If you are a high school student in Massachusetts thinking about a future in healthcare, consider enrolling in a local medical internship.
Massachusetts is one of the best places to find these opportunities. With top hospitals, research centers, and universities, there are plenty of programs designed for high school students who want to explore medicine in a structured, guided way. These internships let you step into hospitals, research labs, or clinics to see what medical on-ground work looks like. You get to observe professionals, assist with simple tasks, and understand how healthcare teams function day to day.
Joining a local program also saves costs while giving you practical exposure. On your college applications or CV, this experience shows readiness to learn, interest in science, and the ability to work in professional environments.
To help you begin, here are 12 medical internships for high school students in Massachusetts, as well as prestigious medical internships open to students from the state!
12 Medical Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts
1. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 31
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students based in Massachusetts
Mass General’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program offers a paid, full-time summer internship for high school students to explore the field of neurology. Over 6 to 8 weeks, you will engage in laboratory research, receive one-on-one mentorship, and attend weekly educational workshops. The program begins with a boot camp to strengthen lab skills and communication, after which you work with neurologists on research projects. At the end of the internship, you will present your findings to peers and professionals. Continued academic guidance and mentorship are available even after the program concludes.
2. MEDscienceLAB Forensics
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,800. Scholarships are available
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – July
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application; At least 16 years old at the start of the program
MEDscienceLAB Forensics is a full-day, week-long summer program at Harvard Medical School for high school students who want hands-on experience in forensic science and biomedical research. You’ll investigate a simulated crime scene by collecting evidence, analyzing samples, and working in teams to solve the case. You’ll train in advanced lab techniques like PCR, ELISA, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis, all in state-of-the-art labs. The program includes MEDchats with research professionals, giving you insight into careers in medicine and science. At the end of the week, you present your forensic findings just like an actual investigation team.
3. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee (full financial aid available for both application and program fees) | None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program that introduces high school students to the role of artificial intelligence in medicine. You’ll attend lectures on AI principles and their healthcare applications, while working on collaborative research projects under daily mentorship. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and government discuss current innovations and challenges in medical AI. Career-oriented “Lunch and Learn” sessions highlight opportunities at the intersection of technology and health. After the core program, you may continue research, and you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion.
4. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,595; scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a two-week intensive program focused on neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. You’ll attend seminars with Stanford faculty covering topics such as brain imaging, behavioral neuroscience, mindfulness, genetics, and sports psychiatry. The program also includes discussions on medical and research careers, along with sessions on mental health and self-care. Working in small teams, you’ll complete a capstone project proposing solutions to real-world mental health issues.
5. MEDscienceDental
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,800. Scholarships are available
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – July
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application
In the MEDscienceDental Program at Harvard Medical School, you’ll explore the intersection of medicine and oral health through immersive simulations. Over the course of the program, you’ll evaluate and treat life-like patients in a high-tech lab environment, learning to diagnose common dental conditions. You’ll gain hands-on experience in essential clinical techniques such as suturing, digital scanning, and cavity filling. The program also offers opportunities to meet dentists, faculty, and dental students from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. By the end, you’ll understand how dentistry connects to broader healthcare and develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for your future studies.
6. Mini Med School
Location: Tufts University College, Medford, MA
Cost: Program fees vary per session
Application Deadline: December 1 – May 1
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 – June 26; Session 2: July 5 – July 17; Session 3: July 19 – July 24
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12 or Spring high school graduates;1 year of high school biology is required; 16 years of age by the program start date
Mini Med School at Tufts University School of Medicine is a summer program that gives high school students a hands-on introduction to medicine and healthcare careers. You’ll learn directly from Tufts faculty and medical students through lectures, labs, and clinical simulations. You’ll practice medical skills like suturing, measuring vital signs, and using diagnostic tools in realistic settings. You’ll also study anatomy in advanced labs and complete a capstone project on a healthcare topic you choose. The program includes Q&A sessions with doctors and admissions experts, helping you explore different medical career paths and understand what it takes to get there.
