If you’re a high school student in Dallas thinking of a career in medicine, summer is the perfect time to get a head start! From clinical shadowing to research internships and volunteer programs, Dallas offers a wide range of medical opportunities designed specifically for motivated teens. Many summer medical programs for high school students in Dallas are offered by top universities and institutions, providing you with the opportunity to establish and expand your network early. You’ll also have the opportunity to work under the mentorship of university faculty and other professionals.
Participating in a medical program is a great way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. They not only help you explore different healthcare pathways but also give you the chance to develop real-world skills and gain hands-on experience in hospitals, labs, and nonprofit settings.
In this guide, we’ve listed 15 summer medical programs for high school students in Dallas that can help you take the next step toward a future in healthcare!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines in a year
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA); Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders; Only a few tracks need formal prerequisites—more info about them here
Horizon is one of the few research programs that gives high school students the chance to choose between quantitative and qualitative research. Most sessions offered cover subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Once you select a specific subject area and research type, you will be paired with a faculty member or Ph.D. scholar from a reputable university who will mentor you throughout your research process. Together, you will work towards producing a 20-page, university-level research paper suitable for submission to academic journals. You’ll also get a letter of recommendation as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement; Previous knowledge not required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program that offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here.
3. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Summer Research Opportunities (STARS)
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: Typically June – August
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old by June 1; Students with high academic achievement and an interest in science and/or medicine are preferred
The STARS Summer Research Program is an eight-week, non-residential opportunity for high school students in North Texas to explore careers in science and medicine. As a participant, you will be assigned to active biomedical research labs, where you will assist faculty mentors with ongoing research initiatives. Throughout the program, you will build foundational lab skills, engage directly in scientific investigation, and present your research findings at a closing symposium. Designed for those with limited or no prior lab experience, the program emphasizes both technical training and the development of analytical and communication abilities. A stipend is provided upon successful completion.
4. Parkland Health High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid (amount not specified)
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: Typically between June and August
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area; 16+ years old by the start of the program; Have a minimum 3.0 GPA; Plan to pursue a career in healthcare
The Parkland Health High School Summer Internship Program offers summer medical programs for high school students in Dallas who are interested in exploring non-clinical careers in healthcare. During the program, you’ll receive mentorship, training, and hands-on learning. Organized by Parkland’s Workforce Development department, it provides insight into hospital operations and the administrative side of healthcare. As a participant, you’ll gain real-world experience in a professional environment at one of Dallas County’s major teaching hospitals. The program is designed to support students exploring healthcare careers outside of direct patient care.
5. UT Southwestern: Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Typically early February
Program Dates: 2-week sessions typically scheduled in June
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students
UT Southwestern’s Internship for High School Students is a two-week virtual internship that introduces high school students to careers in mental health. It’s led by clinician-scientists, including social workers, neuropsychologists, PAs, and psychiatrists. During the program, you will get to explore areas like psychotherapy, neuroscience, and community psychiatry. As a participant, you will complete assigned readings in advance and participate in interactive sessions where professionals discuss their roles and career paths, offering practical insight into the field.
6. UT Dallas Summer Biology Research Workshop (SBRW)
Location: University of Texas, Dallas, TX
Cost: $2,000
Application Deadline: March 15 – 31
Program Dates: June 29 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders who are at least 15 years old at the time of registration; Texas residents are prioritized
The Summer Biology Research Workshop is a four-week program at the University of Texas at Dallas that offers summer medical programs for high school students in Dallas who are interested in engaging in biological sciences research. After a week of lab training, you will spend three weeks conducting mentor-guided research on topics such as neuroscience, genomics, or cancer biology. You will also gain hands-on experience, attend departmental seminars, and collaborate on group projects. The program concludes with a presentation at the Summer Departmental Research Symposium.
7. Texas Christian University (TCU) Nurse Camp
Location: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Cost: $980 (Limited scholarships available)
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: Session One: June 22 – 27; Session Two: July 6 –11
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors
TCU Nurse Camp is a five-day program for high school students interested in nursing. As a participant, you will learn core patient care skills such as taking vitals, performing wound care, and conducting assessments. The camp also includes clinical simulations, hospital tours, CPR certification, and lessons on medical terminology and communication in healthcare. You will gain exposure to how subjects like anatomy and math apply to nursing and explore academic pathways within TCU’s nursing program. The camp admits 40 students annually.
