Top 16 Medicine Programs for High School Students in 2025-2026

Are you curious about what it takes to become a doctor or work in healthcare? Medicine programs for high school students give you a hands-on look at medical research and clinical skills, letting you explore your interests early.

In this guide, you will find the top 16 programs for 2025-2026, including summer internships, research opportunities, and clinical experiences. You will learn what each program offers and how you can get the most out of these experiences to grow your skills and impress college admissions officers.

• What Are the Best Medicine Programs for High School Students?
• Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship
• Penn Medicine Summer Program for High School Students
• Harvard MEDscience
• Johns Hopkins Summer Programs in Epidemiology, Public Health, and Biomedical Engineering
• Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)
• Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
• Tufts Mini Med School – Health & Medicine Pre-College Programs
• Boston University RISE Program
• UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)
• Johns Hopkins Pre‑College: Applied Anatomy & Physiology
• Johns Hopkins Pre‑College: Introduction to Laboratory Research
• Wake Forest University Summer Immersion – Medicine Institute
• Rice University Pre‑College: Physiology – The Foundations of Medicine
• NSLC – Medicine & Health Care
• Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Medicine Programs for High School Students?

Medicine summer programs give high school students a chance to explore healthcare and biomedical science in a hands-on, immersive way. You will gain research experience, learn practical medical skills, and strengthen your problem-solving and teamwork abilities.

Below is a summary of 16 of the best medicine and healthcare summer programs for high school students:

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR)

• Dates: June 8 to July 30, 2026 (8 weeks)
• Location: Stanford University, California
• Cost: Tuition-free; $50 application fee (fee waivers available)

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) is an eight-week, in-person program for high school juniors and seniors interested in medicine, biological sciences, and research. Participants work in a lab or in the bioengineering bootcamp with mentorship from Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students.

You choose one of eight research areas:

• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• Cancer Biology
• Bioengineering
• Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Genetics and Genomics

To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 16 years old by June 2026, and currently a junior or senior in high school. While there is a small application fee, fee waivers make the program accessible.

For a detailed look at what it’s like to work in a Stanford lab as a high school student, explore our complete guide to SIMR.

2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship

• Dates: Summer 2026
• Location: NIH campuses nationwide, including Bethesda, Maryland
• Cost: Fully funded with a stipend

The NIH High School Summer Internship gives you the chance to work full-time in a research lab within the NIH Intramural Research Program. You assist scientists in biomedical, behavioral, social science, and chemistry-related projects, gaining hands-on experience that complements other medicine programs for high school students.

To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 17 by June 1, 2026, and submit coursework, a resume, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters.

Participants receive a stipend, free parking, and the opportunity to present at a campus-wide poster session. This is one of the few fully funded summer research internships available to high school students.

For a detailed overview of the program, see our full guide to the NIH High School Summer Internship.

3. Penn Medicine Summer Program for High School Students

• Dates: June 28 to July 24, 2026
• Location: University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
• Cost: $11,255

The Penn Medicine Summer Program gives you a four-week, in-person immersion in medical training at a world-class teaching hospital. You spend your days learning clinical skills, practicing medical procedures, and exploring what life is like for real medical students.

Skills and experiences you will gain:

• Perform CPR, first aid, and emergency care skills
• Suture and tie surgical knots
• Identify heart and lung sounds
• Draw blood, complete skin biopsies, and start an IV
• Practice minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Work in gross anatomy, pathology, microbiology, and urinalysis labs
• Observe a live or simulated surgery

You can apply if you will enter grade 11 or 12 in September 2026 and have completed a high school biology course, and applications close on February 26, 2026.

You gain access to Penn’s medical learning spaces, receive instruction from Perelman School of Medicine faculty, and earn mentorship that helps you explore your future path in health care. The program is tuition-based and includes housing, meals, and all instructional activities.

4. Harvard MEDscience

• Dates: Multiple sessions, June 8 – August 7, 2026 (varies by program)
• Location: Harvard Medical School, 210 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA
• Cost: $2,250–$2,800 per program (scholarships available)

Harvard MEDscience offers hands-on summer programs for high school students interested in medicine, biotech, and clinical research. You spend one week or more learning in immersive labs and simulation centers.

During the program, you will:

• Perform clinical skills like suturing, intubation, and inserting IVs
• Conduct laboratory experiments, including DNA extraction, PCR, and ELISA
• Analyze patient samples and interpret lab data to solve medical cases
• Collaborate with peers to diagnose and treat simulated patients
• Participate in MEDchats with Harvard faculty
• Receive mentorship from researchers and explore healthcare and biotech careers

You must be in grades 9 through 12 at the time of application, and alumni of previous programs may apply only to sessions they have not completed. Unique features include simulation-based learning, exposure to clinical medicine, and the development of lab techniques used in modern biomedical research.

