Are you aiming for a future in medicine? Building experience in medical research can give you a strong foundation. Not only does it open pathways to hands-on involvement in the field, but it also prepares you for upcoming research projects and internships. In Washington State, various programs connect students with healthcare professionals, providing early exposure to the realities of medical work.
As a high schooler, you can explore opportunities such as programs, research internships, and camps that focus on medical research, healthcare technology, and clinical practice. These experiences deepen your understanding of the healthcare sector and help prepare you for a future career in the field.
Here are 15 summer programs in medicine designed to help high school students build foundational skills and gain early exposure for 2024-2025.
15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Washington
Cost: $4,000
Program Dates: June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024 (Summer) and October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025 (Fall)
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Medicine, Neuroscience, Data Science, Psychology, Biology, and more
Who is Eligible: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs across various subjects, including medicine, neuroscience, and biology. Students work with professors or Ph.D. scholars from top universities to create a university-level research paper, suitable for submission to high-profile academic journals. The program allows students to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research, depending on their interests. Through guided mentorship, students create comprehensive research papers (approximately 20 pages) aimed at potential publication in esteemed journals.
Cost: $2290
Program Dates: Rolling admissions, Winter cohorts application deadline is December 1, 2024.
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: AI in Medicine, Machine Learning, Data Science in Healthcare, Convolutional Neural Networks
Who is Eligible: High school students interested in AI applications in healthcare. Have either completed the AI Scholars course or have a background in coding.
Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Drive program focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine. Through this program, you will learn how AI and machine learning can be applied in medical research and clinical diagnostics. You will gain experience in coding, AI frameworks, and healthcare analytics software, all while working on a group project to solve a real-world medical problem using AI. The program ends with a group presentation in front of other students and PhD mentors.
Cost: $2,800 (12 weeks) and $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Program Dates:
Summer cohort: June 2024 to August 2024
Fall cohort: September 2024 to December 2024
Winter cohort: December 2024 to February 2025
Spring cohort: March 2025 to June 2025
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Medical Research, Epidemiology, Neuroscience
Who is Eligible: High school students with a strong academic record (minimum GPA of 3.3 out of 4) are eligible. Prior knowledge in the chosen field of interest is optional.
Lumiere’s medical track pairs students with expert mentors to conduct research in fields such as epidemiology and neuroscience. The program offers personalized, 1-on-1 mentorship with Ph.D. scholars across a wide range of subjects. Over 12 weeks, students work on an independent research project, culminating in the creation of a research paper. This program is ideal for students who want to publish research papers and gain deep insights into specific medical fields.
Cost: $2490 (Financial Aid Available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Winter cohort starting on December 16, 2024.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Subject Areas: Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health
Who is Eligible: High school students with an interest in medical research and healthcare technology
Ladder’s Medical Pathways program offers a deep dive into biomedical engineering, public health, and medical research. You will work on research projects related to healthcare technologies, learning to use scientific databases, statistical software, and research ethics. The program emphasizes preparing students for future academic research and college applications.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23rd – August 1st, 2025
Location: University of Washington, Seattle
Subject Areas: Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Public Health
Who is Eligible: Current high school juniors in Washington State (completing junior year by July 1, 2024) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or hold DACA status. Must belong to an underrepresented group in health professions (e.g., economic, geographic, educational, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA2S+).
The University of Washington's UDOC (Underrepresented Doctors of Color) program is a free, immersive summer experience designed for current high school juniors in Washington State. The program provides you with hands-on exposure to various healthcare professions. You will develop critical skills in clinical sciences, public health, and patient care through simulations and workshops.
The program is usually held in two parts: three weeks virtual (July 1 – July 19, 2024), followed by three weeks in person at the University of Washington Seattle campus (July 22 – August 9, 2024), subject to COVID-19 and CDC guidelines.
Cost: Free (with stipend)
Program Dates: June - August 2024
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
Subject Areas: Oncology Research, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics
Who is Eligible: High school juniors and seniors with an interest in cancer research
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a competitive (Acceptance rate< 5%), eight-week, full-time paid internship. The program kicks off with two weeks of hands-on laboratory safety training and skill-building in the Fred Hutch Training Labs. For the remaining six weeks, you will be paired with research mentors and fully immersed in projects within a Fred Hutch research group in Seattle.
Alongside your research work, you will attend seminars, participate in professional development workshops centered on college and career readiness, and engage in social activities with your peers. The program concludes with a presentation of your research to the Fred Hutch community, making it an ideal opportunity for those interested in cutting-edge cancer therapies.
Cost: Free (with stipend)
Program Dates: July - August 2024
Location: Seattle Children's Research Institute
Subject Areas: Pediatrics, Neuroscience, Genetics
Who is Eligible: Rising juniors and seniors with a passion for pediatric research. High school students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the biomedical and health sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Summer Scholars Program gives you, as an undergraduate student, a paid summer internship to work on basic, clinical, community-based, or translational research projects at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. You'll be mentored by experienced researchers and principal investigators, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
The program focuses on laboratory skills, research ethics, and scientific communication, making it ideal for students interested in medical research related to child health. You will spend 35 hours per week for nine weeks performing mentored research on a project you selected during the application process.
In addition to your research work, you will spend five hours per week on a curriculum aimed at building research knowledge, exploring research pathways, and discussing cultural issues in research. The program includes training on responsible and ethical research conduct (RCR) and provides professional development for networking and career exploration. The program ends with publishing an abstract and presenting your research at a poster symposium.
