13 Hospital Internships for High School Students in California
- Stephen Turban
- 18 minutes ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a high school student in California who wants to learn more about medicine or healthcare, local hospital internships can be a great place to start.Â
What are hospital internships? What will I do as a high school intern?
These programs let you see how hospitals and clinics work on a daily basis. You might observe doctors during their rounds, assist in labs, or take part in public health or research projects. It’s a chance to see what healthcare looks like beyond what you read in school.
Why should I do a hospital internship in California?
California is also an ideal place for an internship in healthcare. The state has some of the best hospitals and medical centers in the country, such as UCLA Health, Stanford Medicine, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, and Cedars Sinai. Many of these institutions run programs that welcome motivated high school students who are curious about the medical field.
Doing a hospital internship helps you understand what working in healthcare really involves. You’ll see how teams of doctors, nurses, and researchers work together, and you’ll start to get a sense of which areas interest you most. Whether it’s patient care, biomedical science, or health policy, these experiences can guide your future studies and career goals.
Below are 13 hospital internships in California that offer meaningful ways to learn, explore, and grow in the world of healthcare.
Location:Â City of Hope National Medical Centre, Duarte, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â $4,500
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline:Â March 12
Eligibility:Â U.S. Students who are at least 16 years old and have completed courses in chemistry and biology
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope offers a research internship for high school students interested in medicine. Participants have the chance to work with doctors and scientists on actual biomedical research projects. As integral members of a research team, students learn to conduct experiments, analyze scientific data, and enhance their understanding of key science topics. Each week, you will also attend special classes designed to help them develop professional research skills, including how to design scientific posters, write about research, and present their findings clearly and confidently. Beyond laboratory work and classroom learning, the program includes informative trips and social activities.
Location:Â Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost:Â None
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline:Â March 17
Eligibility:Â Open to low-income, first-generation high school juniors from Northern California
The five-week summer experience at Stanford is ideal for high school students interested in the medical field and the various paths within healthcare. You will engage in hands-on lab work, shadow medical professionals, interact with patients, and participate in department activities at Stanford hospitals. The program also features both formal and informal discussions with doctors and healthcare staff, offering a closer look at medical careers. You will also take part in weekly lectures on public health and research methods, which will help you complete a final research project.
Location:Â UCLA Health hospitals in Los Angeles, CA
Cost:Â None
Dates:Â Orientation dates usually take place in the second week of June, and the participants must complete 50 volunteer hours by August 31
Application Deadline:Â Applications typically open in January
Eligibility:Â High school students 16+ in the L.A. area, not restricted to Northern California
The UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program gives high school students a chance to learn about healthcare by volunteering in UCLA hospitals. You will assist hospital staff and patients by performing essential tasks, such as guiding visitors, delivering supplies and mail, assisting with patient transport, and supporting various hospital departments. This hands-on experience allows you to interact with patients, families, doctors, and nurses, providing insight into what it’s like to work in a hospital setting.
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost:Â None
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline:Â February 10
Eligibility: Rising or current high schoolers aged 15 – 17Â
The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) High School Volunteer Program offers an opportunity for high school students interested in healthcare to gain firsthand experience in a pediatric hospital setting. Through this program, you will be placed in various non-clinical roles across CHLA, where you will contribute by escorting patients, greeting and assisting families, and supporting administrative tasks in patient-facing areas. You will have the chance to engage with a diverse group of patients, hone your communication and organizational skills, and contribute to improving the hospital experience for families.
Location:Â University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â No cost; interns earn $3,200 for part-time or $4,500 for full-time work post-internship
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline:Â March 2
Eligibility:Â Current high school juniors attending an SFUSD or San Francisco charter school
The UCSF SEP High School Intern Program is an eight-week paid summer initiative giving high school students practical experience in biomedical science. Participants collaborate with UCSF researchers on real projects in fields like neuroscience, cancer biology, and immunology. In addition to laboratory work, the program includes college preparation activities such as resume workshops, campus tours, and mentorship from scientists and staff. It provides a supportive learning environment where students can grow their science and career skills, with a special focus on giving opportunities to students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost: Cost varies by program format
Dates: Session 1 (In-person): July 14 – 25, Session 2 (Virtual): July 28 – August 8, Fall Intensive (Virtual): September 10 – November 12
Application Deadline:Â Typically in spring
Eligibility:Â Open to rising high school juniors (age 16+) and seniors
The two-week program is tailored for high school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or healthcare. Participants will practice skills such as measuring blood pressure, checking vital signs, suturing, administering fake injections, and dissecting organs. Additionally, students will collaborate in small groups to solve medical cases, mimicking the diagnostic and treatment processes of real doctors. Although not hospital-based, the internships provide practical skills and real-world experience through work with Stanford faculty and researchers, preparing students for future careers in healthcare and science. The program is taught by Stanford doctors, medical students, and other healthcare professionals who will guide and support you throughout the program.
