If you’re interested in medicine, public health, or biomedical engineering, consider joining an online medical research program. These programs give you hands-on experience in areas like clinical data analysis, epidemiology, and disease modeling while working alongside experts in the field.
By participating in medical research, you’ll learn essential techniques such as literature reviews, statistical analysis, and bioinformatics. Some programs even allow you to work on independent projects, present findings at conferences, or co-author research papers. Whether you’re exploring genetics, neuroscience, or healthcare policy, these experiences help you understand how research drives medical advancements.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 online medical research opportunities for high school students!
15 Online Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program – Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5950
Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18
Program Dates: The cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four 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.
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) lets you conduct advanced research across multiple disciplines, including Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology. In this virtual, trimester-long program, you work with professors or Ph.D. scholars from top universities who guide you through the research process. You can explore gene editing, its applications, ethical issues, and technological advancements, finishing with a 20-page university-level research paper that may be published in top journals.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
2. Penn Medicine Summer Program
Location: Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: $10,875
Application Deadline: February 27
Program Dates: May 28-August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18, entering Grade 11 or 12 in September.
The Penn Medicine Summer Program is a four-week research-focused experience at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania for high school juniors and seniors. You will explore clinical research methods, analyze medical case studies, and learn data collection techniques used in healthcare studies. Hands-on activities include CPR, suturing, and skin biopsies, along with lab work in anatomy and pathology. You will also observe live surgeries and engage with medical professionals to understand different research pathways in medicine.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $40
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors (16+), citizens or green card holders.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week internship where you will conduct biomedical research with Stanford faculty. You will learn research techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics while working on real projects in medical science. The program also includes a bioengineering boot camp, where you will apply engineering principles to medical challenges.
4. 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. The Summer Cohort I application deadline is April 13!
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students, across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project.
At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. High School Program in Biomedical Research – The Wistar Institute
Location: Wistar Institute, West Philadelphia’s University City District at 3601 Spruce Street
Cost: A stipend of $1500 is paid!
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 7 – July 31
Eligibility: At least 16 years of age by the program start date (July 7) and have completed at least one high school science course
The Wistar Institute High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research is a four-week summer program where you will gain hands-on experience in lab techniques and biomedical research. You will work with scientific literature, conduct experiments, and learn data analysis methods used in biomedical studies. Mentorship from researchers will help you understand experimental design, molecular biology techniques, and how biomedical research contributes to disease treatment and prevention.
6. Child Health Research Internship | Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine
Location: Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus
Cost: Free. A stipend of $4,400 is provided!
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors (18+), undergraduates, graduates, and first-year medical students. High school applicants must be Colorado residents. Must be available for the full nine-week internship.
The Child Health Research Internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine is a summer program for high school students interested in pediatric medical research. You will work with researchers on studies focused on childhood diseases, patient care, and public health. The program provides training in research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and laboratory techniques. You will also attend seminars led by physicians and scientists, gaining insights into clinical research and medical careers.
7. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA)
Location: Oakland, CA
Cost: $1800
Application Deadline: Vary by cohort. Summer: January 13
Program Dates: Spring – March 31–April 4, April 7–11, April 21–25; Summer – June 2–6, June 9–13, July 21–25, July 28–August 1.
Eligibility: Open to all 9th-12th grade high school students (age 15+) who have completed at least their freshman year in high school.
The Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) is a five-day program that provides hands-on training in clinical research and healthcare skills. You will engage in clinical simulations, suturing, patient vitals assessment, and phlebotomy techniques while learning about medical research methods, data collection, and patient case studies. The program introduces you to biomedical research principles, ethics in clinical studies, and the role of research in advancing patient care. You will also analyze case studies to understand how research informs diagnosis and treatment.
8. 1-Week Medical Academy | Georgetown University
Location: Georgetown University Campus, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $3,905
Application Deadline: April 15; Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, beginning late in the fall semester.
Program Dates: June 8-14, June 22-28, and July 6-12
Eligibility: students must be at least 15 years old by the date of check-in (1-Week Medical Academies)
The Georgetown University Medical Academy is a one-week program that introduces high school students to medical research and clinical practices. You will gain hands-on experience in suturing, orthopedic casting, small mammal dissection, and patient simulations while learning about human anatomy, radiology, surgery, and biomedical ethics.
The program includes discussions on medical research methodologies, case studies, and the role of clinical studies in advancing treatments. You will interact with Georgetown University School of Medicine faculty, medical students, and physicians from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital to explore different medical specialties, including cardiology and emergency medicine. Upon completion, you’ll also receive a Certificate of Participation.