8. Texas Health Resources Junior Volunteer Program
Location: 18 different locations, including Dallas
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Varies by year and location; Apply as early as possible
Program Dates: This program runs throughout the entire summer
Eligibility: High school students around 16-18 years old; Must have a valid Social Security number
Texas Health Resources offers a Junior Volunteer Program that allows high school students to support hospital operations while developing professional and character-building skills. Opportunities vary by location, but most placements involve administrative or clerical support in a healthcare setting. If you’re seeking more in-depth engagement, the Dallas campus also hosts the competitive Student Service Learning Program. This volunteer-based track requires 128 hours over 10 weeks (16 hours/week) and offers more focused exposure to healthcare environments and hospital functions.
9. University of North Texas: Digital Health Pioneers Camp
Location: Frisco Landing, Preston Road, Frisco, TX
Cost: $350
Application Deadline: May 22
Program Dates: June 2 – 6
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th grade students
This summer camp introduces high school students to digital health at UNT’s Frisco Landing campus. As a participant, you will explore topics like telemedicine, health wearables, and digital health data. You’ll also participate in hands-on projects, seminars, and workshops led by UNT faculty and graduate students. The program focuses on practical applications of healthcare technology and provides exposure to real-world innovations in a modern learning environment.
10. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Health Professionals Recruitment Exposure Program (HPREP)
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost: None
Application Deadline: October 8 – November 15 (Tentatively)
Program Dates: January 11, 18, and 25 (three Saturdays)
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders
HPREP offers winter medical programs for high school students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, offering hands-on exposure to healthcare careers. As a participant, you’ll engage in workshops on topics like CPR, dissection, genetics, suturing, and neuroscience. You’ll also learn more about fields like medicine, nursing, dentistry, and public health. The program includes mentoring, college fairs, and interactive sessions led by medical and graduate students. You’ll build skills in communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and professionalism.
11. Baylor Scott & White McLane: Children’s Health Sciences Summer Camp
Location: Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, Temple, TX
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: May 1 (Session I); May 31 (Session II)
Program Dates: Session I: June 16 – 20; Session II: July 14 – 18
Eligibility: High school students in the 9th-12th grade
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Health Sciences Summer Camp is a pediatric-focused summer camp that gives high school students in health science programs a behind-the-scenes look at hospital care for children. The program starts with an orientation session with parents. After that, you will rotate through departments like NICU, PICU, Radiology, Physical Therapy, Cardiology, and Oncology. You’ll gain shadowing experience and observe daily responsibilities and team-based care in a pediatric hospital setting.
12. Welch Summer Scholars Program
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, TX
Cost: None
Application Deadline: January 2 – March 16
Program Dates: June 8 – July 11
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The Welch Summer Scholars Program is a five-week residential research program for high school sophomores and juniors held at UT Dallas. As a participant, you will conduct hands-on research in university labs under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors, using advanced scientific equipment. The program also includes lectures, workshops, lab tours, and group activities. You will also complete a research paper and present your findings at the end of the program, gaining early exposure to academic research and valuable experience in STEM.
13. UT Tyler Pre-Med Camp
Location: University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 – April 15
Program Dates: July 14 – 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors considered economically disadvantaged; Be in good academic standing
UT Tyler’s Pre-Med Camp offers high school juniors and seniors—especially those from underserved backgrounds in East Texas—an introduction to medical school preparation. The program also covers college pathways, admissions, and interview prep for medical careers. As a participant, you will engage in clinical shadowing, research activities, and medical simulations while interacting with physicians, residents, and simulated patients. The camp provides early exposure to the skills and experiences relevant to pursuing a career in medicine.
14. Texas Health’s High School Student Service Learning Program
Location: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 6 – February 2
Program Dates: June 2 onwards
Eligibility: High school students; At least 16 by May 1
The HSSSL Program offers high school students exposure to both clinical and non-clinical roles within a hospital setting. The program is relatively selective, accepting around 20 students per cohort. As a participant, you’ll commit 16 hours per week to volunteer across departments, gaining insight into healthcare operations and career paths. The program emphasizes skill development in areas like teamwork, communication, and administration, providing valuable experience for students considering a future in healthcare.
15. National Breast Cancer Foundation High School Internship Program
Location: Dallas, TX
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: March 21
Program Dates: 5 weeks
Eligibility: High school students part of the Frisco Independent School District
This five-week program, based in Dallas, TX, is open to high school students from the Frisco Independent School District, including parts of Denton and Collin counties. While exact dates and stipend details are yet to be announced, the program is free to attend. As a participant, you will spend time working in the programs, development, and marketing departments, where you will gain an idea of what NBCF’s day-to-day operations look like. The program also contributes to your professional development, hosting sessions that focus on resume preparation, interview skills, public speaking, and so on. In the final three weeks of the program, you’ll work on a group project with your peers and present it to senior staff at the end of the program.
Image source – UT Southwestern Medical Center, STARS Program