15 Nursing Programs for Teens
- Stephen Turban
- 22 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you're interested in healthcare, a nursing program can help you explore the field while building knowledge and skills beyond the classroom. These programs introduce you to topics such as anatomy, physiology, patient care, public health, and healthcare ethics through structured learning experiences led by healthcare professionals, nursing faculty, and researchers. They also provide opportunities to learn more about the nursing profession and the many career paths within healthcare.
Why should I participate in a nursing program in high school?
Nursing programs offer a structured environment where you can develop foundational knowledge while exploring what a career in healthcare involves. Depending on the program, you might practice clinical skills in simulation labs, conduct research, participate in public health projects, observe healthcare settings, or attend workshops and seminars led by nurses and medical professionals. These experiences can help you strengthen your scientific knowledge, communication, and teamwork skills, and make more informed decisions about studying nursing or other healthcare fields in college.
To help with your search, below is a list of 15 nursing programs for teens.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span clinical simulation, pediatric nursing, public health, patient care, anatomy, healthcare ethics, and nursing school preparation, so teens with a wide range of healthcare interests can find a relevant option in person or online.
Several programs are free, including the University of Portland Nurse Camp, UC Davis SHINES, UW Nurse Camp, Seattle Children's Summer Nurse Camp, and SLCC Pre-Health Summer Program (which also pays $15 per hour), making nursing exposure accessible without financial barriers.
Many programs specifically prioritize underrepresented, first-generation, and low-income students, including University of Portland Nurse Camp, UC Davis SHINES, UH Future Nurse Academy, and SLCC Pre-Health, so students from these backgrounds should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from three-day hospital-based camps, such as NorthBay Health Nurse Camp, to three-week credit-bearing courses, such as Adelphi University Introduction to Nursing, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for competitive programs fall early, including UC Davis SHINES (April 10), UW Nurse Camp (April 15), and UH Future Nurse Academy (February 19), while programs, such as Emmanuel College Nursing Academy and Adelphi University, accept rolling applications until full, so students should apply as soon as programs open.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Dates:Â Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.Â
Location:Â University Hospitals (multiple sites, including Lakeland Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain Community College), Cleveland, OH area
Stipend:Â Paid summer program (students receive wages; specific amount not posted publicly)
Dates: East: June 15–26 | Central: July 6–17 | West: July 20–31
Application Deadline:Â February 19
Eligibility: High‑school students (often rising juniors and seniors) interested in a nursing career | The program encourages applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds
The UH Future Nurse Academy is a competitive, paid summer experience that introduces you to nursing through clinical exposure, professional development, and supervised learning activities. You explore hospital and community healthcare settings while learning about nursing responsibilities, patient care, and teamwork in healthcare. The program also includes shadowing opportunities, career-preparation workshops, and interactions with practicing nurses to help students better understand the profession. Because admission is highly selective, you join a small cohort that receives individualized exposure to nursing careers.
Location:Â University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations, Portland, OR
Cost:Â Free
Dates: July 13–16
Application Deadline:Â March 31
Eligibility: High‑school students, with emphasis on low‑income, first‑generation, and underrepresented students | Must be 16 years of age by the first day of camp
You take part in a short nursing camp that includes a mix of academic sessions, introductory clinical activities, and community-focused experiences. The program is intended to make nursing exposure more accessible to students who may not have access to paid opportunities. During the camp, you engage in simulation-based exercises, take tours, and participate in discussions about different nursing career paths. There is also an emphasis on understanding diversity and equity within the healthcare field.
Location: UC Davis Sacramento campus, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 16–27
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Current high school students in their junior or senior year and current community college students in their first or second year who live or attend school within Sacramento city limits | Priority is given to partner schools
The Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration and Success (SHINES) is a two-week summer program that introduces students to nursing and other healthcare careers through workshops, simulations, and mentorship. You explore nursing practice, health professions, academic pathways, and healthcare equity while completing hands-on activities in UC Davis' simulation facilities. The curriculum also includes service-learning, professional portfolio development, resume workshops, and speed mentoring with healthcare professionals. You interact with nursing faculty, clinicians, and current nursing students, gaining a realistic understanding of nursing education and career opportunities.
Location:Â Salt Lake Community College Crossroads Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Cost/Stipend:Â None | $15/hour stipend paid
Dates: June 8– July 17
Application Deadline:Â March 8
Eligibility: Local high‑school students who can commit to the full six‑week schedule| Priority will be given to rising juniors and seniors, first-generation students, or students who qualify for free or reduced lunch | Limited to 30 students
This program is designed for students interested in a range of healthcare careers rather than nursing alone. Over six weeks, you strengthen your academic skills through college-readiness coursework in math, science, and English while exploring healthcare careers through field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on activities. You visit healthcare facilities, work with medical simulators and training equipment, complete group projects on public health topics, and receive mentorship from healthcare professionals. You also gain exposure to college life and healthcare education pathways while earning an hourly wage throughout the program.
