If you’re a high schooler in Los Angeles and want to explore medicine up close, gain hands-on experience, and connect with professionals in the field, a summer medical program in Los Angeles is a solid way to start. These programs take you inside hospitals, research labs, and clinics, showing you how healthcare operates beyond textbooks.
Whether you’re drawn to patient care, neuroscience, or medical technology, these experiences help you find your direction. You’ll shadow doctors, perform basic procedures, and contribute to research. Some programs also focus on clinical techniques like suturing and CPR, while others focus on fields like research or pediatrics. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether medicine is the right fit for you.
To make your search easier, here’s a list of 15 summer medical programs for high school students in Los Angeles!
15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Los Angeles
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
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 college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950. Financial aid is available.
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.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, developed by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, provides high school students with the opportunity to collaborate directly with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll receive guidance as you work on creating a research paper at the college level, with additional support from writing coaches.
The program offers a variety of subjects to choose from, including mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, and astrophysics, among others. At the end of the program, you’ll have the chance to present your research at a symposium, with the possibility of having your work published.
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available
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: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
3. Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA – Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program is a 6-week summer program for high school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease research. In the in-person program, you’ll learn brain-cutting techniques, clinical trial design, data entry, and statistical analysis.
You’ll also conduct literature reviews, develop research presentations, and engage in community outreach. Both formats provide mentorship and training on how to start an Alzheimer’s Awareness Club at your school.
Location: UCLA campus, Los Angeles, CA (in-person), and Remote
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Date: June 16 — July 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16–18 years old), particularly from underrepresented communities or those interested in working with underrepresented populations.
4. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, run by the Los Angeles Pediatric Society since 1969, gives high school students a chance to explore different healthcare careers over 6 to 8 weeks. You’ll attend daily sessions, interactive lessons, and talks from professionals in pediatrics, nursing, dietetics, pharmacy, radiology, ophthalmology, and therapy.
Some placements also offer in-person shadowing and direct interaction with medical professionals. The program ends with a final presentation, where you’ll share what you’ve learned. Shadowing opportunities vary, so check the details before applying.
Location: Los Angeles Pediatric Society, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Fully funded.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: 2 and 4-week sessions available between June and August; dates vary for different sessions. 2-week virtual sessions are also available.
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th grade students can apply.
5. CAMP CHLA – Health Care Career Exploration
CAMP CHLA is a five-day summer program for high school students in Los Angeles County to explore healthcare careers. Held twice each summer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), it gives you a look at daily hospital operations and different medical roles. You’ll attend presentations from healthcare professionals about their careers and work routines. The program also includes hands-on training in CPR, first aid, and body ergonomics, focusing on health promotion and injury prevention.
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free, but participants are responsible for transportation
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: June 16–20 | July 28 — August 1
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors residing in Los Angeles County. Students who have previously attended Camp CHLA are not eligible to apply.
6. UCLA Health Volunteer Summer Program
UCLA Health’s Volunteer Summer Program lets high school students gain experience in a hospital setting by assisting with patient transport, wayfinding, and deliveries. You’ll develop communication skills while helping with discharges, visitor assistance, escort services, and mail delivery.
You’ll also learn about hospital workflow, patient interaction, and professional etiquette in a medical environment. The program requires a minimum of 50 volunteer hours, with flexible scheduling. A hybrid virtual option is available. Since spots are limited, applying early is recommended.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: The applications usually open in January and close in early spring
Program Dates: Orientation dates usually take place in the third week of June, and the participants must complete 50 volunteer hours by August 31.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the time of registration are eligible to apply.
7. UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program
The UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program gives high school students hands-on experience in medicine through surgical skills training, imaging lessons, pathology, and lab tours. Throughout the program, you’ll practice suturing, CPR, and hemorrhage control through the “Stop the Bleed” certification. The program also includes guest lectures from healthcare professionals, a provider panel, and insights into basic science research.
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $1450
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: June 23–27 | July 7–11
Eligibility: Open to current sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending high school in the United States who are at least 16 years old at the time of participation, as required by hospital policy.
8. Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Volunteer Opportunities
The Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Volunteer Program allows high school students to gain hands-on experience in a hospital while supporting patients, visitors, and staff. Volunteers assist with patient transport, front desk operations, administrative support, and visitor guidance. You’ll also learn effective communication in a clinical setting, medical record organization, and patient interaction skills.
After completing the onboarding process, you’ll be assigned a role based on your skills and hospital needs. While many volunteers are Kaiser Permanente members, the program is open to all students eager to contribute to their community.
