If you’re a high school student thinking about a career in medicine, internships can give you an early look at what working in healthcare is really like. These opportunities let you explore areas such as clinical practice, biomedical research, and public health, while also helping you see how science connects to real-world patient care. If you’re a high schooler based in Seattle, or considering a career in the city, there’s multiple options you can consider!
Seattle is home to leading medical institutions, including Fred Hutch Cancer Center and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, which means local students may find unique chances to learn directly from professionals in these fields. Some internships even go beyond science, offering experiences in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that are valuable in any career.
In this guide, we’ve gathered 16 medical internships available to high school students in Seattle, along with a few virtual options that can be accessed from anywhere.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10% / 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Fall cohort: September 15
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; availability to work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth startups, including those in health tech, where you contribute to real-world projects in product development, data analysis, market research, and strategy. Ladder’s start-ups are dynamic, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from top accelerators like Y Combinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. You will work under direct mentorship from startup managers and participate in structured training sessions focused on project management, professional communication, and presentation delivery. The program emphasizes producing tangible deliverables and building cross-functional collaboration skills, with networking opportunities across top companies.
2. Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute Summer Program
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None / $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive program / 16 students
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Rising 11th-grade students from the Seattle area
This four-week program introduces you to biomedical research methodologies through hands-on work in areas such as biochemistry, CRISPR-based gene editing, and infectious disease studies. You will train in experimental design, pipetting techniques, data collection, and interpretation while working alongside PhD-level researchers. The curriculum integrates career development workshops and seminars on emerging medical research trends, preparing you for future STEM-focused academic pathways. Beyond lab work, you’ll gain college and career insights through facility tours and workshops. Ultimately, you’ll share your findings with the Seattle Children’s community through a presentation.
3. Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program
or have prior Python experience.
Duration: 10 sessions, 2.5 hours per session
Dates: Jun 9 – Aug 11 (Sundays, 11 AM – 1:30 PM EST)
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine program, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. You will get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
4. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Pathways Research Explorers Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None / $500 (post-program completion)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / 75+ across previous years
Dates: Session 1: July 28 – August 8, Session 2: August 11 – 22
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Rising 10th–11th graders who have completed introductory biology or chemistry | Residents of Seattle or surrounding areas
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Pathways Research Explorers Program is a competitive, two-week summer science immersion program for high school students in Seattle. It introduces you to cancer research, with a focus on biomedical science and public health. You will participate in hands-on experiments in the Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Learning Lab, tour active research facilities, and engage with scientists at various career stages. The curriculum covers topics such as bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy, epidemiology, and biostatistics, alongside discussions on academic pathways in biomedical research. Daily activities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an evening orientation before each session.
5. Fred Hutch Cancer Center – Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid (exact amount disclosed to finalists); free ORCA transit card
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Between 20 – 30 students
Dates: Eight weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with strong academic and scientific interest | Must reside in the U.S.
SHIP is an eight-week, full-time paid internship designed for students entering their senior year who have not had extensive research experience. You will begin with two weeks of intensive training in lab safety, research methods, and an introduction to Fred Hutch’s biomedical research environment. For the next six weeks, you will join a research team, working closely with a mentor on authentic projects in areas like cancer biology, infectious disease, and public health. The program also includes professional development workshops, career panels, and research seminars, as well as social activities with peers. Your experience culminates with a formal presentation of your work to the Fred Hutch community, family, and friends.
6. Biomedical Research Internship for Growth of High school Trainees from Underrepresented Populations (BRIGHT-UP)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None / Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 20 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12), especially those from underrepresented backgrounds
This 8-week summer internship is designed specifically for high school students from economically and educationally under-resourced backgrounds. It connects you with professional mentors while providing valuable hands-on experience in a research lab setting. Throughout the program, you will develop essential laboratory skills and gain exposure to various scientific fields through panel discussions, lab tours, and interactions with professionals. You will also work on a research project, gaining practical experience, all within a supportive community focused on increasing diversity in biomedical research. Additionally, weekly career development sessions will help you build skills and explore future opportunities.
