Healthcare is a complex, interdisciplinary field spanning everything from clinical medicine and biomedical engineering to public health policy and data science. For high school students thinking about pursuing a career in this space, internships offer early access to the professional and research settings that shape how we understand, treat, and prevent illness.
These internships aren’t just about shadowing doctors. They immerse you in lab-based research, give you experience using diagnostic tools, introduce you to patient care systems, and sometimes even involve designing and presenting your own studies. From mastering software like REDCap or ImageJ to learning how to collect biological data and analyze epidemiological trends, you’ll be developing skills that researchers and clinicians use every day.
In this list, we’ve curated 15 healthcare internships specifically for high school students. Some are offered by leading medical schools and hospitals, others by government agencies and biotech hubs. All offer a chance to go beyond textbooks and start engaging directly with healthcare’s biggest questions.
1. Ladder Internship Program – Healthcare and Medicine Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Through Ladder’s healthcare and medicine track, you get matched with a high-growth health tech or biotech startup where you’ll work on practical projects like analyzing patient engagement strategies, building market research reports for medical apps, or contributing to healthcare data dashboards. You’ll be guided by both a startup mentor and a Ladder coach, and present your work at the end of the program. If you’re curious about digital health, medical innovation, or the business side of healthcare, this internship gives you a hands-on way to explore those intersections.
2. Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, FL
Cost: $3,905
Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: June 16–July 25
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year
This six-week neuroscience internship places you in a working research lab at MPFI, where you’ll assist in uncovering how neurons behave and communicate. You’ll work with a mentor to design experiments and gain experience with advanced techniques like fluorescence microscopy, genetic labeling, histological staining, and image analysis. By the end of the program, you’ll write a scientific abstract and present your findings just like researchers do at conferences. It’s an intensive intro to neuroscience and experimental design, especially useful if you’re interested in the molecular and cellular aspects of brain science.
3. Stony Brook University – Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University immerses you in authentic, faculty-mentored research in science, math, or engineering. As a Simons Fellow, you’ll become part of a research group, take on your own project, and develop the technical skills needed for serious scientific inquiry. You’ll work alongside graduate students and professors in campus labs, attend faculty seminars, and gain insight into research careers. The program also includes weekly workshops, behind-the-scenes campus tours, and special events to deepen your academic engagement. You’ll wrap up the summer by writing an abstract and presenting a professional research poster, giving you experience in both scientific writing and public presentation.
4. Vanderbilt Biomedical Informatics Summer Program (VBISP)
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; all participants receive a stipend (exact amount not disclosed)
Program Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: You should be a high schooler interested in STEM (priority for Metro Nashville Public Schools participants); U.S. citizen or permanent resident; prior programming knowledge and moderate computer skills preferred
VBISP is a 10-week research program where you’ll work on faculty-mentored projects applying technology to practical healthcare problems. The curriculum blends computer science, engineering, cognitive science, biology, and clinical medicine, giving you a multidisciplinary foundation in biomedical informatics. You’ll analyze healthcare data, design systems, and sharpen your scientific communication skills through seminars and a collaborative design challenge. Along the way, you’ll participate in professional development sessions and may have opportunities to present your work at conferences or even submit it to a peer-reviewed journal. These experiences that can strengthen both your college and career prospects
5. NYU – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free; $1,000 stipend
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: NYC high school students in 10th or 11th grade with strong academic performance
NYU’s ARISE program is a 10-week summer research experience that blends intensive skill-building with hands-on lab work in more than 80 active NYU research groups. The first four weeks focus on safety training, technical workshops, and academic writing instruction to prepare you for professional lab work. The following six weeks place you directly in a lab, where you’ll contribute to ongoing projects in fields ranging from robotics to environmental engineering. You’ll log around 120 hours of lab experience, gain mentorship from faculty and graduate researchers, and sharpen your communication skills through public speaking sessions. The summer culminates in two showcase opportunities – presenting to the NYU community and exhibiting your research at the American Museum of Natural History Poster Symposium.
