15 Hospital Internships for High School Students in Maryland

If you’re a high school student thinking about majoring or working in healthcare, one of the best ways to figure out if it’s right for you is by actually stepping inside a hospital. A hospital internship lets you see what daily life looks like for doctors, nurses, and staff, while also giving you the chance to play a small but real role in how things run. You might be helping with patient care, supporting hospital departments, or shadowing professionals as they go through their routines. 

Maryland is a great place to find these opportunities as it has some of the country’s top medical institutions, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center. That means you get exposure to healthcare in some of the strongest hospital environments in the U.S. You also have the opportunity to connect with and learn from top professionals in the industry, helping you be better prepared for future opportunities. 

To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled 15 hospital internships for high school students in Maryland!

If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs. 

Note: Some of these programs are technically volunteer opportunities, but they function much like internships by giving you structured training, department placements, and direct exposure to hospital settings.

1. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)

Location: Baltimore, MD

Cost: None. In-person interns receive an hourly wage 

Program Dates: In-person internship runs 8 weeks | virtual experience runs 5 weeks

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is for high school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience, neurology, psychology, or psychiatry. The in-person track runs for eight weeks at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology and is open to Baltimore City public school students. You’ll take part in mentored research, clinical rotations, and seminars, ending with a poster or oral presentation. The virtual track lasts five weeks and is open to students across North America, offering lectures, lab training, mentorship, and career workshops.

2. GBMC High School Volunteer Program

Location: Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Towson, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: June–August; minimum 4 hours/week for 8 of 10 weeks

Application Deadline: Typically in November 

Eligibility: Open to high school students entering 11th or 12th grade

Greater Baltimore Medical Center offers a summer volunteer program where you can gain firsthand exposure to the hospital environment. As a student volunteer, you may greet and escort patients, assist in nursing support areas, or help with retail services. The program also allows you to earn community service hours, often needed for graduation. Before starting, you’ll attend a preview night and orientation, and your placement will depend on both hospital needs and your availability. With only 20 to 25 spots open each summer, the program is competitive and gives you a chance to explore healthcare careers while developing workplace skills.

3. BACH Fellows Healthcare Internship Program

Location: Baltimore, MD

Cost: Free to participate; stipend provided

Dates: Five-week summer internship (typically late June–July)

Deadline: Opens in spring; check program site for updates

Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from Baltimore City public high schools

The BACH Fellows Internship Program gives Baltimore high school students a five-week paid summer experience in healthcare. You’ll work about 25 hours a week at local hospitals and institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, and Mercy Medical Center. You’ll shadow healthcare staff, observe daily routines, and learn about different allied health careers. You’ll also build workplace skills such as punctuality, communication, and problem-solving. Each placement comes with mentorship from a Baltimore City CTE teacher, weekly workshops, and group projects. 

4. MERIT Health Leadership Academy’s Professional Summer Leadership

Location: Baltimore, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: During the summer 

Application Deadline: Check program site for updates

Eligibility: Open to high school students

The MERIT Health Leadership Academy gives you structured exposure to healthcare and research through summer internships designed for Baltimore high school students. If you’re a rising junior, you’ll take part in a Clinical Internship, where you shadow up to 20 different healthcare providers across fields like pediatrics, surgery, emergency medicine, OB/GYN, pharmacy, and nursing. As a rising senior, you can choose either a Community Health Internship, working with local organizations to address public health needs, or a Laboratory Internship, conducting research under the guidance of lab professionals.

5. Luminis Health Internships

Location: Annapolis, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Summer and academic year (varies by department)

Application Deadline: Varies by department and season

Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older

The Luminis Health High School Internship Program is a hands-on opportunity for students aged 16 and older to explore careers in healthcare while gaining real-world experience. You’ll be placed in departments that match your interests, such as nursing, administration, clinical support, or technical services, and work alongside professionals to learn how hospitals function day to day. During your internship, you’ll assist staff with routine tasks, observe patient care, and get exposure to medical technologies and hospital operations. You’ll also build workplace skills like communication, professionalism, and time management. 

6. University of Maryland Medical Center’s (UMMC) Youth Volunteer Program

Location: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: 4 weeks

Application Deadline: Not listed; apply by March–April for priority consideration

Eligibility: High school students ages 16-21 who are residents of Baltimore City

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers a structured Youth Volunteer Program for Baltimore City high school students, designed to build career readiness and introduce you to the health care field. You’ll complete at least 125 hours over four weeks, gaining exposure to both medical and non-medical careers while participating in professional development workshops and leadership training. The program includes a Career Exploration Series, weekly Leadership Development sessions, and a collaborative Team Service Project that addresses a community need.

7. UM Charles Regional Medical Center’s Volunteer Program 

Location: La Plata, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Summer, with weekly commitments of 4-12 hours

Application Deadline: April 30

Eligibility: High school students ages 15-17 who will be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors

The Volunteen Program at UM Charles Regional Medical Center is a summer opportunity for high school students aged 15 to 17 who want hands-on experience in a hospital setting. You’ll assist staff and patients through tasks like administrative support, customer service, and helping clinical teams with non-medical duties. You’ll spend between 4 and 12 hours per week at the hospital, gaining exposure to different departments and learning how a medical center operates. 

