14 Medical Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you’re a high school student interested in medicine or healthcare, internships provide you with opportunities to gain practical experience and industry insight. These programs allow you to assist with basic lab work, participate in research projects, or observe medical professionals as they apply concepts you’ve learned in class to real clinical situations. They are an excellent way to explore your field of interest and determine whether it is a suitable path for college or future career plans.
Why should you attend a program in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to several institutions and colleges that offer medical internship opportunities for high school students. These programs allow you to work alongside professionals on projects and day-to-day operations, and foster valuable connections with mentors and peers. Whether you're interested in health technology, conducting research in areas such as cancer biology, or exploring fields like biotechnology, Massachusetts provides a comprehensive range of options.
In this blog, we’ve put together a list of 14 medical internships for high school students in Massachusetts that you should check out.
If you are looking for internships in Massachusetts, check out our blog here.
1. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $3,600
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Massachusetts rising high school seniors with a “B” or better in science and math classes
During the Broad Summer Scholars Program, you will be paired with a Broad scientist on a research project in fields such as chemical biology, cancer biology, infectious disease, and other related areas. In the first week, you will participate in wet lab training exercises, where you will learn basic lab skills. You will then conduct research under the guidance of your mentor and will have the opportunity to work on various tasks and projects. Aside from this, you will also attend scientific talks and college fairs and will get to connect and network with other students. Finally, you will be expected to present your research at a scientific poster session.
2. Veritas AI's AI+Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI offers AI-focused work-learn programs designed for motivated high school students and is founded and managed by graduate students from Harvard University. One of the programs offered is the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, during which you will explore how artificial intelligence is applied within the healthcare and medical fields. You will also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects utilizing AI and machine learning models to diagnose diseases, improve medical imaging, and interpret results to support healthcare professionals and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
3. Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) – Summer Only
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: No information available
Dates: 7 – 11 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (16+) in Massachusetts
The CURE program is a full-time research internship for students aspiring to careers in scientific research, particularly focusing on cancer. Participants are matched with a research mentor who will help them gain technical skills, observe the real-time, practical application of cancer research, and understand the process from concept to discovery. You’ll also get to attend scientific seminars and join journal clubs, where you will learn how to analyze scientific literature. The program also prepares you for the professional environment by providing opportunities for professional development, networking, resume building, and more.
4. Ladder Internships: Medicine Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program designed for ambitious high school students interested in startups. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to work with high-growth startups across various industries, including health tech, deep tech, AI/ML, and more. These startups have typically raised over one million dollars in funding. During the internship, you will spend around eight weeks collaborating closely with your startup manager on real-world projects. You will be encouraged to present your work to the company at the end of the program.
5. Summer High School Health Careers Program
Location: UMass Chan Medical School, North Worcester, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 28 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (16+) in Massachusetts
The Summer High School Health Careers Program offers you the chance to explore careers in healthcare, biotechnology, and biomedical fields. As a participant, you will be placed in job shadowing or internship roles, where you’ll get to observe healthcare professionals and gain hands-on experience. You’ll also attend academic enrichment classes in math, language arts, science, and IT. Aside from this, you’ll get to connect and network with other high school students, current medical students, scientists, and more. You can find out more about the program’s curriculum here.
6. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: January 31 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates in Massachusetts
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program provides high school students with educational and research opportunities in the fields of neuroscience and neurology. You’ll start by completing a bootcamp, during which you’ll undergo research and clinical training, learn basic lab skills, and network. You’ll then spend the rest of the internship working under the mentorship of an MGH Neurology faculty member. In addition to laboratory duties, participants will engage in weekly seminars featuring leading neurologists, neuroscientists, and other field experts. The program also incorporates educational field trips and opportunities for networking and social interaction. The internship culminates in a final presentation where interns will share the outcomes of their summer research.
7. Ragon Institute Summer Experience (RISE)
Location: Ragon Institute, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 23 – August 8 (as per previous year)
Application Deadline: November 24 – February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or graduating seniors (16+) from certain cities with a cumulative GPA of 3.0+; More details here
The Ragon Institute Summer Experience (RISE) is an internship program for students interested in exploring medical research, immunology, and related fields. As a participant, you will join the lab of a Ragon faculty member who will serve as a mentor while you engage in research projects. You’ll also gain hands-on experience by going on field trips to related institutions and facilities. Aside from this, you will be expected to attend a boot camp where you will learn everything you need to know about working in a research institute and go through lab safety training. You’ll also attend an “Introduction to Immunology” course, lectures on scientific research, and journal club discussions. The program also offers workshops where you learn about the college application process and how to write your resume and cover letters.