7. Mini Dental School
Location: Tufts University College
Cost: Commuter fee: $3,525 + Materials Fee: $100
Application Deadline: December 2 – May 1
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 – June 26(Commuter Only); Session 2: July 5 – July 17
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12 or Spring high school graduates;1 year of high school biology is required; 16 years old by the program start date
Mini Dental School is a week-long program that offers you an in-depth introduction to the field of dentistry through hands-on experiences. You’ll participate in simulations of dental procedures such as suturing and cavity fillings while exploring oral anatomy and health. Guided by dental professionals, you’ll learn about the latest tools and technologies used in modern practice. The program also involves analyzing patient cases to understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness. It concludes with a capstone project where you’ll present an innovative approach to a dental health challenge.
8. MEDscienceClinical by Harvard Medical School
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,250 – $2,800
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Program Dates: Multiple sessions running from June – August
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 at the time of application.
MEDscienceClinical places you in the dynamic environment of emergency medicine through simulation-based training at Harvard Medical School. You’ll practice evaluating and managing medical emergencies using tools and procedures such as IV insertion, CPR, and wound treatment. The program includes trauma care training, along with CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed certifications. Through MEDchats, you’ll engage with healthcare professionals to learn about different medical career paths. Designed for future healthcare students, the experience emphasizes teamwork, quick thinking, and hands-on clinical skills.
9. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer between June and August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week online research program for high school juniors and seniors. You’ll explore neuroscience through interactive lectures, case studies, and virtual lab exercises covering topics like brain development, neurodegenerative disorders, and mental illnesses. The program includes research-based projects, mentorship, and career guidance from experts in the field. You also gain exposure to essential lab techniques and collaborative learning experiences with peers nationwide.
10. Anatomy – Boston Leadership Institute
Location: Olin College in Greater Wellesley, Gann Academy/Bentley University in Waltham, MA
Cost: $699 tuition fee + $699 residential fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – June 27; Session 2: July 14 – July 19; Session 3: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 8-12 graders
At the Boston Leadership Institute’s Anatomy Program, you’ll gain practical insight into anatomy by engaging directly with the science behind the body. You’ll reconstruct skeletal models, compare skull structures, and analyze how exercise impacts cardiovascular function. Sessions on neuroscience focus on brain anatomy, chemical influences, and the biology of concussions. You’ll experiment with muscle contractions using ATP and explore joint function through the study of the knee. The program offers a structured exploration of anatomy through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
11. Intro to Surgery – Boston Leadership Institute
Location: Olin College in Greater Wellesley, Gann Academy/Bentley University in Waltham, MA
Cost: $699 tuition fee + $699 residential fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – June 20; Session 2: July 14 – July 18; Session 3: July 4 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising 8-12 graders
The Introduction to Surgery program offers a one-week overview of surgical practice with an emphasis on cardiovascular procedures. You’ll learn and practice basic surgical techniques, including suturing and knot tying, under guided supervision. The curriculum centers on the study of coronary artery bypass grafting and other cardiothoracic operations. In small groups, you’ll research a specific heart-related condition and prepare a detailed presentation on its surgical treatment. The week concludes with a class presentation that combines medical learning with public speaking practice.
12. Pediatrics – Boston Leadership Institute
Location: Gann Academy/Bentley University in Waltham, MA
Cost: $699 tuition fee + $699 residential fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 8-12 graders
The Boston Leadership Institute’s Pediatrics Program gives you an in-depth look at medical care for children and adolescents. Through hands-on labs, you’ll practice health screenings like eye exams, hearing tests, and reflex assessments. The program covers topics such as childhood diseases, autism, concussions, and mental health challenges. You’ll also study how pediatricians identify abuse and respond to complex emotional or developmental conditions. The week combines medical science with practical learning to help you understand how pediatric care differs from adult medicine.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like medicine and healthcare, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Boston Leadership Institute