For high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, pre-college medical programs offer a unique way to dive into the field early. These summer programs go beyond basic classroom learning, involving students in clinical simulations, medical research, and public health discussions. As a participant, you will refine critical skills like patient communication, diagnostic reasoning, and medical ethics, collaborating with peers who share a passion for healthcare.
Designed to introduce core concepts and realistic clinical settings, these programs connect you with professionals and give hands-on experience. Covering areas such as emergency medicine and public health, they are a solid option for strengthening college applications and building a solid foundation for medical school.
Here is a list of 15 top medical programs for high school students to explore:
15 Medical Programs for High School Students
Subject Areas: Neurodegenerative Diseases, Protein Biophysics, Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology, Machine Learning and Biotechnology, Medical Sociology, Neuroscience, and more.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. November 10, 2024, for the Winter cohort, and February 9, 2025, for the Spring 2025 cohort
Program Dates:
- Winter seminar: December 2, 2024 onwards
- Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students with a focus on medicine and health sciences. You can dive into courses such as Medical Sociology, Neuroscience, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Protein Biophysics, Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology, Machine Learning and Biotechnology, and more interdisciplinary topics. Horizon is one of the few programs that offers high school students the choice between quantitative and qualitative research in these specialized areas.
Once you choose your subject track, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll create a 20-page, university-level research paper with potential publication in prestigious journals. This program provides in-depth, hands-on learning, allowing you to explore advanced medical topics while building research skills. Additionally, the program includes a letter of recommendation and detailed project feedback that you can leverage for future research or college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: Biotechnology, the Human Body and Diseases, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks), $5,900 (16-20 weeks), $8,900 (6-12 months). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the Winter cohort.
Program Dates: Summer cohort runs from June to August, Fall cohort from September to December, Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June.
Eligibility: Current high school students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement are encouraged to apply. No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, is a selective opportunity for high school students to explore the fields of medicine and biology through independent research. This program allows you to work closely with a PhD mentor, focusing on topics related to biology, the human body, and diseases. Throughout the program, you will engage in rigorous research and create a college-level research paper that showcases your findings. Writing coaches will also provide you with support throughout the process. The program concludes with a symposium where you can present your findings. There’s also the potential for publication in prestigious journals. You can find the application form here.
Subject Areas: Medical Research, Health Technology, Biotechnology, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2490 (financial aid available).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Winter cohort deadline: November 24, 204.
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. The Winter 2024 cohort starts on December 16, 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 selective program founded by Harvard alumni, connects high school students with startups and nonprofits globally through virtual internships. In this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, with a specific focus on health tech, healthcare, and medicine. As an intern, you’ll work on impactful projects and develop critical skills like communication, project management, and research.
You will receive one-on-one mentoring from a startup manager and a Ladder coach, who will guide your professional development. Group training sessions will enhance your teamwork and time-management skills, and you will present your project outcomes at the end of the internship. At the end of the internship, you will also receive a letter of completion from the company. If you're aiming for a career in medicine, you can select the healthcare and medicine track on the application form.
Subject Areas: Genomics, Medical Imaging, Drug Discovery, Neuroscience, Clinical Data Analysis, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 (Need-based financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 for the winter cohort.
Program Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekends). Multiple, year-round cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students who have a background in coding (or have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program) and an interest in medicine can apply.
The Deep Dive into AI and Medicine by Veritas AI is a 10-week specialized program designed to introduce high school students to the role of AI in healthcare and medicine. This course offers a unique opportunity for you to explore how AI is applied in areas such as genomics, drug discovery, medical imaging, and neuroscience. You'll work on real-world projects that include diagnosing diseases, improving medical scans, and aiding doctors and patients with AI-driven insights.
Throughout the program, you will engage in hands-on projects using AI and machine learning models tailored for medical applications. In the first two weeks, you’ll be introduced to the basics of AI and its applications in medicine. Weeks 3 to 5 will focus on foundational AI topics like medical data preparation, Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). In the final phase, weeks 6 to 10, you’ll dive into more advanced concepts, including image segmentation, transfer learning, and clinical evaluation fundamentals. To apply, you can fill out this application form.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Brain Function and Anatomy, Neurobiology, Neuroscience Research Methods, and more.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY OR Virtual
Cost: Varies according to housing and units. Financial aid is not available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March. Summer 2025 applications will open in December 2024.
Program Dates:
- Summer A: June 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024
- Summer B: July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024
- Summer C: August 05, 2024 - August 09, 2024
- Fall and Spring dates are also available in some courses.
Eligibility: Domestic and international students enrolled in high school between grades 9-12 can apply.
Columbia University’s Neurobiology Pre-College Program offers you the chance to explore neuroscience, focusing on brain functions, psychiatric disorders, and biomedical careers. The program emphasizes critical thinking and independent exploration, giving you a solid foundation in neuroscience.
You will take courses like The Neuroscience of Psychiatric Disorders, Understanding the Brain, and Translating Neuroscience Research Methods into Biomedical Careers. Taught by expert instructors, these courses combine theory and practice to prepare you for future academic and career paths in neurobiology.
