Medical Internships for High School Students in Seattle

If you're a high school student based out of Seattle with an interest in medicine or healthcare, an internship can be a good way to deepen your understanding of the field. Seattle is home to renowned hospitals, research centers, and community health organizations (such as Seattle Children’s Hospital & Research Institute and the Fred Hutch Cancer Center), making it an ideal city to explore high-quality medical internships. These medical internships for high school students in Seattle, WA, offer hands-on exposure to professional skills, direct experience in clinical or research settings, and opportunities to see the realities of patient care up close.

Medical internships for high school students in Seattle, WA, will help you connect with healthcare professionals, mentors, and peers who share your interests and help build connections that can be valuable for your academic and career path. They also help save transport and housing costs and may provide reduced tuition fees to locals.

Internship Programs in Detail

1. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type
Dates: Programs run for 8 to 16 weeks, with multiple cohorts offered year-round in the spring, summer, fall, and winter; Fall Cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Fall Cohort: August 24
Eligibility: High school students, undergrads, or gap year students who can work 10-20 hours a week for 8-16 weeks

Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, offer high school students a structured, professional experience in real-world sectors, including healthtech and biomedical research. They connect high school students with remote internships at global startups backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. You’ll work remotely on impactful projects matched to your interests, guided by industry mentors from high-growth companies. The program includes weekly check-ins, career-building workshops, and culminates in a formal presentation to the host organization. Designed to deliver rigor, industry exposure, and networking opportunities, Ladder internships emphasize practical outcomes that strengthen college applications and career readiness.

2. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None | Participants receive a stipend
Dates: June 23 - August 15
Application Deadline: Typically in March (rolling dates posted annually)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (entering 11th or 12th grade), Seattle-area students encouraged

Fred Hutch SHIP is a competitive, paid summer research internship for high school students interested in biomedical science and cancer research. You will complete two weeks of lab safety and technical training in the Fred Hutch Training Labs., followed by six weeks of mentored research in a Fred Hutch research group in Seattle. You will attend seminars on health equity and career pathways, collaborate with leading scientists, and present your research findings to the Fred Hutch community at the program’s end. This immersive experience emphasizes hands-on learning, professional mentorship, and a real-world understanding of health science research careers. It encourages students from underrepresented backgrounds to participate. The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a competitive, eight-week, full-time paid internship for students between 11th and 12th grade. The program is specifically designed for students who haven't had extensive research experience.

The internship begins with two weeks of hands-on training in laboratory safety and techniques as well as an introduction to the Fred Hutch. For the remaining six weeks, interns are paired and immersed in mentored activities in a Fred Hutch research group in Seattle. Interns also participate in research seminars, attend professional development workshops focused on college and careers, and enjoy social activities with their teams and peers. The SHIP application has two online components - an applicant section that you complete and a separate online form that your references complete. Thoroughly review the application and complete your section well in advance of the deadline. Proofread your application and essays carefully. You will not be able to go back into the system after you submit your application. Submit your section early so your references have time to complete their form.

3. Seattle Children’s Research Training Program (RTP)

Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None | $2,000 (Transportation and meals)
Dates: July 14 - August 8
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th grade (rising juniors) from the Seattle area

Seattle Children’s RTP is a selective four-week program that introduces students to biomedical research through hands-on laboratory training. You’ll learn core techniques such as PCR, microscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, immunoassays, isolating white blood cells, polymerase chain reaction, and cell culture while exploring topics in immunology, genetics, and infectious disease. The program includes faculty-led seminars and mentorship and culminates in an independent research project and formal presentation. You will also conduct your own independent research project utilizing the skills learned in the program. By combining technical skill-building with exposure to real-world health research, RTP prepares students for further study in science and healthcare.

Seattle Children’s Research Institute is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, physicians and healthcare workers. Scientific advancements and biomedical research benefit everyone. This program is intended for students seeking their first research experience. Prior formal research experience is not required. Students must have a strong interest in one of the following fields: biology, biochemistry, microbiology, public health or a related scientific field. Students must be able to reside within commuting distance of Downtown Seattle for the duration of the program. Students will receive a stipend, which is considered reportable income by the Internal Revenue Service. The RTP is not a medical program. Students will not be working at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and we will not be working with patients. Also, we will not be covering medical school in great detail.

4. University of Washington’s INSIGHT High School Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,200 | None
Dates: July 7 - August 1
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Current high school students entering grades 9-12 or recently graduated

The INSIGHT program allows high school students to learn about injury and violence prevention research, with a strong focus on health equity. You’ll work in teams on research projects, learn to analyze real-world public health data and receive mentorship from UW faculty. Weekly seminars cover topics like epidemiology, social determinants of health, and research ethics. Finally, you’ll conclude with a formal symposium presentation, developing both analytical skills and professional confidence in tackling real public health challenges. The program also includes seminars on creating compelling resumes as well as presentations, and learning the essentials of public speaking. You will be given a Certificate of Completion at the end.

The Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center (HIPRC) is a worldwide leader in injury cause and prevention research. INSIGHT High School Program is an exciting and interactive four-week program designed to introduce young scholars to public health, biomedical research, & medicine.

