If you’re a high school student looking for a short, focused way to explore medicine, consider a summer camp!
If you’re based in Texas, you’re in luck – there are multiple options for you to choose from: medical summer camps for high school students provide an immersive (and engaging) way to explore the healthcare field while building advanced research skills and gaining practical experience. Camps differ from regular programs as they are shorter, highly structured, and usually focus intensively on a single subject or field, offering a more targeted learning experience. This format allows you to engage deeply with topics such as anatomy, patient care, and biomedical research in a condensed timeframe.
Texas is home to a wide range of organizations, universities, and hospitals that host medical summer camps for high school students each year, giving you access to expert mentors and professional medical environments. If you’re based in Texas, choosing a local camp can also be a financially smart move – saving on travel and accommodation while still being able to access high-quality mentorship and training.
1. Texas A&M University Veterinary Enrichment Camp
Location: Glen Rose, TX
Cost: $125
Program Dates: November 12 (Middle School), November 13 (High School)
Deadline: Unavailable (registration closes when capacity is met)
Eligibility: Middle School Camp – Grades 6–8, Ages 11–14; High School Camp – Grades 9–12, Ages 14–18
Stipend: None
At these one-day immersive sessions, you’ll explore exotic species, conservation practices, and veterinary career pathways through interactive activities. Camps are offered separately for middle school and high school students, ensuring the content is tailored to the individual’s academic level and interests. In these sessions, you will work with veterinary experts and thus gain a realistic preview of actual veterinary work. The enrollment capacity is capped at 36 participants per session; so securing a spot early is of crucial importance.
2. Dell Medical School Health Sciences Summer Camp
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: $500 (Day Camp); $0 (Residential GEAR UP Camp) – tuition waived for qualifying students; financial assistance available
Program Dates: June 16–20 (Day Camp); July 7–11 (GEAR UP Residential Camp) (tentative, based on previous years)
Deadline: Closed for 2025
Eligibility: 9th–11th grade students; residential camp restricted to specific GEAR UP partner districts
These medical summer camps for high school students in Texas give them an opportunity to train in the simulation labs used by UT Austin’s medical and nursing students. You will learn clinical skills such as IV administration, intubation, drawing blood, and vital sign measurement, and gain first aid or CPR/AED certification. The program also covers laboratory science, medical technology, and career exploration with health professionals. Outside of training, the students enjoy recreation activities at UT’s Texas Union and Gregory Gym. The residential camp is free for eligible GEAR UP students, prioritizing first-generation applicants and those from unrepresented backgrounds.
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
Location: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, TX
Cost: No information available
Program Dates: June 23–28 (tentative, based on previous years)
Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from West Texas with an interest in medicine; must provide proof of Texas residency
This week-long summer program helps West Texas high school students explore medicine through sessions on critical thinking, learning styles, professionalism, and leadership. You’ll also receive guidance on the path to medical school, from undergraduate preparation to admissions insights. The program’s mission is to provide growth opportunities and encouragement to aspiring medical professionals, with activities and interactive workshops designed to build both academic and personal skills. By the end of the week, you’ll have sharpened your problem-solving abilities and gained clarity on the steps needed to pursue a career in healthcare.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available | None
Program Dates: Offered year-round in seasonal cohorts (summer, fall, winter, spring); durations range from 12 weeks to 1 year | Summer I: June 2; Summer II: July 14
Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer I: May 11; Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 1-on-1 research mentorship experience for high school students. Under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor, you will design and complete an independent research project in fields such as psychology, physics, economics, data science and engineering. Over 12 weeks, you’ll develop research methodology skills, produce a polished research paper and may even becn me eligible to receive UCSD credit.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program type
Program Dates: Offered year-round in seasonal cohorts (fall, winter, spring); Fall: September 21; Winter: December 15; Spring: March 9
Deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall: August 31; Winter: November 23; Spring: February 15
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
The Horizon Academic Research Program offers high school students an opportunity to conduct undergraduate-level research under the mentorship of professors and PhD scholars from universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale. While these are not camps, they focus on academic programs that culminate in a 20-page research paper. You can choose between Horizon Seminars (small group classes of 3–6 students) or Horizon Labs (1-on-1 mentorship) in fields such as Computer Science, Biology, Psychology, and Economics. Instruction covers literature reviews, data analysis, and academic writing, with publication support available for Lab students. Expect to spend 8–10 hours per week on lectures, research, and writing.
6. Pathways SUPERNet Summer Medical Scholars Academy – The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
Location: The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX
Cost: $400
Program Dates: June 1–5 (tentative, based on previous years)
Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Students who have completed 9th, 10th, or 11th grade (including homeschooled students)
This five-day overnight academy gives you a comprehensive introduction to careers in healthcare and public service. You’ll stay in residence halls, explore hospital settings, and become familiar with medical procedures and simulation labs. The program also includes shadowing opportunities, field trips, and direct exposure to healthcare professionals. With a strong focus on career exploration, you’ll learn not only what paths exist but also the academic and professional steps needed to pursue them.
