15 Medical Programs for High School Students in Kentucky
Medical programs can be an excellent way to explore healthcare careers while gaining exposure to medical concepts, professional environments, and learning experiences. Through research projects, clinical simulations, laboratory activities, mentorship opportunities, and interactions with healthcare professionals, you can deepen your understanding of medicine and related fields before college. Many medical programs also help you build practical skills in communication, problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and teamwork while connecting you with peers who share similar interests.
Why should you attend a Medical program in Kentucky?
Kentucky is home to various universities, medical schools, hospitals, and healthcare organizations that offer a variety of medical programs for high school students. Depending on the program, you may participate in laboratory research, healthcare career exploration, physician shadowing experiences, patient-care simulations, anatomy workshops, public health projects, or mentorship opportunities with medical professionals and researchers. Some programs focus on introducing students to healthcare careers, while others provide more specialized experiences in medicine, nursing, biomedical sciences, or health research. These opportunities can be particularly valuable if you live or study in Kentucky and want to explore local academic and healthcare institutions, though many programs also welcome students from outside the state.
To help you navigate the available options, we narrowed our list to 15 medical programs for high school students in Kentucky.
If you’re looking for internships in Kentucky, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span laboratory research, clinical shadowing, hospital volunteering, and oncology-focused pathways, with several paid options, including the Summer Research Training Fellowship ($2,500) and the Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology ($500).
Multi-year and academic-year programs, such as the UK Careers in Healthcare Internship Program, the Norton Healthcare High School Academy, and the Central High Pre-Med Magnet Program, offer sustained exposure to healthcare careers beyond a single summer.
Several programs specifically target underserved populations or specific regions, including ACTION (Appalachian Kentucky students) and PAVE (Northeast Kentucky region), while others, such as Bluegrass Healthcare Success Academies and Future Healthcare Professionals, are free, with meals or materials included.
Application deadlines range from October to December (PAVE) to as late as May (ACTION Program), with several programs, such as Baptist Health Louisville and Norton Healthcare Academy, not specifying fixed deadlines.
1. Summer Research Training Fellowship
Location: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
Stipend: $2,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~6 students; highly selective
Dates: June 16 – August 8 (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Students having taken advanced classes in biology and chemistry, aged 16+ by June 15
The Summer Research Training Fellowship allows you to work in a research laboratory within the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. During the 8-week program, you will work 20–25 hours per week under the supervision of a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or research scientist. You will read assigned background materials, learn experimental techniques, and contribute to research connected to the lab’s scientific focus. As you build experience, you may be able to conduct some independent experiments by the end of the fellowship. The program also requires you to give a short oral presentation about your research to members of the department.
2. Veritas AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8–12; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine program introduces you to how artificial intelligence is being used in medicine and the healthcare industry. Over 10 weeks, you will study topics such as medical data preparation, exploratory data analysis, convolutional neural networks, image segmentation, regularization, transfer learning, and clinical evaluation. The program is conducted entirely online and includes 25 hours of instruction through weekend lectures and small-group mentor sessions. You will also complete a group project with 3–4 other students, giving you a chance to apply AI concepts to a healthcare-related problem. The 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio provides a more structured setting for feedback and project guidance.
3. Future Healthcare Professionals
Location: Various locations in Kentucky
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13 – 23 for the summer cohort; varies by program site.
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students interested in healthcare careers
Future Healthcare Professionals is a free South Central Kentucky AHEC program that introduces you to healthcare careers through anatomy, physiology, hands-on activities, service projects, guest speakers, and field trips. Depending on the site, you may meet in the evening, during a school break day camp, or through a school-based club or health science class. Past activities have included CPR and first-aid certification, suturing lessons, medical-forensics cases, intubation practice, and measuring vital signs. You may also visit healthcare facilities or cadaver labs, giving you exposure to medical environments beyond the classroom. South Central Kentucky AHEC provides the materials you need, and in some cases, you may be able to keep supplies to continue practicing skills after the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Depends on the program; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current high school students demonstrating a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs you with a PhD mentor to complete an independent research project in a subject area of your choice. If you are interested in medicine or healthcare, you can pursue research topics connected to biology, neuroscience, psychology, public health, chemistry, data science, or other related fields. Over the course of the program, you will develop a research question, review existing academic literature, work 1:1 with your mentor, and write an independent research paper. The program is remote, so you can participate from Kentucky or anywhere else while still receiving structured research guidance. Depending on your topic, your final paper may allow you to explore questions related to disease, health systems, medical ethics, biomedical science, or mental health.
5. Pathways by AHECs using VR Education (PAVE)
Location: Northeast Kentucky AHEC 17-county service region
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January – August
Application Deadline: October 15 – December 1
Eligibility: High school or undergraduate students in Northeast Kentucky with a minimum 3.0 GPA, interested in pursuing a healthcare career
PAVE, or Pathways by AHECs using VR Education, is a healthcare career exploration program that uses virtual reality to help you learn and practice hands-on healthcare skills. Throughout the cohort, you will attend informational webinars, workforce training sessions, and in-person monthly meetings while exploring different healthcare pathways. The program also includes a one-week hands-on work experience, giving you exposure to healthcare environments beyond VR-based training. The program is designed for students in Northeast Kentucky who are interested in healthcare careers and want a structured mix of virtual learning, in-person meetings, and applied experience.