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None / Provided, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1-2% / 12 students
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: December 14
Eligibility: High school students who will be 18 years or older by the first day of the program | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Minimum 3.2 GPA | Current immunizations (measles/mumps/rubella, varicella, hepatitis B) and a TB test result valid through the program end date
This NIH-funded, eight-week program offers “Bench to Bedside” exposure in neurosciences through a combination of laboratory research, clinical shadowing, and surgical observation. You will be placed in a neuroscience lab to complete an independent research project, observe neurosurgical procedures in the operating room, and shadow physicians in neurology and neurological surgery clinics. The experience is enriched by weekly grand rounds, faculty lectures, and resident education discussions. You will present your findings at the end of the program, gaining valuable experience in research communication and presentation. Housing is available for a limited number of out-of-town students.
8. UW School of Pharmacy – Students Exploring Pharmacy (STEP)
Location: University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $100 non-refundable program fee; scholarships are available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Approximately 30 students
Dates: July 14–17
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; priority given to rising juniors and seniors
This four-day program is designed to encourage high school students to explore pharmacy as a career through interactive learning and direct engagement with professionals. You will participate in hands-on activities related to pharmacy practice, attend discussions led by pharmacists from various specialties, and interact with UW faculty and current pharmacy students. The curriculum offers insight into diverse career paths within the field, from community-based care to clinical research. The fee includes course materials, lunch, and the School of Pharmacy program “swag,” with financial assistance available to ensure access for all participants. Housing and transportation are not provided.
9. COPE Junior Health Scholars Program
Location: Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: 3-month track: $595; 6-month track: $475; 9-month track: $325 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective / Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who are 16-17 years old by the application deadline | Must provide current immunization records, including MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap, TB screening, and seasonal flu vaccine
As a COPE Junior Health Scholar, you’ll get a unique opportunity to experience healthcare firsthand. You’ll gain valuable insight into healthcare delivery and explore various educational and career pathways by working alongside experienced Health Scholars. This includes shadowing clinical teams or working independently in patient care and administrative settings. The program also offers mentorship from Health Scholars and hospital staff, supporting your personal and professional growth. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate to boost your college and job applications and receive priority access to continue as a Health Scholar after graduation.
10. Rainier Scholars Summer Internship – Medical Track
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: None / Some are paid (Determined by hosting partners)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / Not specified
Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Vary by host partner
Eligibility: Rainier Scholars high school students who are rising juniors and seniors (grades 11–12) | Must participate in at least one summer enrichment program during high school
This career-focused program offers high school students real-world exposure to healthcare and medical research in Seattle and the greater Puget Sound area. You will participate in internships with top hospitals, research centers, and medical organizations such as Seattle Children’s, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and the University of Washington. Through these experiences, you will engage in projects like shadowing healthcare professionals, assisting with science labs, supporting patient care teams, and contributing to public health outreach. The program also provides ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities with professionals, and tailored support to help you build professional skills. This hands-on experience gives you a comprehensive look at healthcare careers.
11. Camp BIOmed – Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR)
Location: Seattle Pacific University (Seattle, WA)
Cost/Stipend: $795 for employees of member institutions; $845 for non-members; early bird discounts and scholarships available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 14 students
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 in Fall
Camp BIOmed is a week-long summer science program designed for high school students interested in biomedical and health science careers. You will choose from six specialized tracks: molecular biology of cancer, genetic engineering, microbiology, bioinformatics, crime scene investigation, and global health. You will gain hands-on lab experience while working with fundamental scientific tools and techniques. Depending on your track, you might conduct ELISAs, run PCR, examine bacterial cultures, perform brain dissections, or design a public health intervention. The program also incorporates ethical discussions, case studies, and a culminating expo where you present your work to peers and family.
