15 Medical Internships for High School Students in Minnesota

If you are a high school student looking for an opportunity to explore roles in healthcare and medicine in Minnesota, a medical internship in the state can be a great starting point! 

Minnesota offers several medical internships to high school students interested in gaining early exposure to biomedical sciences. Whether it is shadowing physicians, working in clinical labs, or contributing to public health initiatives, these internships give you a front-row seat to the inner workings of healthcare facilities and medical research institutions. As an intern, you will develop practical skills and knowledge as well as make valuable professional connections that can support your academic and career goals. 

Additionally, engaging in a medical internship in high school can give your resume a meaningful boost, showing colleges and future employers that you are serious about exploring this field! If you’re hoping to make the most of your summer, exploring one of these medical internships for high school students in Minnesota is a smart way to access a combination of hands-on learning and some real-world experience. 

To help you choose the right option, here is a list of 15 medical internships for high school students in Minnesota. We prioritized options based on prestige, the rigor of professional experience, and the opportunities to network with mentors and peers. 

15 Medical Internships for High School Students in Minnesota

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual

Dates: Summer cohort starts in June/July; multiple cohorts run year-round

Application deadline: June 23 for the upcoming summer cohort

Eligibility: High school students

Ladder Internships provides a structured virtual experience where you get to contribute to real-world projects with early-stage startups in sectors like medicine, health tech, and biotech. You may assist with tasks like user research, market analysis, product development, or technical documentation. The program pairs you with both a startup mentor and a Ladder Coach, offering access to weekly training and personalized feedback. As an intern, you will build industry-level communication skills and complete a portfolio-ready deliverable by the end of the internship. The flexible, virtual format makes the program worth considering if you are interested in learning about the healthcare industry and accessing mentorship and networking opportunities from the comfort of your home.

2. Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Career Immersion Program

Location: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Dates: June 22 – June 26

Application Deadline: March 15

Eligibility: Minnesota high school students entering grades 11 and 12 with a minimum 2.5 GPA; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Cost/Stipend: Free program; housing, meals, and transportation from a central Minnesota location are   covered

The Health Sciences Career Immersion program is a week-long opportunity designed to introduce you to high-demand careers in healthcare beyond the typical roles of doctor or nurse. Hosted by the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, the program features interactive sessions in college classrooms and labs, along with networking opportunities with health sciences professionals and students. As a participant, you’ll explore academic pathways, discover niche healthcare professions like radiography and respiratory therapy, and gain a deeper understanding of professionalism in a clinical environment. Offering free housing, meals, and transportation to participants, this internship-like program is an accessible opportunity to consider

3. Summer Health Care Internship Program (SHCIP)

Location: Various hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across Minnesota

Dates: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day; exact dates vary by site

Application deadline: April/May, depending on the opportunity

Eligibility: High school students who have completed their junior or senior year

Cost/Stipend: No cost; students earn at least minimum wage

SHCIP offers paid, hands-on experience in real healthcare environments across Minnesota, helping you build practical skills and explore diverse career paths in medicine. Depending on your placement, you might assist with patient support, rotate through hospital departments, or handle administrative tasks like scheduling and record-keeping. You will gain insights into healthcare protocols, team collaboration, and patient communication. The program’s statewide reach and paid structure make it an option for students looking to enter the healthcare field while earning income and building a professional foundation. You can find opportunities in April at a local healthcare facility near you or online on job listing sites.

4. Madison Healthcare Services Internship Program

Location: Madison Healthcare Services, Madison, MN

Dates: 6–12 week sessions during summer; exact dates not specified

Application deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: High school students who have completed their junior or senior year and plan to graduate; CNA certification preferred for patient care roles

Cost/Stipend: Not specified; you can contact the program coordinator for details

This hands-on internship opportunity at Madison Healthcare can offer you a full-spectrum view of rural healthcare, with rotations in hospital care, clinics, imaging, diagnostics, and administration. Whether you're curious about patient care, surgical services, or the operational side of medicine, the program allows you to work directly with medical professionals in real clinical settings. You’ll also receive mentorship and guidance from healthcare experts. Students with CNA certification have more options for clinical involvement, while all interns benefit from exposure to essential services in rural healthcare. This experience can offer you insights into the daily lives of medical professionals, helping you assess your interests in the field.