Some programs provide certifications such as CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed, and scholarships are available for eligible students.

5. Johns Hopkins Summer Programs in Epidemiology, Public Health, and Biomedical Engineering

• Dates: June 22 – July 30, 2026 (various 2-week sessions)
• Location: Homewood Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, or online
• Cost: Course fees vary; online lab supply kits are estimated to be $20–$50

Johns Hopkins Summer Programs give high school students a hands-on introduction to epidemiology, public health, and biomedical engineering. Sample courses include:

• Epidemics, Pandemics, and Outbreaks
• Population Genomics: Evolution, Extinction & Disease
• Social Inequality and the Public’s Health
• Introduction to Surgery
• Medical School Intensive

These programs are among the top medicine programs for high school students, offering exposure to clinical simulations and biomedical research.

Over two weeks, you’ll analyze population health data, explore social factors affecting disease, and participate in lab activities such as surgical simulations and fetal pig dissections. You’ll also engage in interactive lectures, group discussions, and case-based exercises, all guided by Johns Hopkins faculty.

The program is open to pre-college students, with a background in biology recommended for surgery-focused courses. Class sizes are small to ensure personalized instruction. College-level credit is available, and students are responsible for tuition, application fees, and any additional supply costs.

6. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)

• Dates: Summer On-Campus: July 13 – July 24, 2026; Summer Virtual: July 27 – August 7, 2026; Fall Virtual Intensive: 10 weeks, one night per week (2026 dates coming soon)
• Location: Stanford University, California, or online via Zoom
• Cost: $6,580 (on-campus), $4,580 (summer virtual), $2,480 (fall intensive)

Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) is designed for rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16 and older who want real hands-on experience in medicine. You will learn clinical skills, explore specialties, and practice patient care under the guidance of Stanford faculty and med students.

Program options include:

• Summer On-Campus Learning. Two weeks of full-day, immersive sessions at Stanford, including heart dissections, suturing, and trauma simulations.
• Summer Virtual Learning. Two weeks of live, interactive online sessions where you practice clinical skills using supply kits and collaborate with peers.
• Fall Virtual Intensive. Ten-week evening program with 90-minute weekly sessions focused on patient care, exams, and clinical case presentations.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and a rising junior, senior, or undergraduate pre-med student. The program is not fully funded, and students are responsible for tuition and application fees.

7. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

• Dates: June 22 – July 26, 2026
• Location: Stanford University, California
• Cost: Free for accepted students

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is a five-week, in-person program for Northern California high school juniors from first-generation and low-income backgrounds who want early exposure to medicine and public health.

You will spend part of your week in hospital settings at Stanford Hospital, where you shadow staff, observe patient care, and participate in basic lab activities. You will also work in teams on a public health research project focused on real health disparities in local communities.

Academic sessions cover anatomy, research methods, and population health, and you will join college prep workshops that address admissions, financial aid, and application strategies.

The program admits 24 students each summer to keep instruction personal. Applicants must be Northern California high school juniors and available for the full five weeks. The program is fully funded, and students must live with a family member or legal guardian during the program.

If you want to see how a top medical summer program can jumpstart your path in healthcare, check out our detailed guide on SMYSP.

8. Tufts Mini Med School – Health & Medicine Pre-College Programs

• Dates: Summer Commuter Session 1: June 22 – 26, 2026; Summer Session 2: July 5 – 17, 2026; Summer Session 3: July 19 – 24, 2026
• Location: Tufts University, Medford and Boston Health Sciences Campus, MA
• Cost: $3,625–$6,950, depending on session and housing

Tufts Mini Med School is one of the leading medicine programs for high school students, giving you hands-on experience in clinical skills, diagnostics, and the health sciences. You will practice suturing, taking vital signs, and other basic procedures, work through medical case studies with student mentors, and complete a multi-day diagnostic lab built around a fictional patient. The program also includes seminars and Q&A sessions that highlight different medical careers.

The program is open to students entering grades 11–12 or graduating in Spring 2026 who have completed at least one year of high school biology and are 16 or older by the start date. Admissions are rolling, and limited financial aid is available, though students are responsible for fees unless they receive an award.