6. Bluegrass Summer Healthcare Success Academies
Location: Bluegrass Community and Technical College campuses in Leestown/Lexington, Winchester, and Lawrenceburg, KY
Cost/Stipend: None; breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 4 – 5 Healthcare Careers Exploration Camp; June 8 – 12 Healthcare Skill-Building Camp
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Incoming high school freshmen and sophomores are eligible for the Healthcare Careers Exploration Camp; incoming juniors and seniors are eligible for the Healthcare Skill-Building Camp.
The Summer Healthcare Success Academies at Bluegrass Community and Technical College allow you to explore various healthcare careers depending on your academic level. If you are an incoming freshman or sophomore, the Healthcare Careers Exploration Camp helps you learn about different healthcare career pathways through lectures, group activities, interactive experiences, and hands-on simulation labs. If you are an incoming junior or senior, the Healthcare Skill-Building Camp focuses on skills that can support your first-year success in a healthcare program. In the skill-building camp, you will participate in science and simulation lab activities, an introductory college-level lecture, and sessions on managing reading loads, organization, note-taking, and test preparation. Both camps are free, and you will receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Applications are accepted until campuses reach capacity, so apply as early as possible.
7. Medical Observation Opportunity Network (M.O.O.N.) Program
Location: Various locations
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: March 2 – April 3
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ by July 13
The Medical Observation Opportunity Network, or M.O.O.N. Program, gives high school students exposure to physician and Advanced Practice Provider career pathways through clinical observation and related learning activities. During the week-long program, you may observe practitioners in office settings, inpatient and outpatient areas, and operating room environments. The program also includes hands-on activities such as simulation and skills lab experiences, as well as discussions of educational requirements and healthcare career pathways. You will participate in multiple shadowing rounds with physicians and collaborating Advanced Practice Providers, giving you valuable insights into different medical roles. You will also interact with healthcare providers in Q&A sessions. You may need to travel between different campuses and locations during the day.
8. Baptist Health Louisville Student Volunteer Program
Location: Baptist Health Louisville and other Baptist Health Louisville facilities, Louisville, KY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 7-8 weeks in fall, spring, or summer sessions
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Junior student volunteers must be at least 14 years old and enrolled in high school or be recent graduates. Students must commit to volunteering for at least six weeks of the session.
The Baptist Health Louisville Student Volunteer Program gives you an opportunity to gain exposure to healthcare settings through hospital-based service. As a student volunteer, you may help in nursing units, clinical and service areas, the on-site daycare, and other hospital departments. The program is designed for students considering healthcare careers who want to learn more about hospital environments through volunteer work. After you submit an online application, you will be contacted about eligibility, onboarding steps, interviews, and orientation dates. You should be prepared to provide health documentation, signed onboarding paperwork, vaccination records, and other required forms during the application and interview process. Baptist Health Louisville has one of the largest volunteer programs in the state, so your placement may depend on the number of available positions in each seasonal session.
9. St. Elizabeth High School Service Internships
Location: Varies by internship track
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: High school seniors are eligible, though students apply as juniors. Students must participate through a school program that grants academic course credit for successful completion of the internship.
The High School Service Internship Program gives you an opportunity to explore how different departments within a healthcare organization contribute to the patient experience. Through a combination of observation and service tasks, you will learn about both clinical and non-clinical areas while gaining exposure to working professionals and healthcare work environments. The program can help you better understand organizational decision-making, workplace expectations, and the skills you may need for a future career in healthcare. You will apply to one of four internship tracks, allowing you to focus on a specific area of interest within the broader healthcare setting. You must complete at least 1.5 hours of internship time per day or 7.5 hours per week, and this time must overlap with school hours.
10. Norton Healthcare High School Academy
Location: Norton Healthcare facilities
Stipend: Stipend provided; amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall and spring semesters of senior year
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications must be submitted during the spring semester of junior year
Eligibility: High school seniors aged 17+ who turn 18 by July 1
The Norton Healthcare High School Academy is designed for high school students interested in pursuing healthcare careers. During your senior year, you will work 12 hours per week as a paid intern alongside an experienced Norton Healthcare employee. Depending on your assigned role, you may work in settings such as medical/surgical units, progressive care units, inpatient labs, primary care offices, Norton Immediate Care Centers, respiratory therapy departments, diagnostic imaging areas, or hospital pharmacy locations. The program also gives you access to symposia, career coaching resources, job shadowing opportunities, and career exploration activities. Before starting, you must complete Norton Healthcare onboarding and pre-employment requirements, including health documentation, drug screening, and a background check. This program can provide you with structured workplace exposure across several healthcare career paths as you complete your senior year of high school.