Location:Â University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA
Cost:Â Free
Dates: July 20–24
Application Deadline:Â April 15
Eligibility: Washington‑state high school sophomores and juniors | Must be at least 16 years old
UW Nurse Camp is a free week-long day program that introduces Washington high school students to nursing through simulation activities, hospital experiences, and career exploration. You learn clinical skills such as taking vital signs, infection prevention, and CPR while working in university simulation labs and healthcare training facilities. You also shadow nurses at UW Medical Center, participate in nursing rounds with professionals from different specialties, and attend sessions on preparing for nursing school. Throughout the week, participants gain firsthand exposure to both nursing education and clinical practice.
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
Cost:Â Free
Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline:Â March 23
Eligibility:Â Students in the Puget Sound area entering their junior or senior year of high school in the fall | Must be between the ages of 16 and 18 years old by the start of camp
Seattle Children's Summer Nurse Camp introduces you to pediatric nursing through clinical observation, interactive skills labs, and career exploration activities. You shadow nurses in a variety of hospital units, observe patient care, and practice nursing techniques using clinical models under professional supervision. The program also includes networking opportunities with nurses and nursing leaders, allowing students to learn about different nursing specialties and healthcare career pathways. Although you do not provide direct patient care, you gain valuable insight into hospital-based nursing in a leading pediatric medical center.
Location:Â Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost:Â Residential: $4,120 | Commuter: $3,490
Dates: July 19–25 (1‑week residential program)
Application Deadline: April 15 (final deadline) | Case‑by‑case review after
Eligibility: Current 8th–12th grade students | Must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program | Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0
This one-week summer program introduces you to nursing through classroom instruction, simulation activities, and discussions led by Georgetown faculty and nursing students. You explore foundational concepts such as patient assessment, clinical reasoning, healthcare ethics, and communication in clinical settings. You also gain experience in nursing simulation labs and learn about educational pathways into the profession. Throughout the week, you interact with faculty members and current nursing students as you develop a clearer understanding of nursing education and healthcare careers.
Location:Â University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
Cost:Â $2000
Dates: Session 1: July 13–17 | Session 2: July 27–31 (5‑day camps)
Application Deadline:Â February 28
Eligibility:Â Students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Fall
Hosted by the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, this week-long summer academy introduces high school students to clinical nursing through classroom instruction, faculty-led discussions, and simulation-based learning. You explore topics such as patient care, nursing specialties, healthcare communication, and the structure of undergraduate nursing education. The program also includes hands-on activities in nursing simulation laboratories and opportunities to interact with nursing faculty and current students. These experiences help you understand both the academic expectations of nursing school and the day-to-day responsibilities of nurses working in healthcare settings.
Location:Â UT Austin School of Nursing, Austin, TX
Cost: $650 per session (includes meals, t‑shirt, and swag; half paid at registration) | Limited number of scholarships available
Dates: Session 1: June 1–5 | Session 2: June 8–12
Application Deadline:Â April 30
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (ages 15–17)
The Longhorn Summer Nursing Immersion Camp provides an introduction to nursing through simulation exercises, classroom instruction, and collaborative learning activities. You explore nursing specialties, patient care practices, and the broader healthcare system while working alongside nursing faculty and current students. The curriculum combines demonstrations, team-based activities, and guided discussions that reflect common responsibilities within the nursing profession. You also gain insight into nursing education at a large public research university and the pathways available after high school.
Location:Â Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Cost: 2-week overnight program :  $3,700 | 2-week on-campus commuter program :  $2,700 | Need-based financial aid available
Dates: July 20 –31 (two‑week program)
Application Deadline:Â June 1
Eligibility: High‑school students interested in nursing; no grade‑level restriction publicly stated
This two-week pre-college nursing program introduces students to the academic and clinical foundations of nursing through classroom instruction, simulation exercises, and skills training. You practice procedures such as IV therapy, wound care, medication administration, airway management, and patient assessment in Quinnipiac's simulation facilities. The curriculum also includes anatomy, medical terminology, holistic health, and exposure to Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training. You complete CPR, Stop the Bleed, Narcan, and EpiPen training while networking with nursing faculty and healthcare professionals.
