TL;DR
Washington offers a wide range of summer medical programs, and the right one depends on what you actually want out of it. Some are single-week exposure camps where you shadow pediatric nurses or sit in on hospital rounds; others are multi-week research internships in a university lab, with a real project and a mentor attached. You’ll also find shorter options built around pharmacy, radiology, mental health, or allied health careers, plus a mix of free camps, paid internships, and remote formats. The list below breaks down what each program actually offers, so you can compare them by experience type rather than just by name. If you want a longer, mentor-led research experience that you can complete from home, the Horizon Academic Research Program is another solid option to explore.
If you’re a high school student in Washington interested in medicine, healthcare, nursing, pharmacy, or biomedical research, a summer program can help you explore the field through clinical experiences, hands-on activities, research, or healthcare-focused mentorship. The programs below differ in what you actually do, from practicing clinical skills and exploring medical specialties to working with researchers or learning about different healthcare careers.
If you’re looking for options outside Washington, you can also explore the national list of summer medical programs for high school students.
What types of medical summer programs can you find in Washington?
Washington has summer programs covering much more than traditional pre-med preparation. Some focus on direct exposure to healthcare professions such as nursing, pharmacy, radiology, and mental health, while others place you in biomedical research environments working with scientists and research mentors.
For a broader look at health-related opportunities beyond this state, see Horizon’s health science programs for high school students.
Which Washington summer programs offer healthcare experience?
Programs such as the University of Washington’s UDOC, the UW Radiology High School Immersion Program, UW STEP, and the Seattle Children’s Summer Camps let you explore healthcare through simulations, job shadowing, skills labs, or interactions with healthcare professionals.
Other programs lean much more heavily toward research. If laboratory work is what you’re looking for, the Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program, UW BRIGHT-UP, and Institute for Systems Biology Summer High School Internship options are closer to research internships than traditional medical camps.
Which programs focus on biomedical research?
Washington has several research-focused opportunities for high school students. These include paid or funded placements at research institutions, as well as virtual programs where you can work with an academic mentor.
Research experiences can involve laboratory techniques, biomedical data, cancer research, systems biology, or an independent research project. Horizon also has a separate guide to medical research programs for high school students if you want to compare programs outside Washington.
| Program | Main focus | Format | Typical length | Cost or funding |
| Horizon Academic Research Program | Medical and biomedical research | Virtual | About 10–12 weeks for summer formats | Tuition varies; financial aid available |
| M.A.S.H. Camp | Healthcare careers | In person | 4–5 days | Free |
| Lumiere Research Scholar Program | Medical research | Remote | 12 weeks to 1 year | Tuition varies; financial aid available |
| UW UDOC | Medicine and health professions | Hybrid | 6 weeks | Free |
| UW Radiology High School Immersion Program | Radiology and medical imaging | In person | 5 days | Current cost not specified |
| UW STEP | Pharmacy | In person | 4 days | $200; scholarships available |
| Seattle Children’s Summer Nurse Camp | Pediatric nursing | In person | 5 days | Free |
| Seattle Children’s Mental and Behavioral Health Camp | Pediatric mental and behavioral health | In person | 5 days | Free |
| Seattle Children’s Scrubs & ’Scopes Camp | Allied health | In person | 5 days | Free |
| UW BRIGHT-UP | Biomedical research | In person | 7 weeks | Paid at minimum wage |
| Fred Hutch SHIP | Biomedical and cancer research | In person | 8 weeks | Paid |
| Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Institute | Health sciences and STEAM | In person | 3 days | Free |
| UW Nurse Camp | Nursing | In person | 1 week | Free |
| Fred Hutch Pathways Research Explorers | Cancer and biomedical research | In person | 2 weeks | Free; $500 completion award |
| Institute for Systems Biology Summer Internship | Systems biology and biomedical research | In person | 8 weeks | Funding varies by placement |
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
The Horizon Academic Research Program lets you explore medicine and related fields through mentored academic research. Current subject offerings include areas such as neuroscience, medical sociology, gene editing, protein biophysics, and psychology. Depending on the format, you work with a professor or PhD/postdoctoral researcher and develop a substantial research paper around your chosen topic.
Who is it right for? It’s a good fit if you want to investigate a specific medical research question rather than spend the summer mainly observing clinical work.
2. MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare (M.A.S.H.) Camp
Location: MultiCare facilities across the Puget Sound region, Spokane, and Yakima, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Three- to five-day summer camp; dates and durations vary by region
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in healthcare careers
M.A.S.H. Camp gives you a short, hands-on introduction to healthcare careers. Activities can include simulations such as CPR, suturing, and IV placement, along with shadowing across clinical and nonclinical departments. The program has expanded beyond its original Puget Sound locations to communities including Spokane and Yakima, giving students in different parts of Washington access to healthcare career exploration.
