14 Medical Internships for High School Students in Houston
Taking up internships during high school can offer valuable, hands-on experience in your fields of interest before you enter college or the workforce. If you’re a high schooler in Houston keen on pursuing medicine or related fields, you should consider applying to some of these internships!
Internships will let you work in a professional setting while also enhancing your resume and college applications. Medical internships can be particularly beneficial, helping you refine your interests and explore potential career paths. These internships can also serve as a critical step on your way to college, offering practical learning through research-based lab work or hospital-based healthcare roles. These experiences can distinguish applicants in the competitive college admissions process, as admissions officers seek students who demonstrate a proactive approach to learning.
Here is a list of 14 medical internships for high school students in Houston!
1. Ladder Internships—Healthcare and Medicine Track
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Starts at $1,990 (financial aid available).
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. The summer 2024 cohort starts on June 3 and runs till August.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort (regular admission 1): April 14, 2024 | Summer cohort (regular admission 2): May 12, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 5-15 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships, a fairly selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world for virtual internships. This program allows you to choose the field you wish to work in from a wide range of industries, including technology, health tech, healthcare, medicine, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, media, journalism, and more.
As an intern, you will work on projects that contribute to the startup or nonprofit’s larger mission and present your work at the end of the program. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor.
If you are interested in medicine, you can opt for the healthcare and medicine track on their application form. Some relevant host startups include Softenmind, IPMD, and JuneBrain.
2. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Stipend: $6,800 (10 week program).
Dates: June 3 - August 9, 2024.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors who are at least 18 years old by the time the program starts (June 3) are eligible to apply.
This is a highly selective 10-week summer program for students interested in biomedical sciences. The MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas offers students interested in an allied health career the opportunity to immerse themselves in a research project in one of the biomedical disciplines under the guidance of a full-time member of the faculty. As a participant, you will learn the principles and processes involved in research investigation and get firsthand experience in the various career opportunities at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre.
The program admits only ten students each year and will give you an insight into the career of a biomedical researcher and help build your knowledge base before college. You do not need any previous laboratory and/or research experience. You can find more information on their website and apply through the program’s portal.
3. Rice University’s PATHS-UP Young Scholars – Digital Health Summer Internship
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX.
Stipend: No stipend.
Dates: 3 weeks; Session 1: June 10 - 27, 2024 | Session 2: July 8 - 25, 2024.
Application Deadline: April 10, 2024.
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who are residents of the Houston area.
Note: The program runs from Monday to Thursday between 9 AM and 3 PM.
This program is a free 3-week summer program that introduces students to the practical application of engineering fields in healthcare. The internship explores the intersection of digital design and medical treatment. It looks at digital circuitry, computer science, physics, and engineering research at Rice University and their application in the field of medicine. In addition to learning their practical applications in the healthcare field, you will learn about various potential college pathways. You will study programming and digital design and their relationship to healthcare through practical simulations and working with instruments such as pulse oximeters, accelerometers, GPS devices, speakers, and microphones.
No prior programming experience is required for you to apply. This is a highly selective program that only selects 12 students, and the application requires the involvement of a school representative. You can learn more about the program and the application form on the website.
4. Stanford University: SHTEM Summer Internships
Location: Virtual.
Cost/Stipend: None. Financial aid is available.
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (8 weeks).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Eligibility: The applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors at the time of application and at least 14 years old by June 17.
Hosted by Stanford University, this virtual summer internship offers valuable insight into a number of fields. Themes will span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. The program is aimed at providing high school students early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment as well as introducing students to the diversity of research topics. As an intern, you will be engaged in projects and collaborative work, providing hands-on experiences and equipping you with practical skills.
Stanford's distinguished faculty and industry experts will guide you as you deepen your understanding of your preferred field and network within Stanford’s community. Teams can choose to work on research projects in various areas, including biology, neuroscience, psychology, the science of information and communication, technology, computer science, the arts, and more. At the end of the program, you will present your projects as part of your teams.
5. Houston Methodist’s Summer Internship Program for High Schoolers
Location: Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend. Scholarships are available to cover room and board.