You will participate in lectures, discussions, and assignments, using case studies and research methods to apply your knowledge. By the end of the program, you will have gained skills in critical analysis, research methods, and practical applications of neuroscience. You will also have networking opportunities with faculty and peers, which will enhance your resume and college applications.
Subject Areas: Bioengineering, Neurobiology, Immunology, Stem Cell And Regenerative Medicine, Bioinformatics, Cardiovascular Biology, Cancer Biology, and Genetics.
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free tuition; however, an application fee of $40 needs to be paid (can be waived based on financial need). All students receive a minimum stipend of $500; students from underrepresented groups will receive at least $1,500.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Program Dates: June 9- July 31, 2025 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in cutting-edge biomedical research for eight weeks. Under the guidance of Stanford faculty and researchers, you will work in advanced labs and gain hands-on experience in the field of medicine and biological sciences. The program allows you to explore various research areas in eight different institutes that you can choose between, including stem cell and regenerative medicine, neurobiology, immunology, bioinformatics, cardiovascular biology, bioengineering, cancer biology, and genetics. You will participate in lab safety training, attend lectures, conduct lab work, and present your research findings at a final poster session.
SIMR provides the chance to develop key research skills, gain experience working in a professional lab, and explore biomedical research areas that interest you. This program will not only boost your college applications but also provide invaluable networking opportunities with Stanford researchers.
Subject Areas: Neurobiology, Cancer Research, Molecular Biology, Macroecology, Evolutionary Genetics, and more.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee. Housing is included. Need-based aid is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Application Deadline: February 12, 2025
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 22 – July 3, 2025
- Session 2: July 6 – 18, 2025
- Session 3: July 20 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (graduating in 2026/27) who are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 before July 31, 2025.
The Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program in Biology offers high-achieving high school students an intensive, two-week academic immersion into advanced topics in biology, designed to prepare them for college-level study and research.
Through the different available courses, you will gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and research methodologies relevant to biological fields, such as neurobiology, molecular biology, genetics, and oncology. Through close mentorship from Harvard faculty, you will develop critical thinking skills by examining complex biological processes, learning to analyze and interpret experimental data, and understanding the foundations of genetic and molecular research. Collaborative projects and discussions foster teamwork and scientific communication skills, equipping students with the ability to articulate and present scientific concepts. At the end of the program, you will earn a Harvard transcript and receive a detailed written evaluation of your performance, highlighting your accomplishments and areas for growth.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Cancer Biology, and Allied Health Careers.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Stipend: $6,800 (10 week program)
Application Deadline: January 17, 2024
Program Dates: June 3 - August 9, 2024
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.
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program, offered by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is a selective 10-week summer program for high school students with an interest in biomedical sciences and an Allied Health career. Only ten students are selected each summer to participate in this immersive program. This unique opportunity allows you to work directly on a research project under the guidance of MD Anderson’s expert faculty. The best part: you do not need any previous laboratory and/or research experience.
Throughout the 10-week program, you’ll engage in a research project, attend lectures, and gain insight into various career paths within biomedical sciences. You’ll leave with practical skills and a better understanding of biomedical sciences, making it a valuable addition to your college applications and future career goals. You can find more information on their website and apply through the program’s portal.
Subject Areas: Translational Medicine, Digital Health, Clinical Genomics, Biostatistics and Data Analysis.
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. The institute provides resources to help students find housing.
Cost: No information on funding for Internship I. For Internship II, a stipend will be provided, and travel and housing expenses will be covered.
Application Deadline: March 30, 2024
Program Dates:
- Internship I: June 3 – August 9, 2024 OR June 17 - August 23, 2024
- Internship II: May 20 - July 29, 2024
- You can note your specific dates of availability in your application if these dates do not work for you. (You are required to give 10 weeks for I, and 8 weeks for II).
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school who are at least 16 years old before the internship begins can apply.
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) offers two competitive internship programs that provide a rigorous, college-level research experience in translational medicine. The first is the 10-week Student Research Internship Program, and the second is the 8-week Medical Student Research Internship Program. You will dive into cutting-edge topics like digital health, clinical genomics, and community engagement, with a particular emphasis on skills essential to precision medicine.
Throughout the internship, you will be matched with a mentor who will guide you in developing critical research skills, from designing studies to analyzing data in clinical trials. As an intern, you will also gain hands-on experience in genomic association studies, learning to apply statistical analysis methods and research design principles specific to translational medicine. Observing each stage of clinical trial development—proposal, design, execution, and analysis—you will gain insights into the workflow of medical research. The program culminates in a poster symposium, where you will hone your communication skills by presenting a scientific concept to peers and mentors.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Medical Research, Experimental Methods, and more.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by March 1 every year.
Program Dates: July-August (5 weeks)
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 Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) virtual program provides high school students, especially those from underrepresented communities, with a five-week remote internship focused on foundational skills in neurological science.
You will learn core concepts and experimental methods through presentations and lab techniques. Mentorship will guide your scientific inquiry and professional growth, while collaborative projects will develop your teamwork and communication skills. Networking sessions will provide insights from healthcare professionals, preparing you for careers in brain science. The program ends with final presentations to sharpen your ability to explain complex ideas. Interns will receive a $500 stipend upon completion. Applications for 2024 will be available on the website.
