15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Oklahoma
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 6
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Summer medical programs in Oklahoma can offer exposure to college-level academics and campus life, hands-on practical skills, and valuable industry insights. Students also gain meaningful connections with medical professionals and peers, helping them build a strong network early on. With a growing focus on healthcare innovation and public health outreach, the state is home to several institutions that run high-quality summer programs tailored to aspiring medical professionals. From large research universities to community-focused medical centers, Oklahoma’s medical programs provide a range of experiences, from lab-based learning and clinical observation to health education and rural medicine initiatives.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 summer medical programs in Oklahoma that offer a mix of academic preparation, skill-building, and career exploration, many of which are free or low-cost.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school; students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
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 that you can explore as a high schooler.
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.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation | Oklahoma City University (for students living 40+ miles away), Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: $5,000 stipend
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 2 — July 25
Eligibility: Oklahoma residents who are high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors aged 16+; US citizens or permanent residents
The Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars Program provides an 8-week, full-time, paid summer research opportunity for students interested in biomedical research. During the program, you will work with senior scientists on individual biomedical research projects.
You will gain practical experience in laboratory techniques, participate in professional development workshops, and take part in social and cultural activities. At the end of the program, you will write an abstract about your project and present your findings to the group.
Location: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates: July 2–July 11
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
The OKStars Summer Research Program at OSU Center for Health Sciences offers high school juniors and seniors a six-week, hands-on introduction to biomedical research. Participants are paired with another student and placed in an active research lab, working under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The experience varies by lab, but all students gain exposure to lab equipment, research protocols, and the scientific process in real biomedical settings. The program requires a time commitment similar to a part-time job, with schedules set by mentors.
Research areas vary based on faculty availability and may include forensic sciences (DNA/biology, toxicology, psychology), biomedical sciences (anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, vertebrate paleontology), data mining (statistics, analytics, rural health trends), and athletic training. The program is ideal for students interested in medicine or health sciences, offering early insight into research that supports clinical practice.
Location: OU Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Currently closed. Check here for updates
Program Dates: July 14–18
Eligibility: All high school students are encouraged to apply, but priority will be given to upperclassmen and graduating seniors
SPARK is a free, in-person program for Oklahoma high school students that introduces you to the field of medicine through practical, educational activities. Throughout the week, you will take part in sessions that may include basic clinical skills, medical simulations, and lab exercises.
You’ll also attend discussions led by healthcare professionals from different medical fields, giving you a broad view of potential career paths. The program is designed to give you a realistic understanding of what studying and working in healthcare involves, while allowing you to engage directly with faculty and current medical students.
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: June 9–12
Eligibility: 8-12th grade students
CHAMPS is a four-day program at Oklahoma City Community College designed for students interested in exploring healthcare careers. During the program, you will take part in hands-on activities and simulations that reflect real-world medical tasks. You’ll use a 3D anatomy table to study the human body, practice inserting a breathing tube, and learn how paramedics respond to emergencies by examining the inside of an ambulance.
You will also have the opportunity to earn CPR certification by practicing on medical mannequins. Other activities include participating in childbirth and pediatric care simulations, exploring how anesthesia affects the body through virtual reality, and using tools to measure physical and cognitive health. In addition to the medical experiences, you’ll receive information about college life and the enrollment process at Oklahoma City Community College.
Location: Bethany Children’s Health Center, Bethany, OK
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: March 26
Program Dates: June 2 — 19
Eligibility: 11th and 12th graders
Bethany Children’s Health Center’s VOLUME Summer Program is a valuable experience for high school students interested in healthcare, allied health, or healthcare administration.. As a volunteer, you will support the center’s goal of helping children with complex medical needs and disabilities reach their full potential. Your responsibilities may include assisting with patient comfort, spending time with children and their families, or supporting classroom activities in the hospital’s special education program.
You’ll have the chance to work alongside healthcare professionals from different fields, engage with pediatric patients, and collaborate with other student volunteers from schools across the Oklahoma City area. All volunteers receive training to help them feel prepared and confident in their roles. No prior medical experience is needed.
Location: East Central University, Ada, OK
Cost: Unspecified! Check here for more information
Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications here. Deadline unspecified
Program Dates: June 1–6
Eligibility: Rising 8th or 9th-grade high school students
The Molecules of Nature Summer Academy at East Central University offers an introduction to the role of chemistry in health and the environment. This residential program focuses on the study of molecules and how they function in real-world settings, including medical and agricultural applications.
Through lab-based activities, you’ll learn how to safely use scientific equipment and make compounds that are used in fields like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and agriculture. The program includes visits to sites such as the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, connecting your lab work to environmental and public health issues. You’ll also experience campus life and explore how chemistry supports careers in medicine and other STEM fields.