Who is it right for? It works well if you want to explore several healthcare careers without committing to a multi-week internship.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medical Track
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Vary by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
4. University of Washington – UDOC
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA; hybrid with three virtual and three in-person weeks
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22–July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school juniors in Washington State who are interested in health professions
The UW UDOC program combines three weeks of virtual learning with three weeks of in-person programming at the University of Washington. You explore health professions through STEM coursework, healthcare speakers, simulations, hospital and clinic shadowing, and professional development. The program includes hands-on activities in areas such as nursing, dentistry, anatomy, and suturing, along with clinical exposure and Stop the Bleed certification.
Who is it right for? It’s particularly relevant if you want to compare several healthcare professions rather than focus on one specialty.
5. UW Radiology High School Immersion Program
Location: UW Medical Center – Montlake, Seattle, WA
Cost: Not specified on the official website
Program Dates: June 22–26, July 20–24, or August 24–28
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: High school students; specific grade requirements are not specified on the official program announcement.
The UW Radiology High School Immersion Program gives you a focused introduction to medical imaging and radiology. You learn about X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, nuclear imaging, anatomy, and careers ranging from radiologic technology to medicine and medical physics. You can practice ultrasound scanning on simulated tissue and image objects using different imaging modalities while also shadowing healthcare professionals.
Who is it right for? It’s a strong match if medical imaging, anatomy, or radiology interests you more than general healthcare exploration.
6. UW STEP – Students Exploring Pharmacy
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $200; scholarships may provide a partial or full fee waiver for eligible students
Program Dates: July 13–16
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12, with priority given to rising juniors and seniors.
UW STEP introduces you to pharmacy through interactive classes, laboratory activities, discussions, tours, and workshops. You can explore medication safety, compounding, clinical skills, treatment approaches, and different pharmacy career paths. The program is taught by UW School of Pharmacy faculty and gives you a closer look at what pharmacists do beyond dispensing medications.
Who is it right for? It’s designed for you if you’re specifically considering pharmacy and want to test that interest through hands-on activities.
7. Seattle Children’s Summer Nurse Camp
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 who live in the Puget Sound area and can attend all five days.
The Seattle Children’s Summer Nurse Camp gives you a close look at pediatric nursing through clinical observation and hands-on skills labs. You can shadow nurses in hospital settings, practice nursing skills on models, and talk with nursing staff and leaders. The program has included exposure to areas such as emergency medicine, intensive care, oncology, radiology, pharmacy, and surgical units.
Who is it right for? It’s a good fit if you’re specifically considering nursing and want to see what pediatric hospital nursing looks like.
8. Seattle Children’s Mental and Behavioral Health Camp
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital and other Seattle-area locations, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 27–31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 who live in the Puget Sound area and can attend all five days.
The Seattle Children’s Mental and Behavioral Health Camp introduces you to careers in pediatric mental and behavioral health. You participate in job-shadowing and skill-building activities while meeting professionals working in the field. The program focuses on understanding healthcare careers and the different education pathways connected to mental and behavioral health.
Who is it right for? It’s relevant if you’re interested in mental health and want to explore the healthcare professions that work with children and adolescents.
9. Seattle Children’s Scrubs & ’Scopes Camp
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital Campus, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: August 10–14
Application Deadline: Applications will open at the end of February
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 who live in the Puget Sound area and can attend all five days.
The Seattle Children’s Scrubs & ’Scopes Camp focuses on allied health careers. You can explore medical assisting, pharmacy, laboratory science, radiology, sterile processing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. Hands-on activities can include taking vital signs, practicing medication compounding, using microscopes, and working with medical imaging equipment.
Who is it right for? It’s useful if you’re interested in healthcare but want to explore careers beyond becoming a doctor or nurse.
10. UW BRIGHT-UP Biomedical Research Internship
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; paid at minimum wage
Program Dates: Summer; the program includes one week of orientation followed by a six-week biomedical research internship
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Washington high school students in grades 9–12 who meet the program’s first-generation and/or financial or educational disadvantage criteria.
The UW BRIGHT-UP Biomedical Research Internship combines research training with a paid laboratory internship. You spend the first week learning research, biosafety, and benchwork techniques before joining a UW biomedical research laboratory for six weeks. You work with a scientist on a research project and take part in career-development sessions before presenting your results at a closing symposium.
Who is it right for? It’s a strong option if you want a paid laboratory experience and meet the program’s access criteria.
11. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutch, Seattle, WA
Cost: Paid internship
Program Dates: Eight weeks, June 22–August 14
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students entering senior year, age 16 or older by the start of the program, who currently reside in Greater Seattle or surrounding areas
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program is an eight-week, full-time biomedical research internship. You spend the first two weeks learning laboratory safety and research techniques before joining a Fred Hutch research group for six weeks of mentored work. The program also includes research seminars and professional-development workshops and ends with presentations of your work.
Who is it right for? It’s suited to rising seniors who want a substantial, mentored biomedical research experience rather than a short medical camp.
12. Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Institute
Location: Washington State University Spokane, Spokane, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Three-day summer day camp
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 9–12 and are interested in health sciences or STEAM fields.
The Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Institute introduces you to health science careers through hands-on activities led by healthcare providers, WSU Spokane faculty, and health sciences students. Activities include first aid and CPR training, traditional medicine, Native American elder teachings, and leadership development. Food, educational materials, and cultural activities are covered.
Who is it right for? It’s a good fit if you want a short introduction to health sciences that combines healthcare exploration with cultural and community learning.
13. UW Nurse Camp
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 20–24
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Washington state high school sophomores and juniors who are at least 16 years old before the first day of camp and are interested in nursing.
UW Nurse Camp is a free week-long day camp focused specifically on nursing. You can shadow nurses, complete CPR and HIPAA training, practice taking vital signs, learn infection-control procedures, and use nursing simulation labs. The program also includes conversations with nurses working in areas such as emergency care, public health, forensics, and research, along with mentorship from UW nursing students.
Who is it right for? It’s designed for you if nursing is the healthcare career you want to explore most closely.
14. Roots to Wings Program – PNWU
Location: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Not specified; the program has historically operated throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from the Yakama Nation and participating local schools
The Roots to Wings program introduces you to healthcare and science through mentorship and hands-on experiences at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. You can explore medicine and health sciences through laboratory activities, simulation experiences, and interactions with PNWU medical students and mentors. The program was created to expose students from the Yakama Nation to healthcare careers and encourage them to pursue higher education and careers in health sciences.
Who is it right for? High school students from the Yakama Nation and participating local schools who want early exposure to healthcare and health sciences.
15. Institute for Systems Biology – Summer High School Internship
Location: Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 29–August 21
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; specific grade requirements vary by internship.
The Institute for Systems Biology Summer High School Internship gives you the opportunity to work with ISB researchers on projects in systems biology and related fields. You can gain hands-on research experience, work with a mentor, and contribute to projects in ISB laboratories.
Who is it right for? High school students interested in biomedical research, systems biology, and laboratory-based science.
How do these Washington medical programs differ?
The biggest difference is the kind of experience you get. A short camp such as STEP or the Seattle Children’s programs is designed around career exploration and hands-on activities, while programs such as BRIGHT-UP, SHIP, and the Institute for Systems Biology involve substantially more research time.
What should you consider before choosing a medical summer program?
Start with the experience you actually want. If you want to understand what nursing looks like, a nursing-specific camp makes more sense than a biomedical research internship. If you want to learn how research works, look for programs that place you in a lab or give you an independent research project.
Also check the practical requirements before spending time on an application. Age, grade level, residency, transportation, housing, cost, and previous coursework vary significantly across the programs on this list. For more research-focused options, you can also browse Horizon’s summer medical research programs.
FAQs
Several do. The most research-focused options include biomedical internships where you work in a university or research-institute laboratory, while other programs on the list focus more on clinical observation, simulations, or healthcare career exploration. For more examples of research placements, see Horizon’s medical research programs for high school students.
Yes. Several programs focus on nursing, pharmacy, radiology, mental and behavioral health, laboratory science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and other healthcare professions. Horizon’s health science programs for high school students also covers opportunities across these broader health fields.
Yes. A number of the programs on this list are free, including several university, hospital, and research opportunities, while others charge a fee or provide a stipend. You can also compare more no-cost options in Horizon’s free medical programs for high school students.
Usually not as providers. Some programs allow you to observe nurses or healthcare professionals in clinical settings, while hands-on activities generally use simulations, models, or supervised training rather than direct patient care.
A large number are, particularly the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s opportunities, but the list also includes programs in Spokane and other parts of Washington. Remote options are also available if you cannot travel to a Washington campus.
Yes, depending on the program. Some accept students beginning in 9th grade, while research internships and specialized clinical programs often target juniors or seniors, so age and grade requirements need to be checked individually.
You do not need to decide on a medical career before trying one of these programs. Start with the part of healthcare that genuinely interests you, whether that is patient care, nursing, imaging, mental health, biomedical research, pharmacy, or another field, and choose an experience that lets you spend real time exploring it.
If what you really want is to investigate a question rather than just observe the field, the Horizon Academic Research Program gives you a way to take that interest into a mentored research project.
Image source: Horizon Academic Research Program