5. University of Minnesota’s LHI-AHA Summer Research Scholars Program

Location: Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Dates: June 2 – July 25

Application deadline: February 15; applications open in December

Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old

Cost/Stipend: All scholars receive an hourly wage

The LHI-AHA Summer Research Scholars Program is offered by the University of Minnesota’s Lillehei Heart Institute with support from an AHA grant. The selective program offers two high school students direct exposure to cardiovascular research under the mentorship of a faculty member. If selected, over the course of eight weeks, you will work in a lab conducting basic or clinical research while gaining experience in molecular biology, bioengineering, or translational medicine. During the program, weekly seminars with experts and field trips to hospitals, biotech companies, and academic institutions will provide you with insights into careers in cardiovascular science. You will also learn about clinical, industrial, and academic medicine during the program.

6. Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology

Location: Virtual

Dates: July 21 – August 1

Application deadline: May 30

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are Minnesota residents

Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $500 taxable stipend is offered

The SHE in Oncology is a multi-institutional program hosted by cancer centers nationwide. Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center offers this program to 20 high school students who are interested in learning about careers in biomedicine and oncology. If selected, you will get to attend virtual lectures and discussions on cancer care and cancer science. You will work on a genetics-based research project and a patient case study in collaboration with peers from the Medical College of Wisconsin, the University of Iowa, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin. You will also receive your own laboratory kit to conduct experiments from home. The program also offers professional development and skill-building sessions as well as panel discussions led by professionals in cancer research and care.

7. University of Minnesota’s BME High School Internship Program

Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Dates: Summer internship; dates TBA

Application deadline: Early Spring

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in biomedical engineering

Cost/Stipend: Free; the program offers stipends and covers bus transportation

Hosted by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, this six-week program provides hands-on research experience in cutting-edge university labs. The program typically includes lab tours such as the renowned Visible Heart Lab mentorship from graduate students, and training in scientific writing and communication. As an intern, you will explore engineering and biological science careers while building valuable professional skills. The program ends with a poster session, where you get to share your experience with family and friends. You may also receive letters of recommendation from faculty. 

8. Hennepin County Internships

Location: Various Hennepin County departments, MN

Dates: Year-round, including summer opportunities

Application deadline: Varies by position

Eligibility: Current high school students and graduates (within 6 months of high school graduation) enrolled in diploma, GED, college, or certificate programs

Cost/Stipend: Paid; minimum wage starts at $22/hour

Hennepin County offers one of the most comprehensive public-sector internship experiences in Minnesota, including opportunities within healthcare and public health services. As an intern, you will gain paid, hands-on experience while also engaging in developmental workshops, career exploration sessions, and mentoring. The program emphasizes professional growth through resume-building classes, DEI training, and informational interviews with county professionals. The program also offers high hourly pay and access to career coaching and networking opportunities. The experience can offer you insights into the administrative and public service aspects of medicine.

9. Step Up Youth Employment Program

Location: Various employers across Minneapolis, MN

Dates: June 23 – August 22

Application deadline: February 14

Eligibility: Minneapolis residents aged 14 – 21 who are eligible to work in the U.S. and not currently enrolled in college (PSEO is acceptable)

Cost/Stipend: Stipends paid—Level 1 interns (ages 14–15) earn $13.75/hour and Level 2 interns (ages 16–21) earn at least $16.50/hour

Each year, Step Up connects 1,000+ Minneapolis youth with paid summer internships across various industries, including healthcare. Here, you will get opportunities to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and build a network. You will undergo work readiness training before being matched with internships that align with your interests and skills. This program can be worth considering if you are seeking direct exposure to medical and healthcare careers and placements in hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations.