Location: Northeastern State University, OK
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Currently closed. Check here for updates
Program Dates: June 23 — 27
Eligibility: 8th–10th graders
Camp Biomed is a summer program for students in grades 8 to 10 who have an interest in molecular biology and microbiology. Throughout the camp, students explore both fields by learning how research techniques are applied in real lab settings. While not a medical camp, the focus on experimentation, data interpretation, and troubleshooting provides valuable experience for those considering a future in medicine. Working in groups, participants perform lab-based procedures to create bioluminescent bacteria, gaining hands-on experience with both modern and traditional lab methods.
Through these activities, you’ll learn how to analyze experimental results, recognize patterns in data, and troubleshoot when needed . A visit to a working molecular research lab will help you understand how similar methods are used in real-world investigations, especially those related to health and disease. This program is a good fit if you’re thinking about a future in medicine or related fields that rely on lab science.
10. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Application Fee: $40 | Program Participation Fee (if accepted): $850 | Financial aid available
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 — June 27
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders, aged 14 or older; US citizens, permanent residents, or possessing a valid visa; preference given to students with strong skills in math or programming
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly in medical imaging. During the program, you will explore foundational concepts in AI like machine learning and data analysis, and examine how these tools are applied to interpret medical images and support clinical decision-making.
You’ll take part in lectures and guided research projects led by faculty and researchers from Stanford, gaining practical experience with technologies used in AI-based healthcare research. The program emphasizes how data and algorithms are used to address real challenges in diagnostics and patient care.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,495
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; applications accepted year-round
Program Dates: Multiple 1- 2- and 4-week sessions available throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged at least 13 years.
The Wake Forest University Online Medicine Course introduces high school students to key aspects of medical practice, led by faculty from the Wake Forest School of Medicine. Through simulations, instructional videos, and structured assignments, students explore the full cycle of patient care — including emergency response, clinical treatment, and follow-up — while learning about the roles and decision-making processes of various healthcare professionals.
The course culminates in a Final Capstone Project, where students select a medical topic covered in the course and create a polished, independent presentation. Formats may include essays, slideshows, videos, or photography. With guidance from mentors, students use the capstone to showcase their understanding and build a strong addition to college or internship applications.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,495 per course
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged at least 13 years.
The University of Rochester’s Pre-College Online Medicine Courses offer high school students a flexible way to explore medical topics through 20–30 hours of self-paced content. Subjects include human anatomy, clinical research, personalized medicine, and orthopedic care. Through video instruction, simulations, and assignments, students gain a foundational understanding of how medical knowledge is applied in real-world settings.
Courses are led by university faculty who provide guidance and feedback, and students join an online community to engage in discussions and collaboration. Each course concludes with a Final Capstone Project, where students choose a topic explored during the course and create a presentation — such as an essay, slideshow, or video — to demonstrate their learning. This project highlights their understanding and can be a valuable addition to future college or internship applications. A certificate is awarded upon completion.
Location: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: TBA , check here for updates
Program Dates: TBA , check here for updates
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Operation Orange is a free, one-day event for high school students in grades 9–12 interested in exploring careers in healthcare. Hosted by OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, the program introduces you to a range of health-related fields through interactive demonstrations and conversations with current medical, physician assistant, and athletic training students.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to examine real anatomical specimens such as the heart, lungs, and brain, gaining insight into human biology and medical study. You’ll also learn about academic programs in areas like medicine, nursing, biomedical sciences, forensic sciences, and veterinary medicine.
Location: OU Tulsa Schusterman Centre, Tulsa, OK
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: May 4
Program Dates: June 23–26
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The University of Oklahoma’s MASH Camp (Math and Science in Health Careers) is a four-day summer program designed for high school students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in exploring medical and health-related fields. During the camp, you’ll take part in activities that connect concepts in math and science to real-world healthcare applications.
Through hands-on sessions and interdisciplinary lessons, you’ll gain a better understanding of how these subjects are used in diagnosing, treating, and preventing health conditions. The program offers exposure to a range of healthcare careers and helps you build foundational knowledge that supports future studies in medicine or other health professions.
15. CURE Jr. Program
Location: Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Cost: No information available
Application Deadline: June 12
Program Dates: June 13
Eligibility: Rising Oklahoma high school juniors and seniors
The CURE Jr. Program is a one-day event designed for rising high school juniors and seniors in Oklahoma who are considering careers in medicine, particularly in cancer research and treatment. Through a series of sessions, you’ll learn about various roles within the medical field, including clinical care, biomedical engineering, surgery, and physical therapy.
The program introduces you to topics like laboratory research, clinical trials, and community-based research, and also offers advice on the college preparation process.
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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