8. MLSC: High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Waltham, MA
Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks between May 1 – April 30
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Underrepresented and low-income high school students (16+); more details here
This program enables you to participate in a paid internship at a Massachusetts life sciences company or research institution. Before your placement, you’ll engage in a pre‑internship training program focused on biotechnical lab skills and professional development. During your internship, you may work on tasks such as experimental protocols, data collection/analysis, technical documentation, or project‑based contributions under the supervision of scientists or industry professionals. By participating, you can build both technical lab credentials and workplace‐ready skills such as communication, collaboration, time management, and problem‑solving.
9. BIDMC: Agress Summer Health Corps Program
Location: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – August 13
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders (16+) residing in Massachusetts
During the Agress Summer Health Corps Program, you’ll get to volunteer in a hospital environment. As a participant, you will be assigned to a hospital department, where you will spend the duration of the program gaining practical, hands-on experience in various non-clinical daily operations. Some of your responsibilities will include assisting with patient transport or navigation, restocking supplies, supporting clerical tasks, and more. You’ll also attend panel presentations on the various health disciplines and go on hospital tours. The program gives you the chance to network and connect with your fellow students as well as BIDMC clinicians.
10. ADA Forsyth: Student Scholars Summer Program
Location: ADA Forsyth, Somerville, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – August 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: May 19 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students in the Eastern Massachusetts/Boston area
The ADA Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program offers high school students an opportunity to delve into STEM research and clinical/translational dentistry. Participants are assigned to laboratories or dental clinics, where they collaborate directly with leading scientists who act as their mentors. By contributing to your mentor’s research project, you will gain practical research experience, learn basic laboratory techniques, and work with state-of-the-art lab equipment. Along the way, you’ll also get to work on your own research project and will be expected to present your findings at a scientific poster presentation by the end of the program.
11. BWH: Youth Summer Program
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: Boston high school students (16+)
The Youth Summer Program at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) offers paid internships for high school students interested in exploring a healthcare career. During the program, you will be placed in various departments, including radiology, research labs, transport, and more, where you will carry out relevant hands-on tasks. This experience offers direct exposure to the healthcare industry, focusing on your professional growth. Furthermore, you will explore community health initiatives and understand the critical role of patient care.
12. Harvard Medical School: Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: Boston/Cambridge high school juniors and seniors over 16 years old from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. Minimum GPA of 2.7+ with completed courses in biology, algebra, and chemistry
The Project Success internship offers high school students interested in a biomedical career the opportunity to participate in a mentored research experience. Throughout the internship, you will work under professionals and researchers from Harvard Medical School (HMS) labs and other laboratories affiliated with HMS. You will enhance your technical skills and scientific knowledge through practical research experience. The program also includes attending seminars hosted by researchers and physicians, participating in field trips to hospitals and biotechnology organizations, and other activities. Furthermore, you will receive career guidance from mentors and research advisers, computer training, and develop your writing and speaking proficiency.
13. Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer Program
Location: MGH Institute, Boston, MA
Cost: $4,500 (optional + $540 to earn college credits)
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: July 20 – 31 | August 3 – 14
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer Program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or medical research. While not a traditional internship, during this program, you will have the opportunity to acquire practical experience in healthcare and medical research. You will explore fields like cardiology, surgery, emergency care, and more. Additionally, you will have the chance to learn from faculty members at MGH and instructors from Harvard Medical School. The program also gives you the chance to partake in collaborative research projects, problem-solving activities, and immersive simulations.
14. AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 program fee + $40 application fee; financial aid offered
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students (14+) with solid math or computer programming skills or experience with a healthcare project
The AIMI Summer Research Internship gives you the chance to explore the more technical side of healthcare. For around two weeks, you will attend lectures that introduce you to the fundamentals and importance of AI in healthcare. You’ll get to learn from Stanford Student Leads and researchers who will act as mentors and guide you as you work on hands-on research projects. Aside from this, you will also attend “Career Lunch and Learns” sessions during which you will hear from guest speakers in academia, government, industry, and more. By the end of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and might also be offered an extended independent research internship.
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