15 Medical Programs for High School Students in Texas
Exploring medicine in high school can be a great way for you to build critical thinking, learn about healthcare careers, and figure out if the field is the right fit for you. Medical programs provide opportunities for you to gain practical experience, exposure to research, and direct interaction with healthcare professionals. These opportunities also give you the chance to build your resume, meet other motivated students, and gain insight into how the medical field works in real life. Whether you’re interested in clinical work, public health, or medical technology, there are several ways to get involved early.
Texas offers unique access to top medical schools, research institutions, and hospitals across cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. From local clinics to nationally ranked universities, the state is home to a wide range of programs designed to support high school students exploring careers in healthcare. These programs are often built around mentorship, skill development, and community impact, especially in areas where the need for healthcare professionals is particularly high. Whether you’re from in-state or out-of-state, you can find valuable learning experiences here and have the chance to explore medicine broadly or concentrate on a particular area such as research, surgery, or public health.
We’ve curated a list of 15 medical programs for high school students in Texas that offer you a meaningful introduction to the field.
1. Houston Methodist Hospital: High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be at least 16 years old); Minimum 3.5 GPA required
This intensive research internship at Houston Methodist Hospital is designed to give you hands-on exposure to biomedical research in an academic medical center. As a participant, you’ll work full-time over eight weeks, paired with a mentor who will guide you through a translational research project. You’ll participate alongside undergraduate students and be trained in lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. In addition to lab work, the program includes seminars, professional development workshops, and social events, culminating in a research symposium where you will present your work to peers and faculty.
2. Veritas AI's AI + Medicine: Deep Dive Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts a year; 10-week sessions; weekend meetings
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 with prior coding experience or completion of the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, you will learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. You’ll get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
3. Baylor College of Medicine DocPrep Program
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Cohort Size: 60 students selected from affiliated schools
Dates: One week in June (exact dates vary by year)
Application Deadline: Opens in March; varies by school
Eligibility: Rising seniors from partner high schools in South Texas; School nomination required
DocPrep is a one-week summer enrichment program hosted by Baylor College of Medicine for rising high school seniors from select South Texas schools. The program includes lectures from Baylor faculty, simulation lab experiences, and college and medical school preparation workshops. You will also take a communication course taught by graduate students from Rice University, helping you build skills relevant to healthcare professions. A unique feature of the program is its mentorship structure; Baylor medical students serve as guides throughout the week, attending all sessions alongside participants. The program is held in the Texas Medical Center and is designed to expose you to both the academic and practical sides of medical careers.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Medical Track
Location: Virtual, hosted by Lumiere Education
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 12-week program; Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3+
The Medical Track of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective, virtual research opportunity that pairs you with a PhD mentor to conduct original research in the medical field. Over 12 weeks, you’ll meet one-on-one with your mentor to develop a research question, review academic literature, and write a full-length paper on a topic of your choosing. The program includes nine mentoring sessions, access to writing workshops, and a final presentation at the Lumiere Research Symposium. You might be eligible to earn three college credits through UC San Diego Extended Studies. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. UTMB Medical Laboratory Science Summer Immersion Program
Location: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 32 students
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: January 2 – March 6
Eligibility: High school and early college students; Requires a transcript and 1 letter of recommendation
The UTMB Medical Laboratory Science Summer Immersion Program gives you direct exposure to the laboratory sciences. Over one immersive week, you'll take part in lab safety training, operate scientific tools like microscopes and centrifuges, and perform real diagnostic procedures in microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and more. During the program, you’ll join workshops led by UTMB faculty and professionals, tour real labs, and attend lunchtime presentations focused on careers in medical lab science. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of how science works behind the scenes in hospitals and research centers.
6. UT Southwestern Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP)
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: January 10 – 24 (meets on Saturdays only)
Application Deadline: October 13 – November 9
Eligibility: 10th-12th grade students with an interest in medicine or science
If you’re a high school student curious about a future in medicine or science, HPREP at UT Southwestern offers an excellent opportunity to explore these fields through interactive workshops and mentorship. Over the course of three Saturdays, you’ll learn from medical students and professionals in a hands-on environment. You’ll get to participate in activities like CPR training, cow eye dissections, suturing, and more, which are all designed to give you a real feel for what healthcare careers involve. You’ll also be paired with a mentor from one of UT Southwestern’s graduate or medical programs who can help guide your academic journey. The program includes a college fair and professional development panels, giving you access to admissions insight and career advice. With a strong emphasis on diversity and representation, HPREP is a great way to build connections, confidence, and clarity about your next steps.
7. Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Health Sciences Summer Camp
Location: Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, Temple, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – 20 or July 14 – 18 (orientation held on the Friday before each session)
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th grade students enrolled in a high school health sciences curriculum; Requires an essay and two recommendation letters
If you're currently enrolled in a health sciences curriculum at your high school and interested in pediatric healthcare, this five-day summer camp offers a unique behind-the-scenes experience. You'll get to explore hospital departments like the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Radiology, Oncology, and Physical Therapy while shadowing healthcare professionals in real clinical settings. This is your chance to see how pediatric care is delivered from the inside out and learn directly from experienced staff. You'll also participate in orientation, hear from medical experts, and connect with students who share your interest in healthcare.
8. UT Health Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; ~3 nominees per school
Dates: June 15 – August 1 (Year 1 summer program; Years 2-3 include summer research and academic year activities)
Application Deadline: School nominations: January 28; Full application: March 6
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (15+); Academic requirements include a 90+ average (or 85+ in AP/Dual Credit) in Math, Science, and English
The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy gives you the chance to engage in real research over three years. Starting the summer after your freshman year, you'll work alongside researchers at UT Health San Antonio in a hands-on lab setting. In your first year, you'll take part in a seven-week immersive summer program that includes mentorship, lab work, and research-focused activities. In the following two years, you'll continue research under the guidance of your assigned faculty mentor. You'll also participate in academic-year enrichment events and present your research at both school and Academy-sponsored events.