6. St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program
Location: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,800 stipend
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25, with a mandatory exhibition on July 26
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: You must be a high school junior from the Memphis-Shelby County area or nearby counties in TN, MS, and AR; at least 16 years old; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
This 8-week program immerses you in research at one of the nation’s leading pediatric research centers. You’ll be paired with a mentor and work in teams of two on a project in psychology, epidemiology, clinical research, or data science. Beyond lab and data analysis skills, the program emphasizes reflection on how identity, access, and perspective shape the practice of science. You’ll meet regularly with a science educator, refine your ability to think like a scientist, and write a personal statement ready for college applications. The experience culminates in a public exhibition, where you’ll present your findings in a scientific poster session to the St. Jude community.
7. Hamilton Health Sciences Secondary School Research Bursary
Location: Hamilton Health Sciences centers across Hamilton, ON
Cost: Free; $1,500 bursary award
Program Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: You must be in grade 11 or 12
This seven-week internship places you in research teams at Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University, where you’ll gain experience in areas like population health, cancer research, child development, geriatric medicine, and lab-based studies. You’ll work alongside mentors, develop technical skills, and explore the clinical research environment at facilities such as the Escarpment Cancer Research Institute (ECRI) and the GERAS Centre. The program blends hands-on project work with professional development, giving you insight into both the science and practice of healthcare research.
8. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center – Stanford Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,500 + $95 non-refundable application fee; need-based financial aid available
Dates: June 23 – July 4 | July 14 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 14
Eligibility: You must be a high schooler aged 16+ by the program start date (juniors under 16 can still apply)
If you’re curious about surgery or thinking about a medical career, Stanford’s Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center offers an intensive, hands-on introduction. Over the course of this virtual internship, you’ll explore cardiothoracic anatomy, surgical techniques, and physiology through interactive demonstrations. Using an overhead camera setup, instructors guide you in real time through procedures like valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, knot tying, suturing, and dissection. You’ll also attend lectures led by Stanford faculty, residents, and staff, and get live feedback during lab sessions so you can refine your technique, all from your own workspace.
9. Tufts University – Mini Dental School
Location: Tufts University’s Boston Health Sciences Campus, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter fee $3,525 + $100 materials fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: You must be entering grades 11 or 12 or be a recent graduate, at least 16 years old, and have completed at least one year of high school biology
This one-week program gives you an applied introduction to dental medicine through lab-based learning and technical skill-building. You’ll practice essential procedures such as suturing, plaque removal, and cavity filling under the guidance of dental professionals, while also exploring oral anatomy, dental pathology, and the latest diagnostic technologies. Through real patient case studies, you’ll see how dentists make treatment decisions and integrate oral care with overall health. For your capstone project, you’ll research and propose creative solutions to pressing oral health challenges, presenting your findings to peers and faculty.
10. Women’s College Hospital – Emily Stowe Scholar Program
Location: Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: February 28 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: You must be in grade 11 or 12, at least 16 years old by July 7, and have completed grade 11 or 12 Biology and Chemistry. Open to those who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized women, 2SLGBTQI+, trans, two-spirit, non-binary, or persons with a disability.
This six-week, full-time summer research program is designed for high schoolers from historically underrepresented communities in science and healthcare. You’ll contribute to health research projects, attend seminars and panel talks, and take part in weekly group sessions to share progress and challenges. The program offers mentorship from researchers and healthcare professionals, networking opportunities, and guided tours such as the University of Toronto Medical Gardens. You’ll wrap up your experience by presenting your research at a formal symposium, building both your confidence and your professional portfolio.
11. Knight Cardiovascular Internship for High School Students
Location: OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: First week of June – end of August
Application Deadline: January 1 – May 11
Eligibility: You must be an Oregon high schooler aged 16+ by May 30; no prior cardiology experience required; preference for 10th and 11th graders
In this competitive summer internship, you’ll work alongside experts at the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute, exploring the science and medicine behind heart health. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to cardiovascular research and patient care, learn about diagnostic tools and procedures, and see how cardiology fits into the broader healthcare picture. The program is designed to help you understand the complexity of cardiovascular medicine while building skills that can benefit future studies or careers. Exceptional participants may even be invited back for research opportunities in subsequent summers, making this a valuable launchpad for anyone considering a career in cardiology.