Cost: Free (with stipend)
Program Dates: July 2024
Location: Washington State University, Spokane
Subject Areas: Medical Science, Nursing, Pharmacy, First aid and CPR training, Basic nursing skills, Traditional medicine, Native American elder teachings, Substance abuse and education, Diabetes education, Leadership skill building
Who is Eligible: Native American high school students who have completed grades 9-12 by spring 2024 and are interested in health sciences or STEAM fields.
The Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Institute introduces you to various healthcare careers through clinical observations, hands-on labs, and skill-building workshops. This two-week summer camp at Washington State University Spokane allows you to explore health sciences careers through practical learning experiences led by healthcare providers, WSU Spokane faculty, and health sciences college students.
Focused on underrepresented students, the program offers training in medical technologies, nursing, and pharmacology. All expenses are covered, including transportation, housing, meals, educational materials, and cultural activities. First-year participants who complete the program will receive a Chromebook and a $200 stipend on a pre-paid debit card.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 2024
Location: University of Washington, Seattle
Subject Areas: Nursing, Patient Care, Anatomy
Who is Eligible: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in nursing
The UW Nurse Camp is a free week-long camp for students interested in nursing careers. You will develop core nursing skills, including patient interaction, clinical techniques, and anatomical knowledge through immersive simulations and hands-on learning. You will shadow nurses in various hospital units at UW Medical Center – Northwest and UW Medical Center – Montlake, complete CPR and HIPAA training, and learn about infection control, hand-washing techniques, taking blood pressure and vitals, and preparing for college and nursing school. Hands-on learning takes place in the School of Nursing’s simulation lab and UW Medicine’s WISH Lab. You will also engage in nursing "speed rounds" to meet nurses from diverse fields like forensics, public health, emergency care, and research, be mentored by UW nursing students, and make new friends and memories.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June - July 2024
Location: Seattle BioMed, Seattle
Subject Areas: Infectious Diseases, Global Health, Microbiology
Who is Eligible: High school juniors and seniors
Seattle Biomedical Research Institute’s BioQuest Academy is a two-week summer program for local teens interested in science and infectious disease research. Through laboratory work and experiments, you will develop technical skills in microbiology and global health, preparing you for future research in epidemiology and medicine. In 2023, BioQuest invited ISB high school interns to their lab to learn about cutting-edge malaria research and participate in a mosquito dissection.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Rolling
Location: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima
Subject Areas: Rural Healthcare, Osteopathic Medicine, Public Health
Who is Eligible: Indigenous students, particularly from the Yakama Nation, or students from rural communities
The Roots to Wings program is designed to inspire Indigenous and rural students to pursue careers in healthcare. Through mentorship and hands-on activities, you will gain exposure to osteopathic medicine, rural health challenges, and public health topics.
The program includes lab work in chemistry, where you will conduct experiments, and electromyography (EMG) to learn about muscle activity. You will also participate in patient care simulations that mimic real-world scenarios, helping you develop critical thinking and clinical skills. Additionally, you will explore various healthcare roles, including medicine, nursing, physical therapy,
Cost: Free (with stipend)
Program Dates: June - August 2024
Location: Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle
Subject Areas: Systems Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics
Who is Eligible: High school juniors and seniors
The Institute for Systems Biology Summer High School Internship provides you an opportunity to engage in research projects focused on systems biology and genomics. You will use bioinformatics tools and laboratory techniques to investigate complex biological systems. The program offers technical training in data analysis and experimental design, equipping you with valuable research skills and practical experience in the field.
Every January, these opportunities are posted on the ISB Careers Webpage, providing students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research and educational projects.
Cost: Available on enquiry.
Program Dates: June 2024
Location: Whitman College, Walla Walla
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry
Who is Eligible: High school students passionate about health sciences
This summer program allows you to explore health sciences through subjects like neuroscience, biology, and chemistry. Through lab sessions and fieldwork, you will gain practical research skills, making it a strong choice for those interested in neuroscience or biological research. To learn more about pre-health opportunities at Whitman College, schedule an appointment with Kimberly Mueller, director of the Office of Health Profession Advising.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 2025
Location: Various MultiCare Facilities in Washington (Tacoma, Puyallup, Spokane)
Subject Areas: Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health, Emergency Medicine
Who is Eligible: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Pierce, South King, Kitsap, and North Thurston counties who are interested in nursing or other health-related careers
M.A.S.H. Camp offers students a behind-the-scenes look at various healthcare careers. Through hands-on activities, you can explore healthcare roles, such as nursing, emergency medicine, and allied health professions. You will be engaged in simulations, shadowing, and learn practical clinical skills, making this a valuable program for students considering a medical career. As a participant in the M.A.S.H. Camp, you’ll join medical professionals from various disciplines.
Cost: $2,200
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1, 2025.
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Clinical Research, Healthcare Administration, Public Health
Who is Eligible: High school students entering grades 9-12 with an interest in healthcare
The INSIGHT High School Program aims to teach you core public health concepts while facilitating field research data collection and analysis. You will enhance your critical thinking, public speaking, and data visualization skills.
Throughout the program, you will complete a capstone project focused on injury and violence prevention, gaining insights into social justice as it relates to individual and community health. You will engage with healthcare professionals through speaker panels, network with peers, and participate in interactive remote social activities.
Students who fulfill all program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion. The program will culminate in an online research symposium where you can present your capstone project to physicians, researchers, medical professionals, and college students, with families encouraged to attend.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.