9. Baylor University Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Scholars (AIMS)
Location: Baylor University, Waco, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Varies by research team and academic year
Application Deadline: Opens in the spring
Eligibility: High school or early college students interested in pre-health or biomedical research
If you're interested in how artificial intelligence is changing the future of healthcare, the AIMS program at Baylor University offers a unique opportunity to explore this intersection firsthand. As an AIMS scholar, you’ll work on a research team investigating real-world clinical applications of AI—like studying how tools such as DAX Copilot impact physician workflows, healthcare outcomes, or communication with patients, including those from Spanish-speaking communities. You’ll develop a research question with your team, submit for IRB approval, and engage in structured research over the course of the program. Each team is led by a student leader, and you'll gain practical skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and ethical research practices. This program also emphasizes collaboration and mentorship, providing a strong foundation in both medicine and research innovation.
10. The BEAT Academy at UT Health San Antonio
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $1,000 total ($50 application fee + $950 program fee)
Cohort Size: Limited to 20 students
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: June 20 (or until filled)
Eligibility: High school students; Requires a transcript, essay, and letter of recommendation
If you’re looking for a weeklong program that blends hands-on science with real clinical exposure, the BEAT Academy might be a strong fit. Hosted at UT Health San Antonio, this program gives you the chance to explore medical and biomedical research through lab experiments, anatomy sessions, and interactions with both real and simulated patients. You’ll hear directly from faculty and researchers about topics like aging, neurodegeneration, molecular biology, and more—all while working on activities designed to help you explore future careers in health and science. The experience also includes a college prep session, plus a farewell event and certificate upon completion.
11. Dell Medical School Health Sciences Summer Camp (UT Austin)
Location: Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: $500 for day camp; GEAR UP residential camp is free (includes housing and meals); Tuition waived for students on free/reduced lunch
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 15 students
Dates: June Camp: June 16 – 20; GEAR UP Residential Camp: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11; priority for first-generation college students and those from partnering Central Texas school districts
At this camp, you’ll get hands-on experience with clinical skills in the same simulation labs used by medical and nursing students at UT Austin. You’ll learn how to take vital signs, administer IVs, draw blood, and perform basic procedures such as CPR and AED use. In addition to medical training, you'll explore how technology is used in modern healthcare and hear directly from professionals across different areas of medicine. You’ll also spend time on campus at UT Austin, with access to spaces like the Texas Union and Gregory Gym. If you’re selected, you’ll have the chance to stay engaged throughout the year by joining Dell Med’s Health Sciences Yearlong Academy.
12. UT Austin High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $4,000; Scholarships available for students with financial need
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (rising juniors or seniors preferred) in Texas; Must be 15+ by June 1
At the UT Austin High School Research Academy, you’ll step into the world of university-level science by spending five weeks conducting hands-on research in active labs across the College of Natural Sciences. This non-residential program gives you the chance to explore fields like neuroscience, genetics, ecology, data analytics, and more, all while collaborating with faculty, undergrads, and other high school students. You’ll attend weekly seminars, learn new lab techniques, and wrap up your experience by presenting a research poster at the program’s closing symposium. As part of the program, you’ll also earn UT Extension credit through an NSC309 course, which includes a series of graded reflections and readings.
13. Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program at UTRGV
Location: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Rio Grande Valley, TX
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; Scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Undergraduate entry in August; program continues through graduation and medical school entry
Application Deadline: October 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a 3.8 GPA, top 5% class rank, and 90th percentile SAT/ACT scores; Must reside in one of 13 South Texas counties
If you’re a high-achieving high school student from South Texas who’s serious about becoming a doctor, the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program offers a unique path. Through this program, you’ll start your undergraduate studies at UTRGV with conditional acceptance into the UTRGV School of Medicine, giving you a clear roadmap to medical school. You'll have opportunities to build relationships with faculty, receive mentorship, and explore your interest in medicine from the beginning of your college experience. As a participant, you’ll join the Honors College and gain access to pre-med resources, academic advising, and networking events. You’ll also complete a rigorous application process that includes essays, interviews, and recommendation letters. This program is designed to support your long-term goals while keeping you rooted in the communities that need you most.
14. UT Tyler Pathways SUPERNet Summer Medical Scholars Academy
Location: University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX
Cost: $400
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 5
Application Deadline: January 3 – February 7
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th-11th grade; Homeschool students
If you're curious about a future in healthcare or public service, the Pathways SUPERNet Summer Medical Scholars Academy at UT Tyler offers a week-long overnight experience where you can explore a wide range of careers in the medical field. You'll take part in hospital tours, visit simulation labs, observe medical procedures, and even engage in shadowing opportunities with professionals. This immersive environment is designed to help you discover where your interests lie in the broader world of health sciences. The program also includes field trips and interactive sessions that allow you to connect with peers and mentors who share your interests.
15. McGovern Medical School High School Summer Research Program
Location: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Cost: $3,800
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+); Strong interest in biomedical science or medicine; Transcript and two letters of recommendation required
This four-week summer research program at McGovern Medical School gives you the chance to dive into the world of biomedical research. You'll be placed in a real lab at UTHealth Houston, where you'll work alongside faculty, medical students, and professionals on hands-on research projects. Your experience will include learning key lab techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology, attending weekly didactic sessions, and participating in student-led seminars and professional development workshops. You’ll also gain insight into career paths in medicine and science, with opportunities to connect with experienced researchers and mentors.
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