Top 12 Medical Internships for High School Students and How to Get In
Internships are an excellent way for high school students to gain real-world experience, practical skills, and industry exposure while building valuable connections. Medical internships, especially, provide a solid opportunity to explore the healthcare field without the need for significant financial investment.
Several well-established organizations offer a range of medical internships designed to give you hands-on experience, mentorship, and an understanding of the medical industry's inner workings. For those interested in pursuing a career in medicine, medical internships can be a critical step in gaining early exposure and practical knowledge.
In this blog, we've compiled a list of the top 12 medical internships for high school students for you to explore, along with some tips to help you find valuable internships and enhance your application. But first, here are some tips on the best ways to find an internship and ensure your application hits the mark!
How to Find Internships and Strengthen Your Application
Before going through our list of medical internships, check out some ways you can find an internship that meets your needs and also make your application stand out:
1. Utilize Online Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn and Indeed, and specific internship platforms like Handshake, are great starting points for finding medical internships that meet your criteria.
2. Network and Contact Professionals: Contact your school counselors, teachers, and other connections in the medical field to learn about available internships.
3. Participate in Extracurriculars: Involvement in science clubs, volunteer work at hospitals, or health-related summer programs can help strengthen your resume and make your application stand out.
4. Pursue Independent Research: Engage in science projects or research initiatives to demonstrate your commitment and curiosity in the medical field.
5. Gather Strong Recommendations: Secure letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or professionals who can attest to your skills and dedication.
Here are 12 medical internships for high school students to check out!
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 16 or older; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; stipend of $500 – $1,500+ for underrepresented students
Acceptance Rate: 3%
The SIMR Program provides high school students an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research. Under the mentorship of Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, you will get to carry out hands-on research. You can select from eight specialized tracks, including Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics and Genomics, with placements aligned to your interests and abilities.
With an acceptance rate of under 3%, SIMR is highly competitive, admitting only about 50 students each year. During the eight-week program, you will work full-time doing lab work, attend specialized lectures, and explore groundbreaking medical research. The program culminates in a research poster presentation, allowing you to show your findings and contributions to the scientific community.
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students, college undergraduates, and gap year participants who can commit 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 – 12 weeks
Application Deadlines: Varies by cohort. February 9 for the spring cohort
Program Dates: Year-round cohorts available. The spring cohort starts on March 3
Cost: Starts from $2,490 (financial aid options available)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
The Ladder Internship Program offers high school students hands-on experience with innovative start-ups across various industries, including artificial intelligence, health technology, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You can collaborate with high-growth companies, often valued at over $1 million, that provide a dynamic environment for learning and development.
You will also get to conduct meaningful projects, work closely with company managers, and receive personalized guidance from a Ladder Coach. The program encourages practical experience, concluding with a final presentation of your contributions to the start-up team. You can apply here!
3. Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University in St. Louis
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois), especially from under-resourced schools or underrepresented groups in STEM
Application Deadline: January 27
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance Rate: 3% or less, with only 15 – 20 students selected per cohort
The Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University is an 8-week research initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM. Designed for rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area, the program offers an opportunity to engage in hands-on biomedical research while developing academic and practical skills.
You will be paired with mentors—graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or research staff—who will guide you through your independent research projects in areas such as genetics, microbiology, cancer biology, and biomedical engineering. In addition to research, the program ensures personalized tutoring, workshops on science communication, and college readiness sessions. The full-time program requires a 40-hour weekly commitment and culminates in a research symposium where you will present your findings to peers and the university community.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to high school students with prior experience in AI/ML or completion of a Veritas AI program
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. February 23 for the spring cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year. The spring cohort starts on March 3
Cost: $2,490
Cohort Size: Small cohorts with personalized one-on-one mentoring
The Veritas AI Internship was created by Harvard graduate students and aims to provide high school students with the opportunity to engage in real-world AI/ML projects in collaboration with VC-backed startups. For over 8 weeks, you will work closely with mentors from prestigious institutions and leading companies such as Harvard, Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company.
This internship offers hands-on experience in AI/ML, giving you exposure to industry careers and opportunities to collaborate with startup leaders. At the end of the program, you will receive a letter of completion that highlights your achievements and the skills acquired throughout the internship.
5. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Eligibility: High school students entering junior and senior year who are aged 16 or older; residents of Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: January 7 – March 4
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1 (6 weeks)
Stipend: $14/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers high school students a chance to explore the complexities of brain structure, function, and development through hands-on research. Over six weeks, you will conduct projects using advanced imaging technologies and cutting-edge methodologies. You can choose from focus areas in neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering, allowing you to tailor the experience to your specific interests.
This full-time internship requires a 40-hour weekly commitment, ending with the creation of a scientific abstract and a formal presentation of your findings. You will present your research to peers and mentors, contributing to ongoing scientific work while receiving financial compensation.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland + Virtual
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must live in Baltimore City, Maryland, or attend a Baltimore-area high school. Applicants from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1 (annual)
Program Dates:
- In-person: June – August (8 weeks)
- Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Stipend: In-person participants receive hourly wages plus transportation support; virtual interns receive a $500 stipend
Cohort Size: 5 – 6 students per cohort
The JHIBS program offers summer research opportunities for high school students with an interest in neuroscience. JHIBS allows you to work closely with renowned neuroscientists on cutting-edge research projects. You can participate in laboratory research, attend educational seminars, and join professional development sessions to deepen your understanding of neurological sciences.