5. Biomedical Research Internship for Growth of High school Trainees from Underrepresented Populations (BRIGHT-UP)

Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None | Minimum wage
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds

BRIGHT‑UP is a paid internship supporting underrepresented students to explore and pursue biomedical research careers. The program begins with an intensive week of lab-skill workshops, followed by six weeks of mentored research in University of Washington labs. You will work with scientists, learn advanced techniques like gel electrophoresis and gene editing, and present your research to UW faculty and peers. You will also attend weekly career development sessions. This program is known for expanding access to health sciences while building a strong technical and professional foundation for participants. You will be required to commit 30 hours per week to this program.

6. ISB SEE/ Baliga Lab High School Intern Programs

Location: Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None | $5,000
Dates: June 30 - August 22
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Current 11th graders only

The ISB SEE/ Baliga Lab High School Internship is an intensive, 8-week in-person program where you’ll dive into systems biology research alongside professional scientists. The program is one of Seattle’s most immersive, professionally structured high school research opportunities. The Institute for Systems Biology is a nonprofit biomedical research organization based in Seattle.

7. Neuroscience Summer Scholarship Program

Eligibility: citizen or permanent resident | Minimum GPA 3.2| Check out the other criterias here.

The Neuroscience Summer Scholarship Program’s intensive “bench-to-bedside” program places students in UW neuroscience labs alongside clinicians in ORs and neurology clinics. As an intern, you’ll attend grand rounds, faculty lectures, and resident-led discussions every week, giving you first hand exposure to real-world neuroscientific inquiry and clinical care. You’ll complete mentored research projects and present your findings to faculty, peers, and family at a capstone symposium. Many previous participants in the program have gone on to pursue neuroscience careers, MDs, and PhDs. With hands-on lab work, OR shadowing, high-level seminars, and mentorship, it’s one of Seattle’s most rigorous pre-college neuroscience opportunities.

8. UDOC

Eligibility: citizens or permanent residents | Limited financial or educational resources and from under-resourced backgrounds

UDOC is a transformative six-week summer academy designed to inspire high school juniors interested in healthcare careers, especially those from communities underrepresented in medicine. For the first half, you’ll engage online in interactive workshops, and for the second half, you’ll attend hands-on sessions at UW, practicing physical exams, suturing, and patient interviewing under the guidance of medical students and faculty. Beyond clinical skills, UDOC offers mentorship, college-prep resources, and exposure to diverse healthcare environments. The program involves a blend of remote learning and in-person clinical exposure that is rigorous and supportive, offering early insight into what a future in medicine truly looks like.

9. UW Nurse Camp

Location: University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: July 14 -18
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors | Must be 16 years old before the camp’s first day

UW Nurse Camp invites high school students to explore the field of nursing through a week-long experience on UW’s Seattle campus. You’ll rotate through simulation labs, shadow nurses at UW Medical Center - Northwest and UW Medical Center - Montlake, complete CPR and HIPAA training, and engage in skill-based workshops like taking vitals and operating medical equipment. The program features panels with nursing professionals from forensics, public health, emergency, and research. You will also be part of sessions on preparing for college and getting into nursing school. By focusing on hands-on learning and mentorship, Nurse Camp offers a realistic glimpse into the diverse pathways within nursing. UW School of Nursing is home to some of the top programs in the nation. Nurse Camp is a free week-long camp geared towards increasing access and opportunities in nursing to a more diverse population of high school sophomores and juniors who are at least 16 years of age by the first day of camp.

10. Seattle Children’s Nurse Camp

Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: July 14 - July 18
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from the Puget Sound area | Must be between the ages of 16-18 by the camp start date

Seattle Children’s Nurse Camp gives students direct exposure to pediatric nursing in one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. The program includes job shadowing in various hospital departments, training sessions in clinical skills, and discussions with current nurses about career paths. As an intern, you’ll learn how nurses work in different specialties, from emergency medicine to surgery and neonatal care. You will also engage with an educational panel to ask questions and discuss nursing as a career path. With real patient interaction and mentorship, this program will give you an inside look into the compassionate, fast-paced world of pediatric nursing. During this free, five-day camp, students will gain insight into the world of pediatric nursing by participating in clinical observation sessions. In these sessions, students will shadow nurses in a clinical environment and observe as they provide patient care and interact with patients and families.

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11. Northwest Association for Biomedical Research’s Camp BIOmed

Location: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: \$795 for employees of member institutions; \$845 for non-members; early bird discounts and scholarships available | None
Dates: July 7 - August 15 (Each camp runs for only 1 week)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 - 12

Camp BIOmed offers themed, week-long lab experiences such as CRISPR gene editing, bioinformatics, global health, crime scene investigation, microbiology and DNA barcoding. You will work in real lab settings, use professional-grade equipment, design experiments under expert guidance, and understand how biomedical research is conducted from exploration and discovery to testing and analysis. Each track emphasizes hands-on techniques while integrating discussions about ethics and careers in biomedical research. The program’s small group sizes ensure close mentorship and help students build both confidence and lab proficiency for future STEM pursuits. The camps also promote awareness of diverse science careers.

