15 Medical Programs for High School Students in Indiana
If you are in high school and exploring medicine as a potential career, structured programs can give you a clearer sense of what the field actually involves before you commit to it in college. Medical programs offer learning experiences that move beyond theory and place you in environments where you can observe or participate in research, clinical workflows, or healthcare-focused projects. You might learn to design experiments, interpret biomedical data, understand patient care systems, or explore specialties such as neuroscience, oncology, or public health. Some programs also introduce newer areas, such as healthcare technology, helping you see how medicine is evolving. Working alongside researchers, clinicians, or healthcare professionals can give you insight into both the academic and practical demands of the field.
Why should you attend a program in Indiana?
Indiana offers a strong mix of medical schools, research institutions, and healthcare systems that offer structured learning opportunities for high school students. Through these programs, you can engage in lab-based research, contribute to ongoing biomedical studies, observe hospital operations, or take part in simulations and career-focused workshops. The institutions in the state also offer exposure to areas such as cancer research, molecular biology, rehabilitation sciences, and health systems, allowing you to explore different directions within medicine rather than a single track. These programs are particularly practical if you’re based in Indiana and want access to nearby institutions, but they can also be a great option for out-of-state students who are looking for research-driven or selective medical experiences.
To simplify your search, we have shortlisted 15 medical programs for high school students in Indiana.
If you’re looking for science programs in Indiana, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span biomedical research, oncology, AI in medicine, rehabilitation sciences, clinical simulation, public health, and healthcare career exploration, so students with a wide range of medical interests can find a relevant option in Indiana or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM (up to $4,000 stipend), IU Simon Cancer Center Future Scientist Program (paid), IU Molecular Medicine in Action (free), Ivy Tech Health Care Academy (free with a $200 gift card incentive), and CIAHEC camps ($75 each), making healthcare experiences accessible without significant financial barriers.
Many programs prioritize Indiana residents or students from specific counties or school districts, including IU Future Scientist Program (Marion County public schools), Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM (Indiana high school students), and Ivy Tech Health Care Academy (Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Marshall counties), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-day research introductions, such as IU MMIA, to semester-long hospital rotations, such as Parkview Health internships and FutureREADY Program, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for competitive programs fall early, including Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM (March 1) and Summer Science Program (February 19 for domestic students), while many programs, such as Parkview Health internships and CIAHEC camps, use rolling admissions, so students should apply as soon as applications open.
1. IU School of Medicine’s Molecular Medicine in Action (MMIA)
Location: Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research at IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Two-day program typically in March
Application deadline: Applications open in the fall
Eligibility: Indiana high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
MMIA at the Indiana University School of Medicine is a free annual program that introduces you to modern biomedical research techniques through an intensive, short-format experience. You will work with researchers in lab-based workstations on experiments and learn about gene analysis, imaging, and cellular studies. Faculty-led sessions will explain how these techniques are used in fields such as cancer research and immunology. Group discussions will connect laboratory findings to broader medical and ethical questions. Interacting with researchers gives you insight into how discoveries move from the lab to clinical applications. You will also learn about educational pathways and career opportunities in medicine and science.
2. Veritas AI’s Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks; multiple cohorts each year
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 12 who have completed the AI Scholars program or have a background in coding
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, you will explore how AI and machine learning can be used in healthcare and medical research. You will work on project-based tasks involving the development of AI models for healthcare applications such as disease diagnosis and medical imaging. The program also focuses on how AI-generated insights can support doctors and patients in medical decision-making. You will gain exposure to the link between artificial intelligence and medicine while working on real-world scenarios. You can learn more about the program through its brochure and application form.
3. Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM Summer Program
Location: Varies by placement, typically Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Indianapolis, or Indiana Bioscience Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: Up to $4,000 based on financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Indiana high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed at least one high school chemistry course
The SEED/STEM Summer Program at Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute places you directly into an active biomedical research environment where you will contribute to ongoing projects in medicine, biotechnology, or life sciences. You will work under faculty mentorship, gaining exposure to how research questions are framed, tested, and refined in both academic and industry settings. Early in the program, you will learn core lab techniques and safety protocols before transitioning into more independent work within your assigned lab. Collaboration with graduate students and researchers will help you understand how teams operate in professional research spaces. Regular check-ins with mentors will guide your progress and help you troubleshoot challenges. This medical program for high school students in Indiana concludes with a formal research poster presentation.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Medical Track
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to a year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas for high schoolers to explore. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as healthcare, ecology, chemistry, engineering, data science, computer science, psychology, physics, international relations, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Future Scientist Program @ IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location: Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small, competitive cohort
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors from Marion County public schools with a minimum 3.0 GPA
This science program for high school students in Indiana at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center places you in a research-focused setting where you work alongside scientists on projects related to oncology, cancer science, and biomedical science. Over eight weeks, you will engage with real laboratory workflows, learning how experiments are designed and executed. You will work closely with a research mentor who will help you develop an independent project tied to your lab’s focus area. Throughout this process, you will build familiarity with scientific methodologies, data interpretation, and research documentation. Collaboration with lab members will help you understand how research teams function and communicate findings.
