-level courses that let you dive into how the brain works and how neurological disorders are studied. You may choose from options such as Neuroscience Boot Camp, Neurological Disorders, Human Brain Imaging, Methods and Applications, or Modeling Alzheimer’s in Drosophila, depending on your interests. Across these courses, you may study topics such as brain anatomy, neurotransmission, learning and memory, or neurodegenerative conditions. Classes combine lectures and case studies with hands-on work, including lab activities, data analysis, and exposure to research practices used in modern neuroscience. You’ll also build practical skills in scientific reasoning, experimental design, and interpreting neurobiological evidence.
15. Mercer Virtual Med Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 100 participants
Program Dates: July 7 – 11 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Who is Eligible: Middle and high school students from rural Georgia
Mercer Virtual Med Camp is a week-long online program that introduces you to core health topics through interactive sessions led by Mercer’s medical faculty and students. Each session combines short teaching modules with hands-on activities, such as guided experiments and educational games, that help bring healthcare concepts to life. Before the camp begins, you’ll receive an experimental kit and a camp t-shirt, so you can fully participate from home. This program is designed to give rural high school students an introduction to medical careers without needing to travel.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
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