Subject Areas: Health Sciences, Medical Research, Public Health, and More.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free. Housing and transportation will not be provided.
Application Deadline: 2025 applications will open in mid-December 2024.
Program Dates: June 23, 2025 - July 25, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school juniors in Northern California are eligible to apply.
The Stanford Medical Youth Science (SMYS) Program is a five-week summer program designed to introduce low-income, first-generation high school juniors from Northern California to the field of health sciences. With only 24 students selected each year, this immersive, on-campus experience at Stanford University provides students with exposure to medicine and public health through direct mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
Throughout the program, you will engage in various hands-on activities, which include an internship at the Stanford Hospital with hands-on lab work, shadowing, and patient interactions. You will also conduct a Public Health research project on health disparities, producing a college-level paper and presentation. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from faculty and professionals, attend seminars on public health and research methods, and participate in guest lectures and facility tours. SMYS provides a strong foundation for your college and medical careers, offering resources to help you pursue your healthcare goals.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Neuroscience, Genetics, and Laboratory Research.
Location: Flexible; choose from local colleges, hospitals, schools, or private research labs. Work with your coordinating center to secure a research institution and mentor.
Stipend: $2,500
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Program Dates: Start date determined by your coordinating center and mentor. Program must begin no later than June 6, 2024, with a minimum of eight weeks of research.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and have a GPA of 3.0 or above are eligible.
The STEP-UP program by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a federally funded summer program that provides students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to dive into biomedical research. This 8-10 week program allows you to work full-time with experienced mentors on cutting-edge research projects. Over the summer, you will be paired with a mentor at an institution of your choice to conduct research in fields like biology, genetics, neuroscience, and more. The program is designed to give you hands-on experience in laboratory settings, helping you develop essential research skills. In addition, the program provides long-term mentorship, extending up to nine months after the program ends, to support your continued growth in research. This program will give you hands-on lab experience, access to top-notch research facilities, and one-on-one mentorship from seasoned professionals.
Subject Areas: Translational Research and Scientific Writing.
Location: Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost: No cost or stipend. Scholarships are available to cover room and board.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Program Dates: May 27, 2025 - August 01, 2025
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 27, 2025). They must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Houston Methodist’s High School Summer Internship Program offers a research opportunity for students with a strong academic background and a passion for medicine and research. This program provides hands-on experience in a translational research lab guided by expert mentors from Houston Methodist's renowned faculty. Throughout the internship, you will work on a research project tailored to your mentor's area of expertise. You will receive training in proper laboratory techniques and gain valuable experience in a professional research environment. The program concludes with a scientific poster symposium, where you will present your research to faculty, staff, and fellow students, allowing for networking opportunities.
In addition to working on a research project, you’ll participate in career and professional development sessions focused on scientific writing, college applications, and laboratory skills. These activities provide a well-rounded experience and prepare you for future academic and research opportunities.
Subject Areas: Practical Clinical Experience: Pediatric Medicine, Surgical Procedures, Radiology, and more.
Location: Various medical centers in Los Angeles, CA
Cost: No cost; Unpaid internship. One $500 scholarship will be awarded.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 program are closed and will reopen for the 2025 cohort in January.
Program Dates: 4 weeks (July - August)
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th-grade students with an interest in medicine are eligible to apply.
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, offered by the Los Angeles Pediatric Society, provides high school students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the medical field by working with healthcare professionals in hospitals across Los Angeles. This program is designed to introduce you to the various aspects of patient care through a combination of hands-on learning and expert mentorship.
During the program, you will be placed in a hospital where you will work alongside general pediatricians and specialists, including surgeons, pharmacists, radiologists, and therapists. Through workshops and clinical observation, you will gain exposure to different healthcare roles and treatment plans, giving you a broad understanding of how medical teams collaborate to care for patients. At the end of the program, you will also receive a certificate of completion and the opportunity to receive a $500 scholarship from the Edward M. Rissman Scholarship Fund!
Subject Areas: Nursing, Pharmacy, Administrative Healthcare Careers, and more.
Location: KP locations across the country: you can find the one closest to you.
Stipend: $23 per hour
Application Deadline: Applications typically close at the end of December (tentative, based on previous years). 2025 applications will open on November 18, 2024.
Program Dates: June 16, 2025 - August 01, 2025
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-19 by June 1, 2025 can apply. They should also have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area.
The High School Internship Program at Kaiser Permanente offers a seven-week, paid internship for students interested in exploring healthcare careers. This hands-on program will provide you with real-world experience in various medical disciplines and insight into the healthcare industry. As an intern, you will work full-time, up to 40 hours per week, alongside healthcare professionals in areas like nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and more. You will gain practical experience through shadowing, hands-on activities, and administrative tasks in healthcare settings. The program provides opportunities to work with supervisors and mentors, allowing you to build networks within the healthcare field while developing skills essential for future success in the medical industry. You can apply through their website portal.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.