7. Texas Tech Foster School of Medicine Summer Medical Camps
Location: El Paso, Texas
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Camp 1: June 16–27; Camp 2: June 30–July 11 (tentative, based on previous years)
Deadline: Unavailable
Eligibility: Current or rising high school students; must be available in person 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily; interest in a medical career
If you are curious about a medical career, this two-week medical summer camp for high school students in Texas blends practical learning, field trips, and college preparation. You will visit facilities such as the University Medical Center of El Paso, the TECHS simulation center, and advanced medical research labs. You will have interactive sessions with healthcare professionals, a mock crime scene investigation, and a “reality store” life expenses simulation. Guest speakers will represent diverse medical fields, and advisors will provide guidance on college pathways.
8. Health Sciences Summer Camp
Location: Unavailable
Cost: Unavailable
Program Dates: Unavailable
Deadline: Unavailable
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade students enrolled in their school’s health sciences curriculum.
This five-day camp gives you a behind-the-scenes look into pediatric healthcare, with opportunities to observe departments such as Neonatal Intensive Care, Radiology, Oncology, and Physical Therapy. You’ll shadow healthcare professionals to see patient care in action and explore multiple clinical environments in one week. The program emphasizes professional exposure, career exploration, and developing an understanding of multidisciplinary teamwork in healthcare.
9. School to Scrubs Rural Medicine Camp – Texas A&M University College of Medicine
Location: Vashisht College of Medicine, Texas A&M University
Cost: Free (includes meals and hotel accommodations)
Program Dates: June 13–14 (tentative, based on previous years)
Deadline: Unavailable
Eligibility: Students age 14+ in grades 9–12 from rural school districts in Texas; registration through district only
The School to Scrubs Rural Medicine Camp offers high school students from rural Texas communities an opportunity to explore the medical field up close. Over two engaging days, you will interact with Texas A&M’s College of Medicine faculty and students, gaining insights into healthcare careers through activities, breakout sessions, and panel discussions.
You will take part in interactive workshops, a college fair, and a career panel, while also connecting socially with peers and mentors. All meals, lodging, and camp activities are provided at no cost.
10. COHS Summer Camp
Location: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
Cost: Fee required; link provided after acceptance)
Program Dates: June 30 – July 2 (tentative, based on previous years)
Deadline: Unavailable (application closes once spots are filled)
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors (2025–2026 school year) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The College of Health Sciences at Sam Houston State University offers this competitive three-day residential camp for students interested in health sciences and related fields. You’ll explore diverse disciplines including human sciences, kinesiology, nursing, and public health through workshops led by SHSU faculty. The program includes campus tours, interaction with SHSU students, and social activities in residence halls. You’ll also visit The Woodlands Center campus, home to SHSU’s School of Nursing. Only 30–40 students are accepted each year, making this a selective opportunity.
11. Longhorn Summer Nursing Immersion Camp
Location: UT Austin School of Nursing, Austin, TX
Cost: $650 per session (includes meals, t-shirt, swag; $325 deposit due upon registration)
Program Dates: June 2–6 (Session 1) | June 9–13 (Session 2) (tentative, based on previous years)
Deadline: March 31 (first-come, first-served registration)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (ages 15–17); out-of-state students welcome (day camp only)
This week-long day camp offers aspiring nurses a deep dive into the profession through classroom and simulation lab training, hospital visits, and skill development. You will learn to check vital signs, and practice medication administration, emergency drills, maternity and newborn care, and more, using advanced patient simulators, virtual reality, and nursing skill escape rooms. You will also earn American Heart Association Basic Life Support and First Aid certification. The program fosters community through group activities and UT campus tours, providing a preview of nursing school life.
12. Veterinary Science Overnight Summer Camps
Location: Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX), Texas A&M University (College Station, TX), West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX)
Cost: $550 (Tarleton & West Texas A&M) / $850 (Texas A&M)
Program Dates: Summer
Deadline: March 1 (Applications open in January) (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 for the 2026–27 school year (Tarleton & West Texas A&M) or at least 15 years old by June 1, 2026 (Texas A&M)
These overnight camps, hosted by three major Texas universities, offer an academic experience in veterinary science. You’ll explore topics such as animal care, conservation, and exotic species while participating in labs and career discussions with veterinary professionals. Each camp admits only 30 students.. Applications are reviewed using a rubric-based scoring system, and separate applications are required for each location you wish to attend.
Image source – Texas A&M University