15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you’re a high school student looking for a way to gain exposure to healthcare, nursing, or the medical research field, consider a medical program this summer. Summer programs are a great way to explore a field beyond the school curriculum and gain practical skills, learning from medical practitioners and researchers.
Florida is home to many organizations, health facilities, and universities that offer such learning opportunities at minimal or no cost, making them accessible to high schoolers. You can save on long-distance travel if you are a Florida resident by attending such local programs.
Here’s our list of 15 medical summer programs for high school students in Florida.
1. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at Miami’s School of Medicine
Location: Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: No fees; stipends available
Application deadline: January 31
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who can work in the U.S.
This eight-week program is designed for high school juniors from Miami and Broward counties with an interest in biological and computational sciences. As a participant, you will work at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics alongside researchers, postdocs, or faculty, engaging in active research projects. Your work will involve analyzing genetic data and using lab techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis. The program focuses on investigating genes associated with human diseases, allowing you to explore how genetic research helps professionals understand, diagnose, and manage health conditions.
2. Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple annual cohorts with varying dates
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with Python
The AI + Medicine track from Veritas AI introduces high school students to the applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare. During this program, you will study topics such as diagnostic tools powered by AI, analysis of medical images, and prediction models based on health data. You will also work with tools commonly used in the field to understand how these technologies are developed and applied in medical contexts. The track is designed to help you build both technical and healthcare-related knowledge, with a focus on how the two areas connect. To learn more about the program, you can check out the program brochure here and the application form.
3. FIU’s Summer Research Internship in Cardiovascular Health
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: None
Application deadline: TBA; check the website for updates
Dates: June 13 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 by the start of the program and hold an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
The Florida International University Summer Research Internship is an eight-week program for local high school and transfer students interested in cardiovascular health. At the start of the program, you will complete online safety training and be paired with a faculty mentor. Throughout the internship, you will learn how to measure and monitor cardiovascular functions such as blood pressure and heart rate, as well as how to collect and analyze related data. You will also explore scientific literature, review clinical information, and record your research process. You will attend weekly sessions that discuss case studies and journal articles related to heart health. The program concludes with the submission of a research abstract and a presentation of your work at a closing event.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program : Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; summer cohorts have May/June deadlines
Dates: June – August for the summer cohorts; sessions run from 12 weeks to a year based on the format you choose
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students usually have a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research opportunity designed for high school students interested in exploring academic topics in depth. As a participant, you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to develop an independent research project from start to finish. The program covers a wide range of subject areas, including medicine, neuroscience, health sciences, and life sciences. By the end, you will complete a research paper based on your chosen topic. This format provides a structured approach to developing research skills and exploring your academic interests, guided by an experienced professional in the field. You can find more details here.
5. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships @ the University of Florida Health
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480, paid on a biweekly basis
Application deadline: March 2
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors enrolled at Palm Beach or Martin County schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and 16 or older
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship is a nine-week biomedical research program. It begins with a one-week introduction to key techniques used in biomedical research. Throughout the program, you will engage in research activities related to fields such as biotechnology, drug development, and biomedical engineering. You will build practical lab skills by working on experimental design, data interpretation, and research planning. The program also includes weekly seminars and discussions with researchers, offering a closer look at different scientific careers. By the end of the internship, you will complete a research project, write an abstract, and share your results in a final presentation.
6. Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Weston, FL
Cost: None
Application deadline: March 30
Dates: June 16 – July 4 | July 2 – 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.6 or higher
The Summer Scholar Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida, offers a full-time opportunity for rising high school students interested in exploring the medical field. The program offers you exposure to healthcare operations through clinical rotations. You will observe medical professionals in different departments, such as Radiology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine. Through these observations, you will learn how healthcare is delivered in both hospital and outpatient settings. The experience is designed to help you better understand the range of roles in medicine and how different specialties function in a clinical environment.
7. Observer Program at Baptist Health
Location: Baptist Health South Florida facilities, FL
Cost: None
Application deadline: Rolling basis throughout the year
Dates: Not fixed/decided by the sponsoring clinician; positions can extend up to four weeks.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The Observer Program, offered by Baptist Health, allows high school students to learn about medical careers through shadowing experiences in a clinical setting. During the program, you will observe physicians and other healthcare staff while they engage in their daily responsibilities, which may include patient rounds, procedures, and educational meetings. The goal is to help you understand how various roles work together in a hospital and what routine clinical work involves. The observation period is set by your assigned clinician and can last for up to four weeks. This experience provides a practical glimpse into patient care and the day-to-day realities of working in healthcare.
8. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: None
Application deadline: Dec 31
Dates: June 3 – December 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Florida’s Duval County or St. Johns County who have a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program at Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus is meant for high school juniors and seniors interested in medicine or biomedical sciences. During the program, you will work in a research lab under the guidance of a mentor, gaining experience with lab tools, techniques, and procedures. Projects may involve areas such as molecular biology, neuroscience, cancer research, drug development, immunology, regenerative medicine, and the role of AI in healthcare. The program includes a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week over the summer and continued participation during the academic year.
9. High School Summer Internship Program @ FIU’s Center for Translational Science
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: None
Application deadline: April 8
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
The High School Summer Internship Program at Florida International University’s Center for Translational Science is a five-week opportunity for juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research and healthcare. As a participant, you will work in labs that study topics such as neuroscience, aging, drug discovery, and overall health. Your responsibilities will include running experiments, collecting data, and examining how laboratory work supports broader medical research goals. You will also prepare a scientific poster and present your project at the end of the program. Throughout the internship, you will engage with research staff and gain insight into different aspects of the field. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate, a letter from the Program Director, and documentation indicating you contributed more than 100 volunteer hours.
10. University of Florida’s Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: No tuition; a $20 application fee
Application deadline: March 17
Dates: June 8 – 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are Florida residents
The Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp is a one-week opportunity designed for high schoolers interested in healthcare and the field of pharmacy. During the camp, you will learn about the pharmacy profession through presentations, activities, group discussions, and skills labs. The program covers different pharmacy practice environments and explains the role pharmacists have in patient care and public health. You will work on a group project related to public health topics, guided by current pharmacy students and licensed pharmacists. The camp also offers insights into pharmacy school options, such as the UF Pharmacy Early Assurance Program, to help you consider your future educational and career plans in pharmacy or medicine.
11. Max Planck Florida Institute of Neuroscience High School Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No fees; stipend of $13/hour
Dates: Six weeks in the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: March 4
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program and enrolled in Palm Beach or Martin County high schools
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience offers six-week internships to high school juniors and seniors interested in medicine and neuroscience. During the program, you will study the brain’s structure, function, and development, and undergo training in imaging methods used in neuroscience research. You can choose one of three focus areas: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate with researchers on ongoing projects, gain lab experience, and learn how research contributes to medical science. The program concludes with writing a scientific abstract and presenting your work in a brief presentation.
12. Mayo Clinic Pathways into Healthcare Careers Program
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Cost: None; financial support for transportation available
Application deadline: May 15
Dates: July 10 – 12
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences’ Pathways into Healthcare Careers (PiHC) program is a three-day event designed for high schoolers interested in healthcare careers beyond just medical practice. During the program, you will participate in simulation exercises, attend panel discussions, and take tours to learn about more than 20 different healthcare roles, such as nurse anesthetist, pharmacist, and surgical technologist. The program also covers various educational opportunities, including certificates and fellowships, and offers information to help you with career planning and professional development.
13. FIU Junior Doctors of Tomorrow Summer Program
Location: FIU Modesto Maidique Campus, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: None
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – 27
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The FIU Junior Doctors of Tomorrow (JDOT) Summer Program is a one-week course designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. During the program, you will take part in clinical workshops and interactive sessions focused on key skills and concepts used in healthcare. Through this experience, you’ll learn about different areas of medical practice and gain insights into what a career in healthcare involves. The program limits enrollment to 30 students per session, allowing for more focused instruction and interaction.
14. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipends offered in the past
Application deadline: TBA
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th-grade high school students, ages 15–18, enrolled in a Miami-Dade County Public School
The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Summer Youth Internship Program provides a five-week opportunity to gain practical experience in a medical environment. You will spend about 30 hours per week working alongside mentors and supervisors, learning how to apply medical knowledge in everyday situations. During the program, you will assist with patient care, observe clinical procedures, and contribute to health-related projects. You will get to improve your communication skills through interactions with healthcare staff and patients, while also developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
15. FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: $1,650; limited need-based scholarships available for eligible Florida residents
Application deadline: January 15
Dates: Session 1: June 8 – 13 | Session 2: June 22 – 27 | Session 3: July 13 – 18
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year and hold a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3
The FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute is a one-week residential program for high school students interested in a medical career. The program introduces you to different clinical environments and provides information about financial aid and pre-health advising. You will get a sense of college life as a medical student and engage with faculty through presentations on various medical topics. During the program, you will have the chance to shadow physicians and biomedical researchers, participate in rural medicine tours, and attend workshops on subjects like vital signs, CPR, medical ethics, and the college application process. You will also have access to an anatomy lab tour and recreational activities, and engage in a group research project related to health. Participation is limited to 20 high schoolers per session, allowing for more focused learning.