9. Boston University RISE Program

• Dates: Residential: June 28 to August 7, 2026; Commuter: June 29 to August 7, 2026
• Location: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• Cost: Residential $9,785; Commuter $6,185

The Boston University RISE Program is a six-week, in-person summer program for high school juniors interested in biomedical research and medicine. You can choose between two tracks:

• Internship. Spend 40 hours per week on independent research projects in areas such as biomedical engineering, neuroscience, medical laboratory research, or biology. Participate in weekly workshops to develop professional and academic skills.
• Practicum. Focus on group research in Computational Neurobiology or Data Science with structured lectures and lab experiments, also joining Internship students for professional development workshops and visits to biotech and medical research companies.

To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident entering your senior year in fall 2026. The application includes essays, a teacher or counselor recommendation, and high school transcripts. Standardized test scores are optional, and only a limited number of students are accepted each summer.

RISE also gives you the chance to present your medical and biomedical research at the Poster Symposium while gaining mentorship from top scientists. The program is partially funded, and financial aid or the BU IMPACTS scholarship can help reduce or entirely cover tuition costs.

If you want to see how a summer at BU labs can boost your medical research skills and prepare you for a future in medicine, explore our complete guide on the RISE program.

10. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)

• Dates: June 9 – August 1, 2026
• Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
• Cost: Paid internship; 25 hours/week earns $3,200, 35 hours/week earns $4,500

The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) is an eight-week, in-person summer program for rising seniors from SFUSD or San Francisco charter schools who want hands-on experience in biomedical research. HIP interns can expect to:

• Conduct research in fields such as neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, stem cell research, molecular biology, and infectious disease
• Participate in college counseling workshops, including resume building and personal statement development
• Attend career talks, lab meetings, and cohort activities to build networks and communication skills
• Present your research at the end of the program

To apply, you must be a current junior enrolled in an SFUSD or SF charter school. The program typically interviews 50 students to fill 25 internship spots each summer. HIP does not require specific grades or prior research experience, and the selection focuses on motivation, interest in science, maturity, and persistence.

HIP is fully funded through UCSF and partner organizations, making this a rare opportunity to gain top-level biomedical research experience without financial burden.

11. Johns Hopkins Pre‑College: Applied Anatomy & Physiology

• Dates: June 22 – July 1, 2026; July 6 – July 16, 2026; July 20 – July 30, 2026
• Location: Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
• Cost: Tuition-based

The Applied Anatomy & Physiology course gives high school students a structured introduction to human anatomy and how organ systems function. You will study form and function through dissections, histology labs, medical case studies, and guided discussions led by Johns Hopkins faculty.

During the course, you will complete macroscopic and microscopic anatomy labs, analyze clinical scenarios, and participate in team-based activities that mirror collaborative work in medicine and research.

Applicants should have a background in biology and a strong interest in medicine or STEM. The program awards one college credit and offers limited financial aid to help offset tuition costs. Spots are limited in each session, so early application is recommended.

12. Johns Hopkins Pre‑College: Introduction to Laboratory Research

• Dates: June 22 – July 1, 2026; July 6 – July 16, 2026; July 20 – July 30, 2026
• Location: Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
• Cost: Tuition-based (includes one academic credit)

The Introduction to Laboratory Research course is among the top medicine programs for high school students, providing hands-on experience with core biochemical and molecular biology techniques. You will work with restriction enzymes to map DNA, use PCR to amplify DNA segments, analyze lipids with chromatography, and observe active research projects in Johns Hopkins labs.

Throughout the course, you will practice standard lab methods, build skills in data analysis and experimental design, and collaborate with peers in a structured learning environment.

Applicants should have a background in chemistry and biology and a strong interest in STEM or medicine. The program awards one college credit and offers limited spots in each session to maintain a close learning environment. The course is tuition-based and part of Johns Hopkins Pre-College STEM and Health programs.

13. Wake Forest University Summer Immersion – Medicine Institute

• Dates: Week of July 5 – 10, 2026; Week of July 19 – 24, 2026
• Location: Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus, Winston-Salem, NC
• Cost: $3,500

The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Medicine Institute gives high school students a hands-on introduction to the medical field. During the program, you will:

• Gain practical experience in performing physical exams, taking blood pressure, suturing, and using ultrasound
• Visit Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the Wake Forest School of Medicine
• Participate in simulation labs and interactive exercises in cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, surgery, and cancer care
• Explore medical technology and observe real clinical practices
• Network with medical students and professionals to learn about career pathways

Current students in grades 9 through 12 can apply, and spots are limited to maintain a personalized learning environment. Admission is competitive, and students should apply early to secure their place.

Upon completing the program, you will receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion. The program is partially funded, and financial aid is available to help reduce tuition costs for qualifying students.