12. COPE Junior Health Scholars Program

Location: Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: 3-month track: \$595; 6-month track: \$475; 9-month track: \$325 | None
Dates: Rolling enrollment (can be year-round)
Application Deadline: Year-round applications
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who are 16-17 years old by the application deadline

The COPE Junior Health Scholars program places high school students alongside experienced Health Scholars, where they can shadow clinical teams or work independently in patient care and administrative settings. You’ll gain first-hand insight into healthcare delivery, explore educational and career pathways, and build patient communication skills. Not only that, but you’ll also receive mentorship from Health Scholars and hospital staff to support both personal and professional development. Upon program completion, you’ll earn a certificate that strengthens college and job applications and gain priority access to continue in the Health Scholar track after high school. Junior Health Scholar Program allows high school students between the ages of 16-17 to shadow a current Health Scholar or work independently in the patient care setting dependent on site requirements. Junior Health Scholars observe how care delivery and administrative teams work together to deliver excellent care and explore whether a career in health care is right for them. Scholars will work independently alongside staff members to perform basic patient care.

13. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett’s High School Summer Program

Location: Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Everett, WA (Seattle metro area)
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: typically between June - September
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Providence’s High School Summer Volunteer Program provides 100 hours of summer volunteer experience in a hospital environment. It also includes one week at “Camp Prov” working with children with special needs. You’ll assist in clerical roles, patient support, and direct service, all while gaining insight into healthcare operations and community care, making it a meaningful immersion in a clinical setting. You will also have to commit 48 hours of service as a volunteer in one of the hospital’s departments. This program allows you to gain valuable exposure to the healthcare field while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

14. UW STEP Summer Program (Students Exploring Pharmacy)

Location: UW School of Pharmacy, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: \$100 | None
Dates: July 14 - 17
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Students from grades 9 - 12

UW’s STEP Summer Program offers a 4-day, hands-on experience in the world of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science. You’ll explore pharmacy practice through interactive workshops, lab activities, and panels led by current pharmacy students and faculty. The curriculum allows you to learn health information, basic medication compounding procedures, approaches to treating illnesses, ways to improve medication-related healthcare quality, clinical skills, and community pharmacy operations. You will also participate in hands-on and other interactive activities such as campus tours and games. With its focus on real-world professional scenarios and access to UW’s cutting-edge resources, STEP provides a high-impact introduction to pharmacy as a healthcare.

Additional Opportunities

MultiCare

MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare (M.A.S.H.) Camp is a free, five-day camp for current sophomores, juniors and seniors to explore careers in health care.

Opportunity: High School Explorers Training Program - This is a two-week introduction to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch) and the research being conducted here. Participants will conduct hands-on activities in Fred Hutch’s training labs, tour working labs, meet students and scientists at different stages of their careers, and talk about next steps you can take if you are interested in biomedical research.

Seattle Children’s Hospital

Seattle Children’s Hospital employs thousands of healthcare professionals who deliver hope, care and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.

Opportunity: Scrubs & ‘Scopes Camp - During this free, five-day camp, students will explore various allied health careers by job shadowing medical assistants, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, pharmacy technicians and radiology technologists in a clinical environment, observing as they provide patient care.

Other Biomedical Research Internships

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has compiled a catalog of biomedical research opportunities offered nationwide for high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and first year medical students. Be sure to check the catalog regularly, as it is frequently updated with new opportunities.

National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates: The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.
Department of Chemistry Summer Research Awards: The Department of Chemistry’s summer research awards will support undergraduate students to pursue research with UW Department of Chemistry faculty during summer quarter. This funding opportunity is open to all UW students whether they are currently active in research or have little or no research experience.
UW Undergraduate Research Program: There are research opportunities available year round at the UW and surrounding research locations.
Clean Energy Bridge to Research (CEBR): A summer research program from the Clean Energy Institute (CEI) at the University of Washington (UW). The program is funded by the National Science Foundation and UW’s Undergraduate Research Program partners with CEI to run the program.
Molecular Engineering Materials Center: The University of Washington is home to a national center of excellence for research, education and training in materials science. The Molecular Engineering Materials Center is funded by a \$15.6 million, six-year grant from the National Science Foundation.
Academic-Year Research Accelerator Program (AYRA REU): MEM·C now offers an Academic-Year Research Accelerator for Undergraduates program (AYRA REU). If selected, students will be embedded in one of the MEM·C labs for the academic year.
The Institute for Protein Design: The goal of the Institute for Protein Design is to develop and apply methods for designing a whole new world of synthetic proteins.
The Institute for Systems Biology: The Institute for Systems Biology is a nonprofit biomedical research organization based in Seattle. The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is an intensive, nine-week internship designed to provide research experience and mentorship for undergraduate students who are interested in biomedical research.
Scan Design Innovations in Pain Research Summer Program: The Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Pain Research was developed to expose undergraduate students to interdisciplinary research in pain to stimulate interest in future careers in pain research.
The Stipends for Training Aspiring Researchers Program: The STAR program is a 12 week summer program that places undergraduates into faculty-mentored laboratories for 480 hours of paid research.
Pfizer Futures: Pfizer Futures provides meaningful real-world experience for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

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