15 Medical Internships for High School Students in Columbus, Ohio
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 5
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Internships in medicine give you a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in healthcare or medical research. Whether you’re assisting in a lab, shadowing physicians, or helping with data collection, these experiences can deepen your understanding of the field while building skills in communication, analysis, and professionalism. They also offer valuable mentorship and networking opportunities, helping you clarify your future goals and strengthen your college or scholarship applications.
If you're a high school student in Columbus, Ohio, you’ll find a number of excellent local options hosted by major hospitals, universities, and research centers. These programs let you explore medicine without traveling far, while still gaining meaningful experience in high-quality clinical and research settings.
Here are 15 medical internships for high school students in Columbus!
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 gives high school students the opportunity to build practical skills by working with early-stage start-ups. Based on your interests, you’ll be paired with a company in fields like technology, health tech, AI/ML, marketing, or consulting. These internships are remote and usually span about 8 weeks, making them accessible while still offering the chance to contribute to active projects.
Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with a company supervisor and also receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach. You’ll get regular feedback to help you grow professionally and stay on track with your tasks. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your work to the company team. Many of the participating start-ups are in early growth phases and have already received some funding. If this sounds like a good fit, you can review current opportunities and submit the application form online.
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend amount not specified
Application Deadline: March 7
Program Dates: June 23 - August 8
Eligibility: Current high school students
The National Institutes of Health offers a research program designed to introduce high school students to focused areas in neuroscience and biomedicine. You can choose to concentrate on one of three topics: Neuroscience, Neurological Injury, or Neurodegeneration. During the program, you’ll work alongside researchers in a lab setting, gaining experience with experimental methods and scientific writing. As part of the experience, you’ll participate in structured research activities and prepare a presentation to share your results. The program also emphasizes building professional relationships with mentors and peers in the scientific field. This is a paid opportunity and is intended for students interested in exploring research as a possible academic or career path.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Cost details are unavailable. Interns will receive a stipend of $13/hour if they meet certain criteria.
Application deadline: February 16
Program dates: June 2 - July 25
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school seniors defined as “URM” by the NIH.
The Cancer Research Experience for the Advancement and Training of Emerging Scientists (CREATES) is an 8-week summer internship focused on cancer research. Each year, 10 high school students are selected to take part in this program, which is hosted at a university-affiliated research facility. If you’re accepted, you’ll be paired with a Principal Investigator and a research team to contribute to a cancer-related lab project. In addition to lab work, you’ll take part in weekly sessions that may include discussions, campus tours, presentations, and opportunities to connect with researchers and fellow interns. The internship is paid and requires a commitment of approximately 38 hours per week. This program is designed for students interested in gaining experience in biomedical research in a structured, academic setting.
Location: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Rolling. Apply at least 4 weeks before the requested observation date.
Program Dates: Varies depending on availability.
Eligibility: Students must be at least 14 years old and currently enrolled in high school.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers job shadowing opportunities for high school students who want to learn more about healthcare careers. These unpaid experiences allow you to observe medical professionals in their daily routines, providing insight into different roles within the hospital. While you won’t take part in hands-on care or perform any tasks, shadowing gives you a closer look at clinical and office settings.
Most shadowing sessions range from a few hours to two days, depending on availability. Students 14 and older can observe in outpatient and administrative areas, while those 16 and older may be eligible to shadow in selected inpatient units. To participate, your high school must have an active affiliation agreement with the hospital, and your school is responsible for submitting the application on your behalf. If you’re unsure whether your school qualifies, you can contact the hospital for more information.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $500 (taxable)
Application Deadline: May 30
Program Dates: July 21 - August 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school.
The Summer HealthCare Experience (SHE) Program at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a focused introduction to biomedical careers, with an emphasis on cancer research and medicine. Designed for high school freshmen and sophomores, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, the program takes place over two weeks in a virtual format. In the first week, you’ll take part in live, online lab sessions and complete hands-on experiments using a science kit mailed to your home. The second week centers on career exploration, where you’ll join virtual workshops and panels that highlight different roles in cancer research and clinical care. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the SHE program is specifically aimed at increasing the participation of young women in the biomedical field. This experience provides early exposure to scientific methods and introduces participants to professionals working in cancer-focused healthcare.
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Program Dates: June 23–27
Eligibility: High school students.
The CaBi Bootcamp at The Ohio State University offers high school students a five-day introduction to biomedical data science and its role in healthcare and research. This program is designed for students with an interest in STEM and medicine. Throughout the week, you’ll work with faculty and professionals to explore topics such as biomedical informatics, clinical trials, and statistical methods used in public health. The sessions include hands-on activities focused on real-world applications, like analyzing flu vaccine records or examining genetic data to understand disease risk. The program also introduces students to various career paths in biomedical data science and medicine. Held on the OSU campus, this bootcamp is a structured way to build foundational skills and gain exposure to the intersection of data science and healthcare.
7. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 (financial aid is available). No stipend provided.
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 - June 27
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual summer program designed for high school students interested in the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence. As a participant, you’ll attend lectures, engage in team-based research projects, and receive guidance from Stanford researchers and student mentors. The program also includes guest speakers through its “Career Lunch and Learn” sessions, where you’ll hear from professionals working in AI and medicine. Students have the option to apply for a “Student Lead” role, which involves taking on additional responsibilities within a project team. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion, and some may be invited to continue with extended research opportunities. For students in Columbus looking to explore biomedical technology from a data and AI perspective, this program provides a structured introduction to the field in a remote setting.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Virtual interns do not receive a stipend. They only receive a certificate of completion.
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: 5 weeks, July - August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from across the United States.