Dates: 10 weeks, May 28, 2024 — August 2, 2024.
Application Deadline: February 2, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students must be completing their junior or senior year and be 16 years of age by the start of the program (May 28, 2024).
This program selects only a few interns with outstanding academic records and a proven interest in research and medicine. As an intern, you’ll receive training in a translational research lab and gain hands-on skills as you work on a project. Your internship project will depend on the mentor you’re assigned to and their area of expertise.
With access to Houston Methodist's expert faculty, you will have mentors who will guide you through your summer project and provide instruction on proper laboratory techniques you need to complete your project. At the end of the program, you will participate in a poster symposium where you will showcase your research project to Houston Methodist's leading scientists, students, and staff. The program also has a career and professional development curriculum, including scientific writing, providing tools that will be valuable when you apply to college.
6. University of Houston Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Location: Houston, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Information about a stipend is not mentioned.
Dates: June 3 - July 26, 2024 (8 weeks).
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024.
Eligibility: Rising seniors (who have completed 11th grade of high school) are eligible to apply.
Exceptional rising high school seniors with a keen interest in biomedical, bioengineering, and health-oriented professions are encouraged to apply for this competitive internship at the University of Houston’s MohanLab.
The program begins with 1-2 weeks of instruction on basic laboratory techniques. During the subsequent eight weeks, you will have an opportunity to engage in bench research under the guidance of a scientist or graduate student. The option to continue research beyond the initial period is available, involving manuscript writing and data analysis. The program concludes with students presenting their research findings, with the potential for contributions to research publications depending on the project. To apply, you must send in your resume (with GPA and class rank), a 1-page statement of research interests, and two teacher recommendation letters to cmohan@central.uh.edu.
7. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS): Virtual Experience
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: $500.
Dates: July-August (5 weeks).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by March 1 every year.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations anywhere in the United States can participate in the 5-week virtual summer research experience.
The John Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a prestigious opportunity for high school students interested in neurological science. Apart from its in-person internship, the program also supports an entirely virtual experience for students across the United States. It particularly looks to host interns from underrepresented communities.
As part of the five-week virtual internship, you will participate in activities like educational presentations, basic laboratory experiments and techniques, mentorship training, professional development training, and networking with professionals in the healthcare industry. You will engage in collaborative projects and discussions and present your work in final presentations at the end of the program. All in-person interns will receive a stipend of $500 upon successfully completing the program.
8. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Texas, Houston, TX.
Stipend: $750.
Dates: June 6, 2024 - July 19, 2024.
Application Deadline: May 9, 2024.
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in 2024-25 are eligible to apply.
UT Health Houston offers this internship to expose high school students to university-level research in STEM subjects. They aim to encourage an increase in the number of students who graduate college with STEM degrees.
As an intern, you will be expected to work 20 hours per week in this 6-week internship. You will be matched with a mentor and project based on your interest. The program will culminate with each intern presenting their work in an in-person seminar. On the completion of your 120 required hours, you will also receive a stipend of $750.
You can check out their website for further details and fill out this application form to apply to the program! This year, internship positions are available with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville (UTHealth) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Brownsville and Edinburg campuses (UTRGV).
9. The Health Museum: DeBakey Cell Lab Internship
Location: The Health Museum, Houston, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Information about a stipend is not mentioned.
Dates: June 17, 2024 – July 27, 2024.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024.
Eligibility: High school student who:
- Are currently enrolled in Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools.
- Are 15 years and older (as of June 15th, 2024).
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
The DeBakey Cell Lab High School Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to dive into the field of biomedical science and gain hands-on experience in a lab setting. In this 6-week program, you will facilitate in the DeBakey Cell Lab and receive weekly training in genetics, data science, public health, and science communication under the guidance of Texas Medical Center Personnel. This experience would also help you hone your communication skills and provide you with excellent networking opportunities, leading to both personal and professional development.
The cell lab is open all seven days a week in summer, and you will be expected to work 5-hour shifts any scheduled day, at least 20 hours a week, in addition to professional development hours on Saturdays. You can find more information on their website; to apply, fill out this application form!
10. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) by George Mason University
Location: Remote internships are available.
Cost/Stipend: There is a $25 application fee, which can be waived based on financial need. This is an unpaid internship.
Dates: June 18, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (8 weeks).
Application Deadline: The applications typically close at the beginning of February.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old by June 18, 2024 can apply. Interns for “wet lab” or hybrid internships should be at least 16 years old.
George Mason University’s ASSIP offers several remote internship opportunities that allow students to work one-on-one with faculty researchers at the university, who will act as mentors, as well as its collaborating institutions. Students will receive access to cutting-edge technology and software to conduct their research projects. You will also be able to develop scientific writing and communication skills and explore career choices through hands-on experiences.
The internship provides project opportunities in numerous fields, including proteomics and molecular medicine, biochemistry, drug discovery, neuroscience, biology, disease diagnostics, women’s health issues, infectious disease and epidemiology, tissue repair and regeneration, and more. You can apply for the program through their website!
11. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Remote internships are offered.
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships are available.
Dates: Internships are offered year-round; exact dates vary based on the internship selected. Internships during the summer are available.
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship.
Eligibility:
- Interns must be eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s e-verify service) and must reside in one of the states where APA is already registered as an employer.
- Students must be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution to be eligible for an internship with APA.
- For students under the age of 18, an official District of Columbia Work Permit must be submitted with your application. Additional information about the D.C. Work Permit can be found online.
Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA) are a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing a virtual internship, especially in psychology and medicine. APA, the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States, offers diverse internship roles in policy, research, communications, and financial services. The program is designed for students passionate about psychology and applying psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.
Summer internships with the APA provide a chance to deepen your understanding of professional psychology within a nationally recognized organization. As an intern, you’ll get to perform a variety of tasks depending on the needs of the office and your interests and skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including research, writing, and web-based projects, and you will get a chance to assist staff with administrative tasks and special projects. Many remote, paid internships are available for high school students. You can check the current openings here.
12. Los Angeles Pediatric Society’s Eve And Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship, but one $500 scholarship will be awarded.
Dates: July 8 - 18, 2024 (session 1) | July 22, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (session 2).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 11 and 12 can apply.
Running since 1969, this summer program hosts two virtual sessions that students can choose from. The program pairs students with mentors like general pediatricians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, therapists, dietitians, and more.
Interns will also get a chance to discuss projects and make presentations at the end of the program. Additionally, there might be some in-person shadowing and meeting opportunities for students, so make sure you take note of them before applying so that you can make the necessary arrangements. You can check out the past program highlights here.
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship. Students will receive a certificate upon completion and the potential to extend their internship.
Dates: June 17 - June 28, 2024.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project.
Stanford AIMI aims to advance AI research in medicine for the public good. Their 2-week virtual internship is ideal for students interested in exploring the technical and clinical aspects of AI in healthcare. The internship can be highly useful for students interested in working at the intersection of health and technology. You will attend introductory and technical lectures on AI in healthcare, engage in mentoring activities with researchers and students, social activities, hands-on group sessions for research projects, and virtual Career Lunch and Learns with guest speakers from academia, non-profits, industries, and the government. If you’re interested, you can even opt for an extended independent research internship opportunity
This internship is extremely competitive and accepts only around 20 students each year.
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified).
Dates: July 15 - July 26, 2024 (2 weeks).
Application Deadline: April 14, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students or rising college freshmen at least 16 years of age and residing in Massachusetts.
Zon Lab, in the Boston Children’s Hospital, is dedicated to the research and development of therapies for blood disorders and cancer. Camp Zon, a research experience, allows students to learn about cancer biology and blood development, with an emphasis on using zebrafish as an organism to conduct a research project on anemia.
Students will form a hypothesis, design experiments, and analyze data. Scientists in the lab will then perform these experiments live for students watching online. Students will then present their data at the end. Students will also attend lectures, learn basic coding, and critically read and understand scientific literature. You will also receive career advice from expert scientists of Zon Lab in a mentoring session and career panel Q&A. You can check the sample schedule here.
Looking for an immersive 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, with a large number of them in tech. 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!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.