12 Paid Nursing Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in healthcare and looking to gain experience in nursing, this blog is for you! A nursing internship offers valuable exposure, hands-on experience, and guidance from healthcare professionals.
Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, schools, and long-term care facilities. They’re tasked with a range of responsibilities, from direct patient care to administrative tasks, requiring a blend of scientific knowledge, technical skills, and compassion.
Practical experience is crucial in the field of nursing as it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop essential clinical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of patient care. Hands-on experience builds confidence, improves critical thinking, and teaches students how to handle the physical and emotional demands of the profession. Engaging with patients and healthcare professionals during internships provides invaluable insights and prepares students for the challenges of a nursing career.
In this blog, we have curated a list of 12 paid nursing internships for high school students.
Cost: Starting $2,490. Financial aid is offered.
Location: Virtual!
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Applications for the Winter Cohort close on November 24, 2024.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The Winter Cohort begins on December 16. 2024.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can commit to working 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also available to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships, a selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world for virtual internships. You can choose from a wide range of industries, including technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more. As an intern, you will work on meaningful projects that contribute to the startup or nonprofit’s larger mission and present your work at the end of the program.
The 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 a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor. For students interested in nursing, there is an option to work in healthcare and medicine with companies specializing in these fields.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Stipend: $500 - $2,500.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025.
Dates: June 9, 2025 - July 31, 2025 (8 weeks).
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the program. The only exception is for high school juniors who are younger than 16 with a strong interest in medicine.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) conducted by the well-regarded Stanford University, offers both internship and research components. This 8-week program allows you to collaborate one-on-one with a mentor, a Stanford graduate student, or a postdoctoral fellow and engage in hands-on research.
For the program, you will have to choose one field from these eight options — Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics and Genomics. Your time will be distributed between lectures and lab work. Toward the end of the program, you will work on a research poster of your project and present it to peers, teachers, family, and the Stanford community. The program is highly competitive, with a cohort size of about 50 students — an acceptance rate of less than 3%.
3. The Seacole Scholars Program by Lifespan
Stipend: Paid; exact amount unspecified.
Location: Providence, RI
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: 7 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 to 19 (must be 16 before April of the year in which summer employment will take place), who possess a valid CNA license, have a willingness to learn, and are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
The Seacole Scholars Program, named after pioneering nurse Mary Seacole, offers high school students a valuable summer employment opportunity. Managed by the nursing department of Rhode Island Hospital as part of the Lifespan Summer Employment Program, this initiative accepts around 80 students every year.
Participants work as CNAs for seven weeks, dedicating four days a week to hands-on nursing unit experience and one day to Lifespan Workforce and Youth Development training, which ensures a balanced blend of practical and academic learning. The program provides a 40-hour paid workweek from June to August, allowing students to explore various healthcare career options, network with peers, and gain insights from professional career experts. Additionally, participants can benefit from career-building support and potentially secure employment beyond the summer.
Stipend: $3,500 to assist with travel and housing costs.
Location: Aurora, CO.
Application Deadline: Typically in early spring.
Dates: June-August.
Eligibility: Students must be high school seniors over the age of 18, undergraduate students, graduate students, or students completing the first year of medical school. High school students must be Colorado residents and available for the entire nine-week internship. Students who are under the age of 18 before the internship starts on June 3 will not be eligible.
The Child Health Research Internship, a collaboration between Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, offers high school students an opportunity to engage in pediatric research. This 10-week program provides hands-on experience in various research fields, including clinical, translational, and basic science research. Interns work under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor, contributing to ongoing research projects and gaining valuable insights into the scientific process.
Participants also benefit from a series of professional development workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities with healthcare professionals. The program aims to inspire the next generation of researchers by providing a comprehensive introduction to child health research and fostering a passion for science and medicine.
5. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus.
Application Deadline: March 1, every year.
Dates: 8 weeks, June-August (in-person); 5 weeks, July-August (virtual).
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in healthcare careers.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program designed for high school students to explore their interest in neurological science. JHIBS provides hands-on mentored research experiences to students. The program believes that pre-college exposure, combined with long-term mentoring, educational resources, and encouragement, can help students pursue careers in the fields of medicine, healthcare and scientific research in general.
The program is also available virtually for students unable to attend on campus. It accepts 5-6 students, provides an hourly stipend, and covers transportation costs. At the program's conclusion, participants will present their research through an oral or poster presentation.
6. Kaiser Permanente (KP) Launch High School Program
Stipend: $15.50 - $18 per hour
Location: Various Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers or business offices in California.
Application Deadline: Applications open in November.
Dates: June-August.
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 16-19 with U.S. work eligibility and permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area. Students must be able to commute to the location.
Kaiser Permanente, one of the top healthcare providers globally, offers high school students internships to gain practical experience in the healthcare industry. Besides gaining insight into practicing medicine, the program emphasizes professional development, including shadowing experiences and educational workshops to understand patient care and the broader healthcare industry.
During this internship, you will have the chance to work alongside healthcare professionals and learn about various medical disciplines, such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and more. Selected interns will attend weekly workshops to develop skills, work with supervisors and mentors, engage in collaborative community service projects, and build a professional network. Departments and projects vary annually, with past departments including nursing, administration, internal medicine, and patient care
7. Cleveland Clinic Summer Internship Program
Stipend: The stipend amount varies.
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Dates: June-July.
Eligibility: High school students (9th-12th grade), 15+ by June 1, 2024, with a GPA of 2.5+; U.S. citizens or legal residents, able to attend the entire duration of the program.