Johns Hopkins Medicine offers a five-week virtual summer program for high school juniors and seniors with an interest in the neurological sciences. The program is designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and aims to provide early exposure to research and STEM careers. As a participant, you’ll take part in online educational sessions, receive training in basic laboratory techniques, and attend professional development workshops. The program also includes mentorship from faculty and researchers, giving you the chance to learn more about academic and career pathways in neuroscience. Upon completing the program, you’ll receive a certificate.
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: $325. No stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Closed. Check here for updates.
Program Dates: 3 weeks in the summer. Check here for updates.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade point average of at least a= 3.0 and a math and science GPA of 3.3 or higher.
MD Camp, run by The Ohio State University Area Health Education Center, is a three-week summer day program for high school students interested in pursuing a medical career. Based on OSU’s campus, the program provides a structured introduction to clinical practice, research, and medical education. As a participant, you’ll attend lectures by medical school faculty on topics ranging from anatomy to health disparities, engage in problem-based learning discussions, and gain exposure to research methods. The program includes clinical workshops where you’ll practice basic medical procedures, as well as shadowing experiences at OSU Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. You’ll also complete a community service project and take part in a clinical skills assessment using simulated patients. MD Camp is led by second-year medical students and offers a view of what to expect in medical school and the healthcare field.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: There is a $25 application fee, which can be waived based on financial need. This is an unpaid internship.
Application Deadline: Currently closed. Check here for updates.
Program Dates: June 18 - Aug 8
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old by June 18 can apply. Interns for “wet lab” internships should be at least 16 years old.
George Mason University’s ASSIP offers remote internship opportunities where you can work directly with faculty researchers from the university and partner institutions. Through the program, you’ll have access to advanced technology and software to support your research projects. Internships are available across a range of fields, including molecular medicine, drug discovery, neuroscience, disease diagnostics, infectious disease, and tissue repair. The program also focuses on developing your scientific writing and communication skills while providing insight into different career paths in biomedical research. This opportunity will suit students who are looking to gain hands-on research experience in a virtual setting.
Location: Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: Resident: $60; Non-resident: $72
Application Deadline: Open enrollment.
Program Dates: July 21 - 25
Eligibility: For students between the ages of 13–17.
Camp Public Health is a week-long day camp designed for high school students interested in exploring careers in public health. The program combines health, environmental, and social sciences to provide an understanding of how various professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dietitians, and epidemiologists , work to protect community health.
During the camp, you’ll engage with experts from Columbus Public Health and visit The Ohio State University College of Public Health to learn about public health education and career options. The program offers a practical look at the field’s role in promoting healthier communities. Transportation is provided to daily locations and back to Blackburn, making it accessible for participants.
Location: Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: $150 (additional $10 if taking CPR class)
Application Deadline: May 26
Program Dates: June 4–6
Eligibility: High school students.
The Athletic Training Workshop is designed for high school students interested in athletic training, emergency medicine, physical therapy, or related health fields. The workshop is led by professionals from Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine, providing practical insight into this healthcare area. No prior experience is required to participate. During the workshop, you’ll learn about the role of a Certified Athletic Trainer and how they work with athletes, coaches, physicians, and healthcare teams. The program covers common athletic injuries and their management, includes first-aid training, and offers hands-on taping labs paired with lectures. There is also an option to earn CPR certification!
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Application Deadline: April 11
Program Dates: 3-day program. Specific dates unspecified. Check here for updates.
Eligibility: High school students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
The Summer Institute for Future Nurses offers high school students , rising freshmen through graduating seniors, a chance to explore the field of nursing through hands-on experiences. Hosted by a college of nursing, the program includes access to nursing skills labs, faculty-led lectures, and panel discussions with current students and staff. This program is open to both Ohio residents and out-of-state students and is designed to introduce participants to the academic and professional paths within nursing. It emphasizes inclusivity by encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds and aims to prepare future nurses who can meet the needs of a wide range of communities. For students interested in healthcare, this institute provides a structured introduction to nursing education and practice.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost. This is an unpaid internship.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Open year-round, including summer sessions. Flexible work schedules (commitment of at least 1 article/week or up to hours/week).
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) from all over the world can apply.
Medicine Encompassed is a student-led nonprofit that offers remote internship opportunities for high school students interested in medicine, biology, and STEAM-related fields. As an intern, you can take on roles such as writer, editor, or resource creator, with responsibilities focused on developing educational materials and contributing to the organization’s broader initiatives. Interns are involved in tasks like writing articles, revising blog or social media content, and creating study guides or slideshows on medical topics. These materials are used to support peers and the public in learning more about healthcare and science. You may also take part in Project Cultivation, an outreach effort aimed at improving access to medical education. The program allows for flexible, skills-based participation and results in a collection of educational resources created by student contributors.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: This is an unpaid internship, but one $500 scholarship will be awarded.
Application Deadline: Currently closed. Check here for updates.
Program Dates: In the summer. The length of each in-person session and the exact dates that each facility offers vary. Check here for details.
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 11 and 12 are eligible to apply.
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, offered by the Los Angeles Pediatric Society, provides high school students with an introduction to careers in pediatric healthcare. The program offers two virtual sessions, giving students flexibility in participation. You’ll be matched with mentors from a variety of healthcare professions, including pediatricians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists.
Throughout the program, you’ll have opportunities to learn about different medical roles, discuss case-based projects, and present your work at the end of the session. While the core of the program is virtual, there may be optional in-person shadowing opportunities, so it’s important to review logistics in advance. This program is structured to give students a clearer understanding of pediatric healthcare and related career paths.
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 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.
Image Source - Ladder Internship logo