12. MEDscienceClinical @ Harvard Medical School
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,250 (four-day program) or $2,800 (five-day program); limited scholarships available for Boston-area students
Dates: Multiple sessions between June and August
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: You must be a high school student aged 16 or older
In MEDscienceClinical, you’ll train in emergency medicine using Harvard Medical School’s state-of-the-art simulation labs. Through realistic, hands-on scenarios, you’ll learn skills like IV insertion, wound suturing, CPR, intubation, laparoscopic techniques, and trauma management, all practiced on high-fidelity mannequins and using diagnostic equipment. The curriculum also covers patient assessment, case-based diagnosis, emergency response protocols, and obstetric simulations. You’ll earn certifications in CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed, and join MEDchats to engage directly with healthcare professionals from a variety of specialties. Throughout the program, you’ll also strengthen your teamwork, communication, and clinical reasoning skills.
13. Denver Health High School Internship – Medical Career Collaborative (MC²)
Location: Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado locations (varies by placement)
Cost/Stipend: Free; minimum $14.40/hour (Colorado minimum wage)
Application Deadline: March 5
Program Dates: Year-round, starting in your junior year and continuing through senior year
Eligibility: You must be a current high school sophomore attending school in the Denver metro or Colorado Springs areas
The Medical Career Collaborative is a year-long, paid internship that gives you immersive, hands-on experience in healthcare while you’re still in high school. Starting in your junior year, you’ll complete a 100–120 hour placement at sites like Children’s Hospital Colorado or Denver Health, where you’ll observe and assist professionals in areas ranging from physical therapy to surgical services. Outside your placement, you’ll join seminars on medical terminology, healthcare systems, and college readiness, and participate in workshops, site visits, and skills training. The program also offers certification opportunities and one-on-one college advising to help you confidently take the next step toward a career in health or medicine.
14. McGill Summer Academy
Location: McGill University Downtown Campus, Montreal, Quebec
Cost: CAD 4,950
Program Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 19 | Session 2: July 20 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: You must be in grade 10 or 11 (or Sec IV or Sec V)
The McGill Summer Academy is a two-week program that lets you dive into college-level academics while experiencing campus life at one of Canada’s top universities. You’ll choose between two academic streams: Pathways to Neuro and Health Sciences or Understanding Migration, Global Citizenship, and Diasporic Resistance, and explore your chosen field through lectures, simulations, and collaborative projects. Outside the classroom, you’ll join guided explorations of Montreal’s cultural neighborhoods, attend summer festivals, and connect with peers from around the world. It’s an immersive mix of academic challenge and cultural discovery designed to expand both your knowledge and your global perspective.
15. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) – Stanford University
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA, or Virtual
Cost: $1,595 (virtual) | $2,895 (in-person); scholarships and financial assistance available
Program Dates: Virtual: June 16 – June 27 | In-person: July 7 – July 18 or July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: You must be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience is a two-week program that introduces you to core topics in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience. Hosted by Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, it blends faculty-led seminars with career pathway sessions and practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being. You’ll work in a small group on a capstone project exploring a mental or brain health topic, then present your findings to peers and instructors. Past projects have tackled subjects like addiction, neuroimaging, trauma, eating disorders, autism, and early intervention, giving you the chance to contribute ideas to some of the most pressing issues in brain and behavioral health today.
Bonus: Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type
Application Deadlines: Multiple throughout the year for spring, summer, and fall cohorts
Program Dates: Spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks; summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June – September)
Eligibility: You should be a high schooler in good academic standing (GPA above 3.67/4.0); most participants are in 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks require prerequisites.
HARP offers trimester-long research programs where you can dive into a topic you’re passionate about, from data science and machine learning to political theory and beyond. You’ll choose between a quantitative or qualitative research track, then be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who will mentor you throughout the process. Over the course of the program, you’ll produce a 20-page research paper suitable for submission to academic journals and receive in-depth feedback to refine your work. You’ll also earn a personalized letter of recommendation that highlights your skills and achievements, giving you a strong asset for college applications and future projects.
Image source – Stony Brook University