6. High School Student Internships @ Parkview Health
Location: Remote, hybrid, or in-person at Parkview Health, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Semester-long placement; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
High School Student Internships at Parkview Health give you the chance to explore a specific healthcare pathway through direct exposure to hospital operations. You will join a department aligned with your interests, which may include clinical care, laboratory work, or administrative functions. Over the course of the internship, you will observe and assist healthcare professionals, gaining insight into day-to-day responsibilities and workflows. The experience can help you build workplace skills such as communication, organization, and professional conduct. Opportunities to interact with staff will help you understand how different roles contribute to patient care and system efficiency. Depending on your placement, you may also support basic tasks that reinforce your understanding of the field.
7. FutureREADY Program @ Parkview Health
Location: Parkview Health, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically a full school semester; commitment of ~15 weeks
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The FutureREADY Program at Parkview Health is designed for students who want to explore multiple healthcare roles before narrowing their focus. You will rotate through several departments, observing how different units function within a hospital system. These short placements will expose you to both clinical and non-clinical environments, helping you compare roles based on your interests. After initial rotations, you will select areas to explore in greater depth, enabling a more focused learning experience. Throughout the program, you will interact with professionals who share insights into their responsibilities and career pathways, helping you understand how various departments connect within a healthcare system.
8. CIAHEC Young Achievers Academy @ University of Indianapolis
Location: University of Indianapolis campus, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 2
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
The Young Achievers Academy, offered by Central Indiana Area Health Education Center, introduces students to a range of healthcare careers through interactive and applied learning. You will participate in simulations, case discussions, and workshops that reflect real healthcare scenarios. Sessions and panel discussions led by professionals will help you learn about the education pathways and responsibilities associated with different roles. Alongside career exploration, you will work on practical skills such as resume building, interview preparation, and professional communication. Projects and activities will often require you to connect healthcare topics to broader community issues, including public health challenges. You will also get to connect with peers during the program.
9. Saint Mary's College Healthcare Institute
Location: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $995; financial assistance is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 17 | July 19 – 24
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school girls entering grades 9 – 12
The Healthcare Institute is a week-long overnight program that immerses students in the health sciences through hands-on experience and real-world learning. You will work in Saint Mary's healthcare simulation lab, focusing on developing skills in health assessments and treatment, and gaining a realistic preview of the daily work of healthcare professionals. The program includes a tour of Memorial Hospital, where you can interact with practicing healthcare professionals, a visit from the MedFlight Emergency Transport team to learn about emergency medicine, and CPR certification training through the American Red Cross. Throughout the week, you will attend lectures and presentations led by Saint Mary's faculty and guest speakers covering various healthcare careers. You will also experience college life by living in campus dorms and eating in the dining hall. Upon completion, you will receive one hour of college credit from Saint Mary's College.
10. Marian University’s Healthcare Camp
Location: Marian University, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $100; financial assistance is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 5 (high school juniors and seniors) | June 15 – 19 (high school freshmen and sophomores)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The Healthcare Camp at Marian University is a week-long, hands-on experience designed to help you explore various careers in healthcare and medical fields through real-world activities. You will work in a medical simulation lab where you will practice actual clinical procedures, like splinting broken bones, and develop basic healthcare skills. The program includes lessons in sports performance science and medical research training, giving you insight into how laboratory research connects to patient care. You will be placed in small groups throughout the week to receive personalized instruction and guidance from current Marian University medical, nursing, and pre-health students who will serve as mentors. If you are a junior or senior in high school, you have the option to stay overnight Monday through Thursday for evening activities, games, and additional programming.
11. Summer Science Program
Location: Several locations nationwide, including Indiana University and Purdue University in Indiana
Cost: $11,800; full and partial discounts + need-based stipends available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; ~700 students attend in the last session.
Dates: Five weeks starting in mid/late June
Application deadline: International student deadline: January 29; domestic application deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are 15 – 18 years old and have finished the relevant coursework by the summer; international students can apply.
The Summer Science Program hosted at institutions like Indiana University and Purdue University immerses you in collaborative, college-level scientific research. Working in small teams, you will investigate complex research questions in fields such as biochemistry or genomics. You will engage with lab techniques, data analysis, and experimental design under the guidance of scientists and instructors. Lectures and discussions will complement your lab work, deepening your understanding of the underlying science. Living and working within a research-focused or university environment will give you insight into academic life. The research-focused medical program for high school students in Indiana culminates in a presentation of your findings.