12. Systems Education Experiences (SEE) High School Intern Programs
Location: Seattle, WA (mix of in-person and virtual)
Cost/Stipend: STiSA: None/None | Summer Internship: None / $5,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: STiSA: Not selective / Open enrollment | Summer Internship: Selective / 4–10 students selected from 300+ applicants
Dates: STiSA: Several times throughout Spring and summer | Summer Internship – June 30–August 22
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: STiSA: Current 10th & 11th graders | Summer Internship: Current 11th graders only
ISB’s SEE program offers two distinct tracks: the Systems Thinkers in STEM Ambassadorship (STiSA) and an 8-week paid summer internship. STiSA begins with a 2-hour virtual “Systems are Everywhere” workshop, followed by optional micro-courses in systems medicine and environmental systems, and ongoing engagement through Slack and community action projects. The other track, the competitive summer internship, places rising seniors in the Baliga Lab and other ISB labs to conduct systems biology research on topics like computational biology, microbiomes, cancer, and bioengineering with algae. You will also interview ISB professionals, participate in a STEM Leadership program, and develop a project webpage with guidance from a web designer.
13. Doctor for a Day (DFAD) Program at UW Medicine
Location: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective / 560+ students
Dates: Monthly themed academy events
Application Deadline: No formal deadline, registration can be done any time
Eligibility: All K-12 students
The Doctor for a Day (DFAD) program provides K-12 students, especially those from communities underrepresented in healthcare, with an immersive and interactive experience. Led by medical students, participants engage in workshops featuring activities like suturing, patient interviewing, and physical exam skills. The initiative aims to motivate future healthcare professionals by showcasing the wide range of career opportunities in medicine and health services. Students gain valuable exposure to healthcare roles and benefit from mentorship by medical students who serve as role models. By fostering diversity and inclusion, the program plays a crucial role in shaping a more equitable healthcare workforce and addressing disparities faced by marginalized populations.
14. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: <3% / About 8 students
Dates: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors living anywhere in the U.S. or Canada
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a selective neuroscience research opportunity for high school students passionate about brain science. You will work closely with Johns Hopkins researchers on lab-based projects, gaining hands-on experience in experimental techniques and data analysis. Throughout the program, you will attend scientific seminars, participate in professional development sessions, and receive individualized mentorship. You also engage in data entry, statistical software, and better understand the clinical aspects of brain disorders. You will complete a final research project, presenting your findings at a symposium to faculty, peers, and guests.
15. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 tuition + $40 application fee; full financial aid available for both application and program fees / None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective / 25 interns per session
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school student | Above 14 years old | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or provide documentation of valid visa status
This two-week virtual program introduces you to the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare, and computer science. You will participate in lectures from Stanford faculty, hands-on coding workshops, and guided research projects exploring how AI tools can advance medical diagnostics and treatment. Career “Lunch & Learns” will connect you with professionals from academia, technology, and healthcare sectors, offering insight into diverse career pathways. The program culminates in a final research symposium where you will present your work to peers, mentors, and faculty. You can also continue to research innovative AI solutions for improved healthcare through AIMI’s extended independent research opportunity if you qualify.
16. Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center – Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,500 + $95 application fee; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive / About 30 students per two-week session
Dates: Program 1: June 23 – July 4; Program 2: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old on the first day of the program |
Led by Stanford University faculty, surgical residents, and clinical staff, this program immerses you in surgical anatomy, physiology, and technical skills relevant to medical careers. Mornings focus on lectures covering topics such as cardiac and thoracic diseases, ECG interpretation, and imaging techniques, including CT, MRI, and echocardiography. Afternoons are dedicated to surgical simulation labs, where you’ll use provided instrument kits to practice suturing, dissection, and vessel anastomosis on models. You will also examine porcine heart anatomy and refine essential surgical skills like knot tying and precise instrument handling. This program ensures you gain a deep understanding of cardiothoracic anatomy, physiology, and surgery through lectures and interactive practice.
Image source – Rainer Scholars