9. Summer Medical Academy | Rady Children’s Hospital
Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California.
Cost: $3,000
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 16-27; July 7-18
Eligibility: Students who have an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare. Highly motivated and enthusiastic students who will be between 15-19 years old in June of the program year and have completed 9th grade (up until the summer after graduating 12th grade)
The Summer Medical Academy (SMA) at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego is a two-week program for high school students interested in medicine and medical research. If you’re between 15-19 years old and have finished at least 9th grade, this program gives you a chance to learn directly from doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals. You’ll get hands-on experience with lab work, clinical skills, and real-world medical case studies.
The program focuses on how research shapes pediatric healthcare, disease prevention, and new treatments. You’ll be learning by doing, whether it’s practicing clinical techniques or analyzing real medical data. The experience helps you understand what a future in medicine could look like.
10. Internships at the Biological Field Station at SUNY Oneonta
Location: SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, Cooperstown, NY
Cost: Free for all accepted participants | $3,000 stipend
Application Deadline: March 26
Program Dates: Nine weeks in the summer; typically from late May to August.
Eligibility: Open to all New York high school students who are at least 16.
The Biological Field Station at SUNY Oneonta offers a nine-week summer internship for high school students interested in environmental and biological research. If you’re 16 or older and a New York State resident, this program gives you hands-on experience in fieldwork, lab analysis, and data interpretation.
You’ll work with faculty and staff on fisheries surveys, water sampling, and plant studies, gaining practical skills in ecological research and data collection. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings in a poster presentation to faculty, mentors, and peers.
11. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program
Location: Various medical centres in Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Program Dates: Dates and session length vary depending on the program, typically from July to August.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, established by the Los Angeles Pediatric Society in 1969, introduces high school students to medical careers through mentorship and hands-on learning. This program includes virtual or in-person sessions where participants interact with paediatricians, surgeons, nurses, chemists, and therapists.
You’ll attend presentations, engage in clinical simulations, and work on research projects that align with your mentor’s ongoing studies. The program provides exposure to various medical fields and encourages exploration of healthcare careers through interactive discussions and hands-on activities.
12. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch campus in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 23 to August 15
Eligibility: The high school student entering their senior year must have a strong scientific interest and academic background, be able to attend a Zoom interview with the selection committee, and be available for the entire eight-week program in Seattle.
The Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a paid research internship designed for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups in biomedical science. You’ll start with two weeks of hands-on lab training, where you’ll learn essential research techniques like pipetting, DNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
After that, you’ll spend six weeks working with a research team, assisting with data entry, plate culture, and lab meetings while being mentored by scientists in the field. Beyond lab work, you’ll attend research seminars, professional development sessions, and social events.
13. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford’s main campus
Application Date: March 17th
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23rd to July 25th
Eligibility: Low-income, first-generation high school juniors who live in Northern California
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is a five-week academic and research internship for first-generation and low-income high school juniors. You’ll take part in faculty lectures, professional development workshops, and hands-on hospital internships at Stanford Hospital.
You’ll gain real experience in patient care, lab work, shadowing, and hospital operations. What makes SMYSP unique is the health disparities research project. You’ll work in small groups to develop a college-level research paper, presentation, or academic poster on public health issues.
14. Harvard Medical School MEDscience Program
Location: Harvard Medical School, in Boston, MA.
Cost: $2250 – $5800, depending on the program.
Application Deadline: March 25
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 at the time of application
The Harvard Medical School (HMS) MEDscience Program is an 8-week internship where you’ll handle virtual medical emergencies using high-tech simulation labs and mannequins to model real cases. You’ll learn how to manage emergency room situations, understand patient behavior, and practice bedside manner. The program connects classroom science with real-world medical scenarios, helping you gain hands-on experience.
15. Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH Internship Program
Location: Oakland, California, and medical offices across Northern California.
Cost: Free
Application Date: To be announced
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1st
Eligibility: High school students between 16 – 19 years of age by June 1. They must be eligible to work in the U.S. and have permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente Designated Service Area.
Kaiser Permanente’s KP LAUNCH Internship gives you hands-on experience in healthcare while working with real professionals. You’ll be paired with doctors, nurses, and administrators who guide you through patient communication, medical documentation, and basic clinical procedures.
You’ll also learn how to analyze healthcare data, assist with patient scheduling, and understand hospital operations. You’ll actively contribute to projects that improve patient care. If you’re from an underrepresented background and want to break into healthcare, this internship helps you build the skills and connections to get started.
Image source: University of Pennsylvania