Both in-person and virtual formats provide guided research, scientific discussions, and skill-building activities. With a highly selective cohort of just 5 – 6 students, the program ensures personalized mentorship and a supportive learning environment. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings through oral or poster presentations.
7. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
Eligibility: High school juniors, aged 16 or older, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective; 5%
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high school juniors a chance to work on advanced STEM research. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you will participate in cutting-edge projects across various fields, such as biochemistry, computer science, medicine, neurobiology, physics, chemistry, and geosciences. During the application process, you will review mentor profiles and rank your top three preferences, ensuring a match with your academic interests.
Over the six-week program, you will gain hands-on experience in research, refining laboratory and computational skills. The program also includes weekly workshops, faculty-led lectures, and campus tours, creating a well-rounded academic environment. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings in a symposium, via abstracts and posters to a professional audience.
8. Student Research Internship Programs at Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI)
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by the program start date, with a strong passion for research
Application Deadlines:
- Program I: March 31
- Program II: January 26
Program Dates:
- Program I: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22 (10 weeks)
- Program II: May 19 – July 28 (8 weeks)
Stipend:
- Program I: Funding details to be confirmed
- Program II: $4,000 – $8,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, with only 40 spots available across high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional applicants
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) offers two focused internship programs in translational science and precision medicine to high school students—the Student Research Internship Program and the Medical Student Research Internship Program. These hands-on programs provide an immersive experience in cutting-edge research across fields, such as digital health, clinical genomics, and community engagement.
As a participant, you will receive training in genomic and genetic association studies, as well as opportunities to observe clinical trials from conception through to analysis. You will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will provide personalized support throughout the program, guiding you as you explore groundbreaking research methodologies.
At the end of the internship, you will have the opportunity to present your research findings to peers and mentors, demonstrating the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program. Whether your focus is precision medicine or translational science, this internship offers an exceptional platform to deepen your understanding of innovative research.
9. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Location: NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who are at least 17 years old by June 1, 2025; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; be within 40 miles of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD (Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia)
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Stipend: $2,530 for current high school students; $2,840 for high school graduates. More details here.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 7%
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) aims to increase diversity in STEM by providing high school students with an introduction to scientific training and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Specifically designed for rising 12th graders from schools with 30% or more students qualifying for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program, HiSTEP combines leadership development, wellness initiatives, and exposure to STEM and medical careers.
Through a variety of lectures, research group visits, networking events, and collaborative projects, you will explore a range of research and healthcare professions. In addition, the program offers college application assistance, career readiness training, and a curriculum focused on resilience and well-being. You must commit at least 21 hours per week to training and projects and complete the full program.
10. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Eligibility: High school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ with a strong interest in science and research
Application Deadline: December 31
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15
Stipend: Paid (exact amount unspecified)
Acceptance Rate: Less than 10%
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) offers high school students biomedical and medical research within a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting. You will get to work alongside renowned researchers on hands-on projects, gain laboratory techniques, and develop an in-depth understanding of the scientific process.
The program also includes lectures on scientific topics, training in public speaking and scientific writing, and discussions on the ethical considerations in human and animal research. In the end, you will present your research findings to Monell staff, peers, family, and friends at a public conference. With an acceptance rate of less than 10%, MSAP is highly competitive, admitting only 18 – 24 students from a pool of about 200 applicants.
11. Massachusetts General Hospital’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: In-person internship at Massachusetts General Hospital Main Campus, Somerville, or other labs in Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, Masschusetts
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates residing or studying in Massachusetts (proof of Massachusetts address required); must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 31
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Stipend: Paid (details undisclosed)
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School’s primary teaching hospital, introduces high school students to neurology research and clinical practice. The program kicks off with boot camp, with sessions on research methodologies, clinical skills, and laboratory techniques.
Throughout the six-week program, you will be paired with an MGH Neurology faculty mentor and an undergraduate student for personalized guidance. You will dedicate 40 hours per week to hands-on lab work, contributing to ongoing research projects. The program also includes expert-led seminars and concludes with a final presentation, where you will share your research findings with mentors, peers, and family.
12. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University West Campus, Durham, North Carolina
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 15 years old by the program start date and reside in North Carolina within commuting distance of Duke’s West Campus
Application Deadline: December 16 – February 9
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is an eight-week, paid internship offering high school students an opportunity to conduct neuroscience research. During the internship, you will be matched with a professional scientist in a Duke University neuroscience lab, where you will conduct research projects and explore advanced scientific inquiry.
The program requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, focusing primarily on hands-on research activities. It ends in a poster session, where you will present your research findings to an audience of peers, family, and Duke faculty.
Looking for an immersive remote internship experience ?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!