11 Best Medical Internships for High School Students

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With applications to medical schools skyrocketing, many high school students interested in medicine feel overwhelmed. This pressure to stand out can be especially intense for aspiring medical professionals. Many high school students worry they lack the real-world experience medical schools seek. Fortunately, medical internships offer a solution. From research labs to hospitals, these programs provide valuable exposure to the field. It helps students develop practical skills and build a strong resume for college and beyond.

But with so many options to choose from, finding the right one for you can be slightly difficult. This blog solves your problem. In this blog, we’ll share the top 10 medical internships for high school students like you, along with some factors to consider when making your choice. This will help you narrow down your options and find the internship that best suits your interests and goals.

What are Medical Internships?

Medical internships are supervised training programs that give students a hands-on experience of working with patients alongside professionals in a clinical space. Some internships can be about working in laboratories and assisting licensed professionals and people in academia with research and experiments.

You get mentored by some of the smartest people in your field of study and get to build networks by collaborating and connecting with colleagues, people in academia, and all kinds of professionals you might encounter in your future job. However, keep in mind that medical internships might involve intensive work for long hours and departmental rotations.

Note: Depending on the prevalent laws and regulations, various credentials and licenses might be required.

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What to Expect From Medical Internships?

Medical internships offer a perfect blend of skill development, confidence building, and professional connections. They provide a bridge between theory and practice. It solidifies your passion for medicine and prepares you for a fulfilling career in the healthcare field.

Sharpened technical skills: You’ll gain practical experience in areas like patient interaction, diagnostic procedures, and assisting with treatments. This first-hand exposure complements classroom learning and prepares you for the realities of the medical field.

Transferable skills: Internships go beyond technical know-how. You’ll develop communication skills as you interact with patients, colleagues, and supervisors. Problem-solving becomes second nature as you solve complex situations alongside experienced professionals. These transferable skills are valuable assets in any field and contribute to your overall growth as an individual.

Confidence boost: Working in a real-world medical setting builds your confidence in your abilities. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your chosen field and see yourself thriving in that environment. This newfound confidence acts as a powerful motivator as you pursue your medical career.

Mentorship and networking: Internships often connect you with experienced doctors and healthcare professionals who can provide invaluable guidance and support. These mentors can become lifelong resources, offering advice and opening doors to future opportunities.

The Top 11 Medical Internships for US High School Students

1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program

The Yocket High School Summer Internship is offering a 4-week virtual program designed to jumpstart your journey in medicine. You will learn about healthcare through real-world projects, assisting with research on advanced topics like disease diagnosis or treatment development. You’ll also gain invaluable mentorship from experienced medical professionals who will guide you throughout the program, from project completion to crafting a strong college application that shows your passion and early exposure to the field.

Weekly mentorship sessions, practice assessments that prepare you for standardized tests, an official letter of recommendation from a medical professional, and a director-signed certificate will strengthen your academic profile and impress colleges and future employers. Spaces are limited to only 50 students, and scholarship applications close soon. Don’t miss this chance to join a global network of pre-med peers, gain hands-on experience, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in medicine.

2. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program is a paid internship program that specifically aims to increase the participation of students from some of the more underrepresented backgrounds in the biomedical sciences. The internship involves a couple of weeks of laboratory training, followed by mentorship from experts, and concludes with a presentation assignment addressed to the Fred Hutch Community.

3. Harvard Medical School Project Success for High School Students

The objective of the Harvard Medical School Project Success for High School Students is to increase the inclusivity of students from disadvantaged backgrounds from communities with minimal exposure to the realm of medical science. The internships involve summer research assignments and multiple workshops, seminars, and site visits along the way.

Note: There are certain minimum GPA requirements for this internship. Additionally, only students over the age of 16 are eligible to apply.

4. High School Senior Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

The High School Senior Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is a paid internship with a stipend amounting to nearly $260 per week. You will be mentored by a specialist, participate in group activities and community service, and immerse yourself in computerized pediatric simulations of patients. The internship will culminate with a presentation outlining your time, experience, and takeaways from the internship.

5. Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program

The Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program is for junior and senior-year high school students. This program will involve supervised research assignments. You will also engage in group discussions and seminars centered around careers in the biomedical sciences and the experiences and perspectives of many health professionals. It is a highly regarded and sought-after program and has a nearly 30-year history of training students through its program.

Note: The internship requires you to permanently reside in Southwest Pennsylvania.

6. KP Launch

Kaiser Permanente offers a plethora of internship opportunities for high school students across Northern California. These internships are usually meant for students in the age group of 16–19 and the senior year of their high school journey. Additionally, the various internship programs are specifically designed to include students from low-income groups and equip them with practical learning opportunities.

7. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship

This 6-month paid internship offered by MPFI engages junior and senior year students in studies related to brain structure, including exploring advanced imaging techniques and advanced technologies in neuroscience. The program essentially offers three streams of activity, including neuroscience studies, mechanical engineering, and scientific programming. The internship will conclude with a short thesis-like assignment coupled with a presentation, allowing you to expound on the topic.

8. Medical College of Wisconsin Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM)

The Medical College of Wisconsin Apprenticeship in Medicine is one of the most sought-after medical programs. AIM’s primary purpose in offering this internship opportunity is to invigorate medical science career aspirations in students from underprivileged or underrepresented backgrounds in the field. Throughout the internship, you will get to observe and interact with medical students while they go about performing their daily activities, a process popularly known as clinical shadowing.

9. NIH High School Summer Internship Program

The NIH High School Summer Internship Program usually lasts for 8 weeks, and students older than 17 are eligible to apply for it. Throughout the internship, you will have the opportunity to watch top scientists in the domain work on investigations and research projects. You can expect to attend career workshops, discussions, group projects, and college readiness activities along the way.

10. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

With a focus on themes like how research is performed, how to conduct your research, etc., this free pediatrics internship at Stanford is meant for junior and senior-year students in the Northern California region with an interest in science, medicine, and research in the field. Students with financial needs can even claim a participating stipend for the same.

11. Summer Child Health Research Internship

This medical internship from Children’s Hospital Colorado is meant for senior-year students who are residents of Colorado. It is a paid internship and allows students to explore research opportunities related to child healthcare by working alongside professionals and academics from the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado (Anschutz Medical Campus), not to mention first-year medical students in the undergraduate program.

Suggested: Virtual College Tours

How to Apply For a Medical Internship as a High School Student?

1. Research

You can find internship opportunities on websites that offer aggregated results of internships sorted according to your requirements, like location, duration, pay, field, etc. Several hospitals and clinics post internship and recruitment details on their websites. These can provide contacts for relevant personnel who might offer guidance and clarifications about the availability and other relevant details.

2. Prepare and apply

Ensure that you compile all the information that might be consequential to your internship application beforehand. This will come in handy when you’re applying for multiple pre college summer programs. Try to maintain a log of your applications and their corresponding requirements. Furthermore, keep tabs on what information various organizations require from you. Give special attention to the certifications and licenses that might be the prerequisites for applying for various particular internships.

3. Interview

Internship coordinators will look into your profile and may call you up to interview for the position to get to know your candidacy better. It is important to be prepared for all questions that might come up, both on the technical side of the role as well as your own personal information and professional experience.

If the recruiter finds you to be aligned with the role, they might induct you into their team. In some cases, additional rounds of selection before or after the interview might also take place to assess your technical skills and know-how about the subject matter.

4. Follow-up

Following up with your recruiters is another important part of getting an internship. This shows that you are intent on getting the opportunity and are diligent and proactive about it. It testifies to your continued interest in the role offered.

From the Desk of Yocket

Medical internships for high school students can be incredibly beneficial experiences if structured appropriately. They offer an opportunity for you to gain firsthand exposure to the medical field, explore potential career paths, and develop valuable skills and knowledge early on. Such internships can provide insights into various medical specialties, clinical practices, and healthcare settings, helping you make an informed decision about your future academic and professional pursuits.

Participating in a medical internship during high school can also foster personal growth and development. It allows you to observe and engage with healthcare professionals, witnessing the importance of compassion, empathy, and teamwork in patient care. Moreover, hands-on experiences within clinical settings can cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills, all of which are essential attributes for success in the medical field.

Also, Yocket can offer valuable insights and resources, helping you navigate the intricacies of applying to medical programs and connecting with like-minded individuals passionate about healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider participating in a medical internship during high school?

Medical internships provide valuable hands-on experience, mentorship from professionals, exposure to various medical fields, and opportunities to build skills and networks. It enhances prospects for future academic and career success.

Are medical internships only available during the summer for high school students?

While many medical internships occur during the summer for high school students, opportunities may also be available year-round, including part-time or virtual options, allowing flexibility for participation during the school year.

What can I expect during a medical internship, and what are the potential benefits?

During a medical internship, you can expect hands-on training, mentorship, exposure to clinical settings, and opportunities to develop skills such as communication and problem-solving. Further benefits include an enhanced understanding of the medical field, networking opportunities, and strengthened college applications.

How can I best prepare for the application and interview process for medical internships?

You should start by compiling relevant documents, researching summer internship programs, tailoring application materials, practicing interview responses, and showing a passion for the field. Try to seek feedback from mentors or advisors to strengthen your application and increase your chances of success.

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April 21, 2024