8. MedStar Harbor Hospital’s Junior Volunteer Program

Location: Baltimore, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Mid-late June to August

Application Deadline: Spots are limited; apply early in February for best consideration

Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18

MedStar Harbor Hospital’s Junior Volunteer Program allows high school students to engage in meaningful service while exploring a hospital environment. Running during the summer months, the program places you in roles designed to support and comfort patients while assisting hospital staff. You’ll typically volunteer four hours on your assigned days, gaining early exposure to the responsibilities and professional atmosphere of healthcare. With limited spots available, the program encourages you to apply early for a chance to experience hospital-based service and mentorship.

9. Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital’s Junior Volunteer Program 

Location: Baltimore, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Mid-to-late June through August

Application Deadline: Spots are limited; you are encouraged to apply by February

Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital offers a Junior Volunteer Program for high school students interested in exploring the hospital environment during the summer months. You’ll volunteer for four hours on your assigned days, with roles focused on providing comfort to patients. Running from June through August, this program gives you early exposure to healthcare settings while fostering valuable service and interpersonal skills. Because space is limited, interested students are encouraged to apply promptly.

10. The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Summer Junior Volunteer Program

Location: Baltimore, MD

Cost: Free 

Program Dates: July 7 – August 18

Application Deadline: March 23

Eligibility: High school students, minimum age 15

The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Summer Junior Volunteer Program allows high school students to serve in a hospital setting while gaining exposure to patient-centered and administrative care. Over six weeks, you’ll commit to a schedule of two to five days per week, working four-hour shifts that allow you to contribute to hospital operations. As volunteers, you’ll assist staff, interact with patients, and develop interpersonal and professional skills in a healthcare environment. The program also includes a required orientation day, as well as ongoing guidance from the hospital’s Volunteer Services team.

11. Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Volunteer Program

Location: Columbia, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Year-round; summer intake may vary based on openings

Application Deadline: Rolling, depending on available positions

Eligibility: High school students aged 15+; must commit to 4 hours/week (100+ hours total); onboarding includes health clearance, orientation, and background check (if 18+)

High School Volunteer Program – Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center gives you the chance to support hospital staff and patients while gaining first-hand experience in a healthcare setting. You might assist in patient care units, deliver books and magazines, help visitors navigate the hospital, work in the gift shop, or support administrative tasks, all while contributing to the hospital’s mission of compassionate care. Before starting, you’ll need to complete a screening interview, attend a virtual orientation, and receive health clearance, which includes immunization records, tuberculosis testing, and a drug screening.

12. LifeBridge Health’s Sinai Hospital Volunteer Program

Location: Baltimore, MD

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Program Dates: 10-week summer session; students volunteer 8 of those weeks (80 hours total)

Application Deadline: Opens early in the year; interviews held in March–April

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old and have completed 10th grade

Sinai Hospital’s High School Summer Volunteer Program offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact while gaining firsthand exposure to the hospital environment. As volunteers, you’re expected to commit to 80 hours of service over the summer, supporting staff and assisting patients and visitors across multiple departments. You’re expected to follow a professional dress code and maintain reliable attendance during your scheduled shifts.

13. Tidal Health’s VolunTEEN Program

Location: Salisbury, Seaford, and Crisfield, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Summer (June–August; varies by site)

Application Deadline: Typically April

Eligibility: High school students ages 14 and older

The TidalHealth VolunTEEN Summer Program gives high school students a chance to explore healthcare careers while contributing meaningfully to their communities. As volunteers, you’ll commit to serving either two half days or one full day per week for at least six weeks during the summer. You’ll have multiple placement opportunities available, including patient care, clerical support, and behind-the-scenes assistance for hospital staff. Applicants must complete an interview, orientation, immunization screening, and provide proper identification before beginning.

14. Holy Cross Health’s Volunteer Program

Location: Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring, MD & Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, Germantown, MD

Cost: Free

Program Dates: Year-round and summer-only options; summer program runs mid-June to August

Application Deadline: January 2 - 30

Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who are children of Holy Cross colleagues or physicians

High School Volunteer Program – Holy Cross Health offers a structured, internship-style experience for students interested in healthcare and hospital operations. You’ll be placed in departments such as clinical services, customer service, administration, or support services at either Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring or Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. While officially a volunteer role, the program mirrors an internship by providing supervised training, department-specific placement, and exposure to day-to-day hospital functions. You’ll work alongside hospital staff, contribute to meaningful tasks, and gain insight into how different teams support patient care and hospital operations. 

15. UT Southwestern Medical Centre’s Mental Health Internship

Location: Online

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship

Program Dates: 2-week program

Application Deadline: Early February

Eligibility: Open to rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students

UT Southwestern Medical Care’s two-week summer internship gives you a clear look at careers in mental health through readings, online sessions, and direct mentorship. You’ll learn from licensed clinical social workers, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and psychiatrists while seeing how mental health practice and research work in the real world. You’ll start with reading packets that mix popular media and scientific articles, then use them as a base for discussions with professionals. You’ll explore areas like psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, neuroscience, interventional psychiatry, and community psychiatry. You can also ask questions about career paths, education, and daily work.

Bonus - Ladder Internships 

Cost: Varies by program type (financial aid available)

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 

Program Dates: 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. 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. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. Apply now!

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.

Image Source - Johns Hopkins logo