Location:Â Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
Cost:Â $1,950
Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline:Â Rolling until full
Eligibility:Â Rising high school juniors and seniors | Must be 16 years of age at the time of the program
Emmanuel College's Summer Nursing Academy is a residential week-long immersion that introduces you to nursing through faculty-led instruction and hands-on simulation training. You develop foundational clinical skills in the college's simulation laboratories, earn CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications, and learn about different nursing specialties from practicing nurses. The program also includes guided visits to hospitals and healthcare institutions in Boston's Longwood Medical and Academic Area, providing participants with additional exposure to healthcare careers. Living on campus allows students to experience college life while exploring nursing in an academic setting.
Location:Â Adelphi University, Garden City, NY
Cost:Â Residential: $4,540 | Commuter: $3,540
Dates: July 12– August 1
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions
Eligibility:Â Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This three-week, credit-bearing pre-college course introduces students to nursing through college-level instruction and simulation-based learning. You explore patient care, medical terminology, pharmacology, pediatrics, gerontology, and health assessment while earning three transferable college credits. You also gain hands-on experience in Adelphi's Clinical Education and Simulation Lab, using high-fidelity manikins, and participate in clinical site visits and guest lectures by healthcare professionals. The program concludes with a deeper understanding of nursing as both an academic discipline and a profession.
Location:Â NorthBay Health (Vacaville and Fairfield campuses), Vacaville, CA
Cost:Â $150 (paid after acceptance)
Dates: June 16–18 | July 28–30
Application Deadline:Â May 1
Eligibility: Local high‑school students
You attend a short hospital-based nursing camp where you move through skills labs, demonstrations, and observation sessions with working nurses. The program runs over a few focused days and is designed to give you exposure to patient-care settings without requiring a long stay on campus. You take part in small-group activities, practice basic skills, and join discussions about what it is like to work in clinical environments. The experience also gives you space to think about whether nursing aligns with your interest in hands-on care and working directly with patients.
Location: University of Mary Hardin‑Baylor, Scott & White School of Nursing, Belton, TX
Cost:Â $675 plus $10 application fee
Dates: May 31 – June 5 (six‑day residential camp)
Application Deadline:Â April 10
Eligibility: Rising high‑school juniors and seniors
Explore Cru Nursing Summer Camp is a residential program that introduces students to nursing through classroom instruction, simulation exercises, and campus-based activities. You practice foundational nursing skills, complete CPR training, explore healthcare scenarios in simulation laboratories, and interact with nursing faculty and current nursing students. The curriculum also includes team-building activities, leadership development, and opportunities to learn about nursing education and college life at the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor. Throughout the week, you gain practical exposure to nursing while experiencing the structure of a collegiate nursing program.
Frequently asked questions
What nursing programs are available for teens?
Options include hospital-based camps, such as UH Future Nurse Academy and Seattle Children's Summer Nurse Camp, university simulation programs, such as UC Irvine Summer Nursing Academy, Georgetown Nursing Academy, and Quinnipiac Exploring Your Future in Nursing, public health and healthcare exploration programs, such as UC Davis SHINES and SLCC Pre-Health, free access programs, such as UW Nurse Camp and University of Portland Nurse Camp, and research and academic programs, such as Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
Are there free nursing programs for teens?
Yes, University of Portland Nurse Camp, UC Davis SHINES, UW Nurse Camp, and Seattle Children's Summer Nurse Camp are all free. SLCC Pre-Health Summer Program is also free and pays a $15 per hour stipend. Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers full financial aid, and programs, such as Quinnipiac and Adelphi, offer need-based financial aid for eligible students.
Which nursing programs for teens offer college credit?
Adelphi University's Introduction to Nursing as a Career and Profession awards three transferable college credits upon completion. Georgetown Nursing Academy provides an introduction to nursing at the college level, and Quinnipiac's two-week program offers CNA and CPR training that supports future nursing school applications.
Which programs are open to teens outside a specific state or city?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program is fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world. Georgetown Nursing Academy, Quinnipiac Nursing Program, Emmanuel College Nursing Academy, Adelphi University, and the UC Irvine Summer Nursing Academy all accept out-of-state applicants. SLCC Pre-Health and UC Davis SHINES prioritize local students, while most other programs are open to applicants from across the country.
When should I apply to nursing programs for teens?
The earliest deadlines include UC Irvine Summer Nursing Academy (February 28), UH Future Nurse Academy (February 19), and SLCC Pre-Health (March 8). University of Portland and Seattle Children's both close in late March, and UC Davis SHINES and Explore Cru Nursing Camp close April 10. Programs, such as Emmanuel College Nursing Academy and Adelphi University, accept rolling applications until spots are filled, so students should apply early in the spring.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.