10. Stanford University’s Cardiothoracic Surgical Summer Internship 

Location: Virtual

Dates: Program 1: June 23 – July 4 | Program 2: July 14 – July 25

Application deadline: Varies by year

Eligibility: High school students interested in science and medicine

Cost: $95 application fee + $4,500; no stipend available

Stanford’s Cardiothoracic Surgical Summer Internship is a two-week virtual internship that offers an intensive introduction to cardiothoracic surgery, combining academic lectures and surgical labs. You will attend morning sessions covering cardiac diseases, anatomy, and imaging techniques. In the afternoons, you will get hands-on training on the use of real surgical tools. You will also get hands-on experiences in suturing, vessel anastomosis, and porcine heart dissection. Throughout the program, you will get to learn foundational surgical techniques and interact with Stanford faculty and residents. 

11. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)

Location: Virtual opportunities available for Minnesota students

Dates: Summer session: July 28 – August 8; Fall session: September 11 – November 13 (projected)

Application deadline: Summer session: February 24 | Fall session: June 2

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate pre-medical students

Cost/Stipend: Summer: $95 application fee + $4,380 program fee; Fall: $35 application fee + $1,980 program fee; no stipend provided

Stanford University’s CSI program introduces you to real-world clinical practice through lectures, patient case simulations, and diagnostic workshops. You can choose the virtual fall or summer session. The program is led by Stanford faculty and clinicians and focuses on helping you build skills in surgery, core clinical reasoning, and communication. You will get to practice techniques like suturing and administering injections, and also conduct physical exams. During the program, you will engage in hands-on simulations and specialty-focused sessions to learn about the healthcare field and explore pathways in medicine. 

12. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship

Location: Virtual

Dates: Two weeks in June; dates not specified

Application deadline: Early February; applications open in September of the year prior to the internship session

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend not specified

The Inspiring Careers in Mental Health, hosted by the University of Texas Southwestern, is a two-week virtual internship offering an introduction to careers in mental health. Here, you will attend sessions led by psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and social workers, covering clinical topics such as psychotherapy, interventional psychiatry, and neuropsychological testing. The program includes opportunities for professional mentorship, real-world discussions, and interactive Q&A panels. The program also offers access to reading material like scientific journal articles. You will also get insights into the daily lives of mental health professionals.

13. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

Location: Remote

Dates: June 16 – 27

Application deadline: February 28

Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older and U.S. citizens; preference is given to those who have previously worked on a healthcare project and/or have math or programming skills

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship; $850 program fee + a $40 application fee, with financial waivers available

The Summer Research Internship offered by Stanford AIMI is a virtual program for high school students interested in learning about the role of AI in healthcare. The program covers the basics of AI applications in the context of medicine and healthcare and allows you to work on solving a real-world medical challenge with the assistance of AI tools. Throughout the program, you will have access to mentorship offered by researchers and Stanford Student Leads. The internship also offers opportunities to participate in social activities, group-based work sessions, and virtual interactive sessions led by guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, including nonprofits, academia, government, and industry. During the program, you will also work on a research project, which you can continue engaging in even after the program ends.

14. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) 

Location: Virtual internships are available for students in Minnesota

Dates: July – August (5 weeks)

Application deadline: March 1

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations in the U.S.

Cost/Stipend: No costs and stipends for virtual participants

JHIBS is a five-week virtual neuroscience internship that offers you an introduction to medical research and academic pathways in brain science. Designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds, the program includes live lectures, virtual lab activities, and one-on-one mentorship. Here, you'll participate in research-based activities and gain critical skills in scientific communication and collaboration. The virtual program offers you the opportunity to learn basic lab techniques and engage in professional development sessions and college prep classes. Scientific presentations and networking activities are also part of the experience.

15. Harris Neuroscience Internship

Location: Virtual

Dates: September – May (academic year)

Application deadline: April 4; applications open on February 3

Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend not specified

Stanford’s Harris Neuroscience Internship is a year-long virtual program offering academic mentorship, scholarly enrichment, and exposure to neuroscience through Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. As a Harris Intern, you'll attend weekly Grand Rounds and join monthly Neuroscience Journal Club discussions with Stanford scientists, and complete both a scholarly and a community-based project tailored to your interests. You will also get insights into key developments in the field of neuroscience. The program also offers opportunities to read and discuss scientific literature. The experience can help you build intellectual curiosity, science literacy, and leadership in neuroscience. 

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue research in medicine, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. Last year, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.

Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.

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 in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to develop a research paper.

Image Source - Ladder Internships logo