Location: Kaiser Permanente, West Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Variable based on selected opportunity
Eligibility: Must be at least 15 and a 1/2 years old, commit to a weekly 4-hour shift for at least 200 hours over one year, demonstrate professional behavior, maintain a positive attitude, and be flexible in work assignments.
9. BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
The UCLA BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship gives students interested in neuroscience and brain health the chance to work alongside experts studying sports-related concussions and brain injuries. You’ll gain research experience by conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and using advanced research tools like neuroimaging software and cognitive assessment techniques.
The program also includes seminars and lectures from neurologists, sports medicine doctors, and researchers, giving you insight into how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) happen, how concussions are managed, and the research behind it all.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Cost: None.
Application Deadline: April 4
Program dates: Program Dates: Early June to late August. Approx. 16 hours/week, three to four half-days per week.
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors, especially those interested in mentoring next year or extending the internship.
10. INSPIRE at Cedars-Sinai
INSPIRE at Cedars-Sinai is a summer program that introduces students and recent graduates to healthcare research through on-site internships and virtual workshops. This 6- to 10-week paid internship places you at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where you’ll work with faculty mentors on basic, translational, or clinical research projects.
You’ll develop key skills, including study design, data collection and analysis, scientific literature review, and research ethics. The program also teaches how to write abstracts, properly cite sources, and present research findings in a professional setting. Lab-based interns may also gain hands-on experience with techniques like PCR, microscopy, and statistical software for data analysis.
Location: Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: April 28
Program Dates: 6–10 weeks during the summer starting at the end of June.
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 16 can apply.
11. Turner-UCLA Allied Health Internship
The Turner UCLA Allied Health Internship is a one-week summer program that helps high school students from underrepresented communities explore careers in allied health. If you’re curious about healthcare jobs that don’t require med school, this program gives you a look at clinical and administrative roles you might not have considered.
You’ll shadow professionals in fields like radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, and medical assisting, getting a feel for what their day-to-day work is like. Along the way, you’ll also pick up patient care skills, medical terminology, and a look into different career paths in healthcare.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 21
Program Dates: One week during the summer. Specific dates are unspecified.
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors from underrepresented communities.
12. Project STRIDE
Project STRIDE is a 10-week summer research program for 11th-grade students from underrepresented communities in South Los Angeles. It’s designed to get more students into biomedical research and healthcare careers by giving hands-on experience in clinical research.
You’ll work on real research projects tackling health disparities in underserved communities, learning about data analysis, research methods, and public health issues. If you’re thinking about a future in medicine or research, this program gives you a firsthand look at how scientific studies help improve healthcare for marginalized groups.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: Ten weeks during the summer.
Eligibility: Open to 11th-grade high school students. Students can have completed 11th grade when they participate in the program, provided they applied to it while they were in their junior year.
13. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Summer Volunteer Program gives high school students (who have finished freshman year) a chance to gain hands-on experience in a hospital setting. You’ll assist with patient transport, visitor assistance, and administrative tasks, while also learning basic patient care and hospital safety protocols.
You’ll also learn how to navigate a hospital system, support healthcare staff with non-clinical tasks, and improve communication with patients and medical professionals. The program requires a 15-hour weekly commitment, which you can complete in two full days or four half-day shifts.
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 10
Program Dates: June 16 — August 1
Eligibility: High school applicants must be aged 15–17 by the program start date.
14. Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers
Cedars-Sinai Teen Volunteer Program gives high school students a chance to gain real-world experience in a hospital setting while assisting staff and interacting with patients. You’ll develop skills like patient communication, bedside manner, hospital safety procedures, and teamwork in a fast-paced medical environment.
As a volunteer, you’ll help with patient transport, administrative support, and visitor assistance, while also getting insight into hospital operations and healthcare workflows. The program runs in three sessions this year, including a summer session, each lasting 8 to 10 weeks.
Location: Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: April 4
Program Dates: June 16 — July 20 (Summer). Fall and winter sessions are available too.
Eligibility: High school student volunteers must be 14–18 years old and enrolled in high school.
15. Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP)
Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP) gives underrepresented high school students hands-on experience in biomedical research while preparing them for college and STEM careers. You’ll work alongside scientists at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, conducting lab experiments, analyzing data, and learning research techniques like PCR, microscopy, and cell culture. The program also includes college-level biology instruction, SAT prep, and workshops on writing personal statements and applying for scholarships.
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: Starting June 16 and ending toward the beginning of August.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented communities.
Image source: University of California, Los Angeles
