Top 25 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students
Do you dream of a career in medicine? Ever wondered what it’s like to be on the front lines of medicine? Helping patients on their road to recovery? But are you confused about how to get started? If a career in healthcare makes your heart race, then summer is the perfect time to explore your passion.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 medical summer programs designed to explore your passion for medicine and give you a head start on your journey. From shadowing doctors to conducting research, these programs offer a taste of the exciting world of medical science. Whether you’re interested in patient care, public health, or medical research, there’s a program out there waiting for you.
Medical Opportunities Available for High School Students
Summer offers the perfect chance to explore medicine! With more free time and abundant programs, you can gain valuable first-hand experience. From research labs to hospitals, summer medical programs and internships provide a variety of options for high school students. These programs range in cost, with some being free, some charging a fee, and some even offering compensation. Here are some medical opportunities available for high school students:
- Volunteer at a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Volunteering is a great way to gain exposure to the healthcare field and see if it’s a good fit for you. You can assist nurses and other staff members with non-medical tasks, or you may have the opportunity to interact with patients and their families.
- Job shadow a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional. Job shadowing allows you to follow a healthcare professional for a day or more to observe their work and learn about their career path. This is a great way to get a more in-depth look at a specific medical specialty.
- Take a summer medical internship. There are many summer medical internships available for high school students. These internships can provide you with hands-on experience in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, research labs, and public health clinics.
- Enroll in a health profession program. Some high schools offer health professional programs that can introduce you to different healthcare careers. These programs may include courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
- Conduct research. If you’re interested in research, you may be able to find a research opportunity at a local hospital, university, or medical school. This can be a great way to learn about the research process and make a contribution to the field of medicine.
Top 25 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students
This table provides a detailed list of the top 25 summer medical programs you can explore to gain valuable healthcare experience.
| Program Name | Host | Location | Cost | Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford Medical Youth Science Program | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | No cost. | 5 weeks |
| UPenn Summer Academies | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | $5,700 | 3 weeks |
| Mini-Med School | Tufts University | Boston, MA | $5,000–$6,500. Some need-based scholarships are available. | 1-2 weeks |
| AIM-High (Osteopathic Medicine) | NSU Florida | Fort Lauderdale, FL and Clearwater, FL | $1,500 | 5 days |
| Summer Immersion Program | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC | $3,000 | 6 days |
| Summer Scholars Biology Research Immersion Program | Buck Institute for Research on Aging | Novato, CA | No cost; stipend is offered. | 10-12 weeks |
| Summer Child Health Research Internship | Children’s Hospital Colorado | Aurora, CO | No cost; interns are paid $3,500. | 8 weeks |
| Summer Research Program | Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute | Oakland, CA | No cost; students receive a stipend of $3,000–$4,000. | 9 weeks |
| Summer Experience for Students | Coriell Institute for Medical Research | Camden, NJ | No cost. | 4 weeks |
| Summer Research Program | Indiana University Cancer Center | Indianapolis, IN | No cost. | 6 weeks |
| Summer Research Internship | Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience | Jupiter, FL | No cost; students are paid $12/hour. | 6 weeks |
| Summer Internships for High School and College Students | McLaughlin Research Institute | Great Falls, MT | No cost; stipend is offered. | 8 weeks |
| High School Summer Program | MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, TX | No cost; interns are paid $6,000. | 10 weeks |
| Diversity Summer Enrichment Programs | Medical College of Wisconsin | Milwaukee, WI | No cost; students are offered a stipend or $10/hour, depending on the program. | 7 weeks |
| Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research | NIH | Bethesda, MD | No cost; students receive a monthly stipend (amount varies). | Minimum of 8 weeks |
| Summer Student Program | National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases | Bethesda, MD | No cost; students receive a monthly stipend (amount varies). | Minimum of 8 weeks |
| Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program | Stanford University School of Medicine | Stanford, CA | No cost; students are offered a stipend of $500–$1500. | 8 weeks |
| Summer Student Program | The Jackson Laboratory | Bar Harbor, ME and Farmington, CT | No cost; students are offered a stipend of $6,250, room, board, and travel allowances. | 10 weeks |
| Summer Surgery Program | UCI Urology | Orange, CA | $4,500–$5,850. However, some need-based scholarships are available. | 12 days |
| Summer Medical Academy | Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego | San Diego, CA | $2,800 | 12 days |
| High School Senior Summer Internship Program | Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center | Cincinnati, OH | No cost; interns are paid $13/hour. | 8 weeks |
| Medical Immersion Summer Academy | Mentoring in Medicine and Science | Oakland, CA | $1,400 | 5 days |
| NEI Summer Intern Program | National Eye Institute | Bethesda, MD and Rockville, MD | No cost; students receive a monthly stipend (amount varies). | 8-12 weeks |
| INSIGHT High School Program | Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington | Seattle, Washington | $2,200 | 4 weeks |
| Disease Detective Camp | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC | Atlanta, Georgia | No cost. | 5 days |
Pros and Cons of Medical Programs for High School Students
Medical programs and internships can be a valuable experience for high school students considering a career in healthcare. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before enrolling.
Advantages of medical programs for high school students
- Realistic exposure: These programs offer a firsthand look at different medical careers, from research scientists to medical students. You’ll gain a better understanding of daily tasks and challenges to help you decide if a medical field aligns with your interests.
- College preview (optional): College-based programs provide a taste of college life, including living on campus. This can help you determine if a particular college is a good fit for your learning style and social preferences.
- Career confirmation: Participation in a medical program can solidify your interest in pre-med before you invest time and money in a college degree. A positive experience can also boost your motivation to excel in your studies.
- Networking opportunities: These programs connect you with other students passionate about medicine and science. This fosters valuable friendships and professional connections.
- College application boost: Participating in a medical or science program shows your commitment to the field on your college applications. This can improve your chances of admission to competitive schools.
- Demonstrated interest (optional): Attending a program hosted by your desired college shows genuine interest, which admissions officers appreciate.
Disadvantages of medical programs for high school students
- Cost: While some programs offer stipends, many require tuition fees. It’s important to research individual program costs, including housing and transportation, which may not be covered.
- Competitiveness: Acceptance into some programs is highly competitive. They might have limited enrollment slots or require high GPAs or specific qualifications.
- Limited exposure: Not all programs offer a well-rounded view of medicine. Some may be research-focused, which might not be your area of interest. Choose programs that provide hands-on experiences or exposure to various medical specializations.
From the Desk of Yocket
Summer medical internships offer high school and undergrad students a chance to explore the world of medicine. These programs provide a firsthand glimpse into the daily realities and challenges healthcare professionals face. Shadowing doctors, nurses, and other staff allows you to witness the complexities of patient care and the dedication this field demands.
While observation is valuable, many internships go beyond that. You might be involved in research projects and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. This hands-on experience hones your research skills and allows you to explore specific areas of medicine that pique your interest.
There are application competitions and time commitments to consider, and some tasks may be routine. However, the potential benefits far outweigh the challenges. For students with a true passion for medicine, a summer internship can be transformative, solidifying their career goals and providing a roadmap for their future in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a medical summer internship?
You get exposure to the healthcare field, gain practical skills, build a resume, and solidify your interest in medicine—all common benefits.
Are medical summer internships paid?
Internships can be paid or unpaid. It’s important to check the specific program description.
When should I start looking for medical internships?
Many medical internships begin accepting applications in the fall or winter for summer positions. Start researching early to identify your top choices.
How long do medical internships typically last?
Summer internships often run for 8–12 weeks, but can vary depending on the program.