11. Careers in Healthcare Internship Program
Location: University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August – May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from partner schools
The University of Kentucky Careers in Healthcare Internship Program is a year-long opportunity that introduces you to different careers across medicine and healthcare. Through structured rotations at UK HealthCare, you will explore fields such as nursing, medicine, radiology, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health professions. You will also attend educational sessions led by faculty members and advanced practice providers, giving you a closer look at patient care, teamwork, and interprofessional collaboration. The program emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, professionalism, and compassion in healthcare settings. A key feature of UK CHIP is its direct connection to UK HealthCare and the UK College of Medicine, allowing you to learn from healthcare professionals in an academic medical center environment. From August through May, you will reflect on your experiences through presentations and guided mentorship.
12. Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program
Location: University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY; open to eligible students from Appalachian Kentucky
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Monthly Saturday sessions during the academic year; summer residential program dates vary
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: You must be a native of one of the 54 Appalachian Kentucky counties and be enrolled in an Appalachian Kentucky high school as a rising freshman, sophomore, or junior. You must also be a member of an underserved group in the research workforce.
The Appalachian Career Training in Oncology, or ACTION, Program gives you the opportunity to explore cancer-related biomedical careers through research, clinical, outreach, and education experiences. The program is designed for students in Appalachian Kentucky and focuses on expanding access to cancer research and healthcare career pathways. During the program, you may participate in monthly Saturday sessions, summer residential programming, and activities connected to cancer research, clinical practice, and community outreach. You will gain exposure to the work of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center while learning more about the academic and professional pathways connected to oncology.
13. UK HealthCare Teen Volunteer Program
Location: UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer program; specific dates not specified
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18
The UK HealthCare Summer Teen Volunteer Program involves you in supporting patients, families, and staff in a healthcare environment. As a volunteer, you can help improve the patient and family experience while learning more about healthcare professions and hospital operations. The program is designed for teens who want to give back to the community and gain early exposure to a healthcare setting. You are asked to commit at least two hours per week, and the volunteer office works with participants to create a schedule that fits their availability. While the role is unpaid, volunteers may receive benefits such as recognition events, group outings, free LexTran fare with a UK volunteer ID badge, and meal discounts at cafeterias and cafes.
14. Central High Pre-Med Magnet Program
Location: Central High School, Louisville, KY; clinical experiences through UofL Health and UofL Hospital
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Academic year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students selected through Central High School’s Magnet Career Academy applications
The Central High School Pre-Medical Magnet Program provides an immersive introduction to medicine through classroom learning, mentorship, and clinical exposure. Through the program, you may shadow UofL Health doctors during rounds at UofL Hospital, observe surgeries in operating rooms, and practice basic medical skills such as suturing. The program also offers educational opportunities, college credit, mentorship, and scholarship support through partnerships with UofL Health, the UofL School of Medicine, Falls City Medical Society, and Jefferson County Public Schools. A key feature of this program is its direct pre-medical pipeline structure for students interested in pursuing medicine before college. Since admission is competitive, you should be prepared for an application process that considers academic performance, essays, and recommendations.
15. Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Current Kentucky high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology Program introduces Kentucky high school students to a wide range of careers and leadership opportunities in cancer research, healthcare, and oncology. During the two-week virtual program, you will participate in presentations, activities, and discussions led by experts across cancer care, research, and professional development. Students also collaborate on research projects and group activities with peers from partner institutions across the country, including the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania. A distinctive feature of the program is its mentorship from prominent women working in oncology and related fields. You will receive laboratory kits for hands-on experiments and research activities, as well as a $500 stipend upon completing the program.
Frequently asked questions
1. What medical programs are available for high school students in Kentucky?
Options include laboratory research programs, such as Summer Research Training Fellowship and ACTION Program; clinical shadowing and observation programs, such as M.O.O.N. Program and Central High Pre-Med Magnet Program; hospital volunteer programs, such as Baptist Health Louisville and UK HealthCare Teen Volunteer Program; and virtual programs, such as Veritas AI + Medicine and Lumiere.
2. Are there paid medical programs for high school students in Kentucky?
Yes, several programs offer stipends, including the Summer Research Training Fellowship ($2,500), the Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology ($500), the Norton Healthcare High School Academy, and PAVE. Others, such as Bluegrass Healthcare Success Academies and Future Healthcare Professionals, are free and provide meals or materials.
3. Which Kentucky medical programs are best for students interested in cancer research or oncology?
Students interested in oncology might consider the ACTION Program for cancer research pathways specific to Appalachian Kentucky students, the Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology Program for a virtual introduction to oncology careers, and the Summer Research Training Fellowship for hands-on lab research at the UK College of Medicine.
4. When should I apply to medical programs for high school students in Kentucky?
The earliest deadlines for PAVE fall between October and December, followed by the Summer Research Training Fellowship (April 5) and the ACTION Program (May 1). Several programs, such as Baptist Health Louisville, Norton Healthcare Academy, and UK Careers in Healthcare Internship Program, do not list fixed deadlines.