Cleveland Clinic (CYCE) Summer Internship Program offers paid internships in healthcare (clinical, nonclinical, and advanced technology) and workforce development for Northeast Ohio high school students. These programs provide hands-on experience at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus, regional hospitals, family health centers, and administrative offices. Interns will develop workforce skills, including project management, digital literacy, academic writing, professional communication, and teamwork. Participants gain exposure to diverse healthcare careers, manage learning and work responsibilities, network with Cleveland Clinic professionals, and apply their academic knowledge to real-world career goals.
The Advanced Technology Summer Internship program includes pathways such as artificial intelligence (AI), biomedical engineering and robotics, coding, computing sciences, and information technology/cybersecurity.
The Cleveland Clinic Louis Stokes Summer Internship program covers nonclinical, business-focused areas of healthcare, including art and design, building and design, finance, healthcare administration, and marketing and communications.
The Science Summer Internship program focuses on clinical areas of healthcare, including applied medicine, behavioral health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, occupational/physical therapy, and respiratory care
Stipend: A stipend is provided, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Location: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA.
Application Deadline: There is no information available.
Dates: CHOP-RISES I takes place over 6 weeks in the summer, and CHOP-RISES II over 8 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: Rising juniors can apply to CHOP-RISES I and rising seniors can apply to CHOP-RISES II.
CHOP-RISES is a strong medical research internship program designed for students curious about STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math and medicine). Both I and II programs allow you to collaborate with renowned researchers and scientists at CHOP, gain hands-on experience in laboratories dedicated to advancing work in STEM-M fields. This internship program is a chance to explore diverse research areas.
Under the guidance of mentors, you will learn fundamental research techniques, conduct experiments, and analyze data. As a CHOP-RISES II intern, you will have clinical shadowing opportunities and conduct independent research. The program encourages you to build confidence in your knowledge and skill, and guides you towards your future career. At the end of both programs, you will put together a presentation showcasing what you’ve learnt over the course of the internship. CHOP-RISES graduates are eligible to apply for summer college internships at CHOP.
9. Mayo Clinic Summer III Nursing Internship
Stipend: Amount varies/
Location: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Dates: May-August.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in nursing. Completion of junior year of a baccalaureate nursing program, including two semesters of clinical nursing experience by the start of the program.
This program offers experience in both direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse, effectively communicating changes in patient conditions and responding promptly to shifts in clinical status. The role follows the American Nurses Association's Scope and Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
The Summer III Student Nurse Internship offers students a valuable learning experience at Mayo Clinic's Rochester, Minnesota campus. As a Summer III intern, you'll work alongside registered nurses, contribute to an interdisciplinary healthcare team, and engage with medical libraries and Mayo-sponsored educational activities. This paid, 10-week full-time program allows you to develop clinical skills in a facility with over 60 specialties, two hospitals, 10 ICUs, and approximately 130 operating rooms.
10. New York Presbyterian Hospital Summer Nursing Internship
Stipend: Amount varies. Housing is not provided.
Location: New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY.
Application Deadline: March.
Dates: June to August.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors.
The Summer College Intensive Program (SCIP) at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital offers college juniors, seniors, and recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in patient care while engaging in educational and professional development activities.
Students work 16 hours per week on direct patient care, including tasks such as responding to call bells, facilitating patient communication, and providing companionship under the supervision of nursing staff. The program also includes educational lectures by healthcare professionals, training in areas like fall prevention and empathic communication, and optional involvement in special projects. Participants must attend a mandatory orientation, obtain medical clearance, and commit to four 4-hour shifts per week, totaling at least 128 hours of service.
11. Medical Career Collaborative at Denver Health
Stipend: Exact amount unspecified.
Location: Denver, CO.
Application Deadline: Applications open in January.
Dates: Beginning of junior year to the end of senior year in high school; 2-year commitment.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores at the time of application, attending school in the Denver metro or Colorado Springs areas.
The Medical Career Collaborative (MC2) is a health careers pathway program that offers high school students experience and exposure to healthcare professions, along with ongoing support in their pursuit of healthcare careers. Each intern is paired with a mentor from Children’s Colorado or Denver Health, working alongside professionals from various healthcare fields. Participants engage in workshops for college and scholarship preparation, earn certifications in courses like Mental Health First Aid, Bleeding Control, and Basic Life Support, and gain hands-on experience. Many MC2 alumni have pursued successful careers in healthcare.
Accepted students begin their journey with MC2 as high school juniors, continuing through their senior year and beyond. Programming activities include monthly field trips, workshops, and training to explore various healthcare fields, build career skills, and earn mini health-related certifications. Juniors complete a 100-120 hour paid internship at Children’s Colorado or Denver Health, gaining hands-on experience in a hospital department under the guidance of hospital staff. Each student is paired with a mentor from a wide range of healthcare professions, such as CNAs, technicians, nurses, paramedics, therapists, and physicians. Weekly seminar sessions facilitated by MC2 staff allow students to discuss their internship experiences, learn medical terminology, and engage in healthcare-related topics. Seniors receive assistance with post-secondary education goals, including school and program searches, financial aid, scholarship searches, recommendation letters, and essay writing. Alumni have access to career coaching, healthcare-related certification programs, professional development, and networking opportunities.
12. VeritasAI Internship (AI + Medicine track)
Cost: $2,490. Some financial aid is offered.
Location: Virtual!
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024.
Dates: The start date for the cohort is November 11, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Looking for a hands-on 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.