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/ Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend available for students with demonstrated financial need
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline:Â April 2
Eligibility:Â Rising high school juniors and seniors living in the Bay Area who are at least 16 years old with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a six-week summer program for high school juniors and seniors from Northern California who have had little to no prior experience with medical or laboratory research. Throughout the program, you'll collaborate closely with Stanford faculty and lab teams, dedicating roughly 23 hours per week to hands-on research projects. Additionally, you'll participate in weekly workshops covering topics such as research methods, careers in healthcare and medicine, leadership development, and strategies for building a competitive college application.Â
Location:Â Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â Free
Dates: June 15 – August 6
Application Deadline:Â November 30
Eligibility:Â High school students who are at least 16 years old
The Stanford STaRS (Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery) Internship Program is an 8-week summer program designed for high school students interested in exploring medical research in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device development. It provides hands-on laboratory experience, allowing students to develop skills in imaging, histology, and genotyping under the guidance of Stanford faculty and mentors. In addition to lab work, students will participate in workshops, lectures, and special events that introduce them to careers in science and medicine. The program also offers students the opportunity to present their own projects at the end.
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Los Angeles, CA
Cost:Â Free; paid Internship with a MetroCard and cafeteria meals included
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline:Â February 7
Eligibility:Â Current high school junior in Los Angeles County
The Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP) is a seven-week summer internship research program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors from Latino and African American backgrounds. Hosted at the CHLA Saban Research Institute, the program provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on biomedical research under the guidance of professional scientists and faculty mentors. You will work on real-world research projects in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, diabetes, and regenerative medicine. Beyond the lab, LA-HIP provides comprehensive college preparation support, including SAT preparation, one-on-one college counseling, and assistance with the application process.
Location: UCSF Fresno + research sites in the San Joaquin Valley
Cost: Free
Dates: 6 – 7 weeks (mid‑June to early August)
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: High school juniors (16+) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; Residents of Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, Tulare, or Mariposa counties
The UCSF Fresno Summer Biomedical Internship (SBI) Program is a 6- to 7-week summer opportunity for high school students interested in medicine. Participants will collaborate with UCSF scientists and mentors on research projects centered around human health, gaining practical experience with laboratory tools, data collection, and analysis. Outside the lab, you will participate in engaging activities, such as touring hospitals, observing surgeries, and visiting UCSF’s main campus in San Francisco.
Location:Â Hybrid (Virtual + in person at a research lab in Stanford, CA)
Cost/Stipend:Â FreeÂ
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline:Â February 28
Eligibility:Â High school students who are 16+, live in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties, hold a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA, and have prior exposure to biology, chemistry, or programming
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) gives high school students a chance to immerse themselves in biomedical science and genomics. Over 8 weeks, you will work in Stanford research labs on real projects that focus on topics like DNA sequencing, genetic variation, and computational biology. You will acquire practical skills such as pipetting, DNA extraction, utilizing computational tools for analyzing genetic data, and interpreting scientific research papers. Alongside your lab work, you will participate in weekly seminars where Stanford scientists present cutting-edge research, attend career panels, and engage in skill-building workshops covering scientific writing, data presentation, and research ethics.Â
Location: Over 36 Kaiser Permanente sites throughout Northern and Southern California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (interns earn at least the local minimum wage)
Dates:Â 6-10 weeks in the summer, starting from June 30
Application Deadline:Â Varies by site
Eligibility: U.S. High school students ages 16–20 who live near a participating Kaiser Permanente facility and are not dependents of Kaiser Permanente employees or PMG physicians (priority given to 11th and 12th graders).
The Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a paid summer internship for high school students who live in or attend school in the service area of participating Kaiser Permanente facilities. Over the summer, you will be placed in a medical center, clinic, or office across California, where you will work alongside doctors, nurses, researchers, and other healthcare professionals. You will assume real responsibilities in areas such as patient care, laboratory services, community health, administration, and information technology. In addition to your daily work, you will attend career development workshops, receive mentorship, and build skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork.
Location: Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â Free; paid internship
Dates: 6 – 10 weeks during the summer (typically late June through early August)
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by program start
The Cedars-Sinai INSPIRE Internship Program is a summer opportunity that allows students to collaborate with doctors, scientists, and healthcare professionals on significant hospital-based research projects. During the six to ten weeks, you'll gain practical experience in fields such as genetics, cancer research, neuroscience, and public health. Additionally, you'll learn how to collect and analyze data, operate laboratory tools, and understand basic medical research concepts. Beyond lab work, you'll participate in career development workshops, educational seminars, and mentorship sessions to explore college options and healthcare careers. The program concludes with a final presentation, where you'll share your learnings with mentors and peers.
Bonus - Ladder Internship Program
Location:Â Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline:Â Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).Â
Program Dates:Â Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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