12. CIAHEC Health Careers Enrichment Summer Program @ University of Indianapolis
Location: University of Indianapolis campus, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
The Health Careers Enrichment Program by the Central Indiana Area Health Education Center offers a broad introduction to multiple healthcare fields through hands-on activities and guided exploration. You will engage in lab simulations and demonstrations that show how scientific principles apply in clinical settings. Career panels expose you to professionals across areas such as nursing, therapy, and allied health. Sessions also cover academic preparation, helping you understand what different pathways require. You may also learn about kinesiology and dentistry. Activities are designed to help you compare options and identify what aligns with your interests.
13. CIAHEC Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Camp @ University of Indianapolis
Location: University of Indianapolis campus, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: June 1 – 5
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
This medical program for high school students in Indiana focuses specifically on rehabilitation sciences and patient-centered care. You will explore how physical and occupational therapists assess and support recovery through various activities and demonstrations. Simulations will help you understand treatment planning, mobility support, and patient interaction. Professionals will share insights into training requirements and day-to-day responsibilities within these fields. Discussions will often highlight how therapy contributes to long-term health outcomes and quality of life. The program also introduces you to the academic pathways needed to pursue these careers.
14. Discover SHHS Camp @ Indiana University
Location: Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 17
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, and students who have applied to the IU School of Health & Human Sciences or have been admitted to University College at IU Indianapolis
Discover SHHS is a three-day overnight camp where you will explore careers and majors within the School of Health & Human Sciences, including health sciences, exercise science, event management, sport management, tourism, hospitality, and physical education. You will stay in North Hall on campus and participate in hands-on activities, attend career exploration sessions, and take field trips around Indianapolis to see real-world applications of what you're learning. The program includes time to meet current college students, engage in team-building activities, and attend informational sessions about IU Indianapolis. The experience is designed for students interested in health careers like therapy or nutrition, sports management, hospitality, or coaching.
15. High School Health Care Academy @ Ivy Tech Community College
Location: Ivy Tech Community College, South Bend, IN
Cost: Free + $200 gift card incentive available upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 25 students
Dates: June 9 – July 31 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)
Application deadline: May 23
Eligibility: High school students from Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Marshall counties
This program lets you earn 4.5 college credit hours through three interconnected courses designed to introduce you to healthcare careers. The courses include Student Success: Health Sciences and Nursing, Customer Relations in Healthcare, and CPR/Basic Life Support certification. Throughout the program, you will participate in hands-on activities such as suturing practice, dental hygiene clinic visits, laboratory technology exploration, and simulation-based nursing discovery. The program also features career coaching workshops, a healthcare career panel with professionals from various fields, and a health careers fair. All credits you earn are transferable, meaning you can apply them toward a college degree if you later decide to attend Ivy Tech or another institution.
Frequently asked questions
1. What medical programs are available for high school students in Indiana?
Options include biomedical research programs, such as Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM and IU Future Scientist Program, hospital-based internships, such as Parkview Health internships and FutureREADY Program, AI in medicine programs, such as Veritas AI's AI and Medicine Deep Dive, clinical simulation and career exploration programs, such as Marian University Healthcare Camp, Saint Mary's Healthcare Institute, and CIAHEC camps, and independent research programs, such as Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
2. Are there free or paid medical programs for high school students in Indiana?
Yes, several programs are free or provide financial compensation. Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM offers up to $4,000 based on financial need, IU Simon Cancer Center Future Scientist Program is a paid placement, IU MMIA and Ivy Tech Health Care Academy are free, and the CIAHEC camps charge only $75. Saint Mary's Healthcare Institute and Marian University Healthcare Camp both offer financial assistance for eligible students.
3. Which Indiana medical programs are best for students interested in biomedical research?
Students interested in biomedical research might consider Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM for a full placement in an active research lab, IU Future Scientist Program for oncology-focused research at a cancer center, and Summer Science Program at IU or Purdue for team-based scientific investigation in biochemistry or genomics.
4. Are there medical programs in Indiana that offer college credit?
Yes, Saint Mary's Healthcare Institute awards one hour of college credit upon completion, and Ivy Tech Health Care Academy offers 4.5 transferable college credit hours across three interconnected courses. Discover SHHS at IU Indianapolis also connects students to the university's School of Health and Human Sciences for potential future enrollment.
5. Which Indiana medical programs are open to students outside the state?
Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world. Summer Science Program also accepts international and out-of-state students, and some Parkview Health internships offer remote or hybrid options depending on the placement.
6. When should I apply to medical programs for high school students in Indiana?
The earliest deadlines include Summer Science Program (February 19 for domestic students) and Indiana CTSI SEED/STEM (March 1). Ivy Tech Health Care Academy closes May 23. Many programs, such as Parkview Health internships, CIAHEC camps, and Young Achievers Academy, accept rolling applications, so students should monitor program websites from the fall and apply early to secure a spot.