14. Rice University Pre‑College: Physiology – The Foundations of Medicine

• Dates: December 21 – January 4, 2026; January 4 – February 1, 2026; January 18 – February 15, 2026
• Location: Online
• Cost: $1,795

Physiology – The Foundations of Medicine introduces high school students to the inner workings of the human body, exploring how organ systems function together and what can go wrong in disease. You will learn through video lectures, simulations, and assignments that examine the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

Course experiences include:

• Studying neuron structure, ion flow, and muscle contraction
• Understanding heart mechanics and electrical conduction
• Exploring respiratory anatomy and gas exchange processes
• Completing a Capstone Project to demonstrate your understanding of physiology

Students ages 13 and up can apply, and no transcripts or recommendation letters are required. Enrollment is limited to ensure personalized mentoring, and mentors guide you through assignments, capstone projects, and real-world applications.

Rice University faculty and mentors with experience in biomedical engineering, public health, and clinical research design the program. Scholarships are available to make the program accessible for students with financial need.

15. NSLC – Medicine & Health Care

• Dates: Multiple sessions, June to August 2026
• Location: Columbia University (NY), Duke University (NC), UC Berkeley (CA), University of Michigan (MI), University of Oxford (UK)
• Cost: $4,195 – $6,395

The NSLC Medicine and Health Care program lets you step into the role of a physician, practicing surgical skills, diagnosing patients, and exploring the challenges of modern medicine. You will engage in hands-on simulations, interactive workshops, and collaborative exercises that develop teamwork, ethical decision-making, and patient care skills.

NSLC partners with American University to offer optional online college credit for participants, and more than $500,000 in scholarships are awarded annually, making the program accessible to students who need financial assistance.

High school students entering grades 9 through 12 are eligible to apply. Residential programs require living in supervised dorms, and sessions are limited in size to ensure personalized experiences.

16. Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program

• Dates: Residential: June 21–25, 2026; Non-Residential: July 2026 (exact dates TBD)
• Location: Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
• Cost: Fully funded through scholarships for admitted students

The Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program gives Minnesota high school students a close-up look at allied health careers like sonography, phlebotomy, respiratory therapy, and histology. Key activities include:

• Interactive labs and clinical simulations
• Guidance from Mayo Clinic students, faculty, and staff on career paths
• Facility tours with transportation to and from Mayo Clinic
• Professional skills development in teamwork, communication, and workplace etiquette

Residential eligibility is for sophomores and juniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Non-Residential includes seniors, college students, and adult learners. Admission is competitive and based on application materials and interviews.

The program covers tuition, meals, and housing for Residential participants, making it a fully funded opportunity to explore in-demand healthcare careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best medicine summer programs for high school students in 2025?

There are many excellent options for high school students, but some of the top programs include Stanford’s SIMR for lab research and Penn Medicine’s Summer Program for clinical training. Johns Hopkins also offers strong programs in epidemiology and public health, giving you hands-on experience in research and healthcare policy.

2. Are there free medicine summer programs for high school students?

Yes, some of the best medicine programs for high school students are fully funded. For example, the Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is free for qualifying students, and the Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program offers full scholarships.

3. What subjects do medicine summer programs typically cover?

Medicine programs for high school students often cover a wide range of health science topics, including anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, and public health. Some programs, like Harvard MEDscience, offer simulation-based lab work and practice of clinical skills, such as suturing and PCR. At the same time, Johns Hopkins focuses on epidemiology and social factors in public health.

You will also develop soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, which are essential in real healthcare work.

4. How can medicine summer programs help with college admissions?

Participating in medicine programs for high school students shows colleges that you are serious about healthcare and science. Programs like BU RISE or Stanford SIMR let you conduct research or complete projects that you can highlight in essays and applications. You also build relationships with mentors who can write strong recommendation letters based on your hands-on experience in labs or clinical settings.

5. When should I apply for medicine summer programs?

You should start researching medical programs for high school students and preparing your application materials in the fall or early winter, before the summer you plan to attend. Many programs, including Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and Penn, open applications in November or December, so you will need transcripts, essays, and sometimes test scores ready. Getting organized early improves your chances of getting into competitive programs.

Takeaways

• You can get real, hands-on experience at top medicine programs for high school students like Stanford SIMR, Penn Medicine, and Johns Hopkins, where you can try lab research, clinical skills, and public health work.
• You can explore medicine for free if you qualify for programs like Stanford SMYSP or the Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program, so you do not have to worry about tuition holding you back.
• You will learn more than science because programs like Harvard MEDscience and Johns Hopkins teach teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that doctors use every day.
• You can boost your college applications by doing research, creating projects, and connecting with mentors who can write recommendation letters that show your passion and real-world experience.
• If you want to make the most of your medicine summer programs, talking with a college admissions expert can help you highlight your research and clinical experiences in your applications and stand out to top schools.