Thinking about a career in medicine is incredibly exciting, but the journey can feel a little intimidating when you are just starting out in high school. You might be wondering what a doctor or a medical researcher actually looks like when you step away from your standard biology textbook and enter a real clinical environment. Because medicine involves hands-on patient care, quick problem-solving, and laboratory research, exploring medical programs for high school students in NYC can be one of the best ways to truly understand the profession.

Picture yourself wearing scrubs in a bustling New York City hospital, analyzing cancer cells alongside researchers at an institute like Memorial Sloan Kettering, or learning how to properly suture a wound in a high-tech simulation lab. You will gain practical clinical skills, work alongside respected healthcare professionals, and experience the intense but rewarding pace of medical school long before you even graduate high school.

How do you choose the best medical programs in NYC for high school students?

It can be tough to narrow down your choices because some summer camps might only offer basic first-aid training or generic biology lectures that you already know. If you really want to challenge yourself, you need to find programs connected to major institutions like NYU or Columbia University that let you participate in actual clinical rotations or complex medical research. 

In a city like New York, having the right guidance will help you explore the best programs. You could explore fields like neuroscience, oncology, or biomedical engineering through hands-on activities like anatomical dissections and patient case studies.

You will definitely need to be prepared to study hard and stay focused once your classes begin, but we have already done the heavy lifting to help you get started. To make your search much easier, we’ve carefully put together a list of 15 Medical Programs in NYC for High School Students. They’ve been picked for their challenging medical curriculum and outstanding hospital partnerships.

For a wider subject selection, you can have a look at summer programs in NYC.

15 Medical Programs in NYC for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s New York Medicine Summer School

Location: Barnard College, Columbia University, New York
Cost: £5,995 for the Non-Residential plan or £7,495 for the Classic Residential plan (which includes 13 nights of university accommodation and daily meals). Summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: June 28th to July 11th or July 12th to July 25th (Two-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (Places are limited to small class sizes of an average of 7 participants, so you should book early before they sell out)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 to 18 years old. Because the program explicitly accepts and hosts ambitious students from all over the globe, international students are fully eligible and encouraged to attend.

The Immerse Education Medicine Summer Programme is one of the most immersive medical programs for high school students NYC offers, placing you directly into the fast-paced healthcare environment of New York City. You spend 2 weeks participating in engaging, project-based learning sessions guided by real medical professionals and industry experts. The curriculum allows you to step away from standard textbooks and actually visit university research facilities and high-tech simulation labs.

During your stay, you also receive dedicated one-on-one coaching to help you plan your future medical career and craft a strong university application. You work hard to complete a comprehensive personal project that you proudly present to experts at the end of the course. This hands-on journey gives you the exact skills and confidence you need to succeed in medical school. You can secure your spot by applying right here.

Why it stands out: Instead of just teaching basic biology, the program provides extremely valuable career skills training, teaching you how to evaluate potential healthcare employers, build a strong medical CV, and write an impactful cover letter.

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Internship Program

Location: Manhattan, New York (Specifically located at the main Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital campus)
Cost: You pay absolutely no tuition, and the hospital actually pays you a $1,200 stipend for your hard work (You must handle your own travel and living arrangements)
Dates: An 8-week full-time commitment running from June 29th until August 21st
Application Deadline: All required materials are due by 8 AM EST on February 6th
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 14 years old, holding at least a 3.5 science GPA & living within a 25-mile radius of the main campus. Because participants need legal United States work authorization and a permanent local address, international students living overseas cannot apply for this specific opportunity.

This immersive 8-week internship invites ambitious high schoolers into real biomedical laboratories to study cancer. You team up with a dedicated professional scientist to run experiments and solve complex medical problems. Throughout the program, you manage a personal research project that supports the hospital’s larger mission to cure diseases. The organizers also host unique professional development workshops where you learn about different clinical careers.

Since this represents a full-time job, you commit to 40 hours of laboratory work each week. Finishing this intensive training gives you a massive advantage for college applications and future scientific roles. Find the registration portal right here.

Why it stands out: You get the extremely rare chance to conduct actual hands-on experiments at one of the top cancer research hospitals in the world while earning money as a high school student.

3. BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program

Location: Albert Einstein College of Medicine campus in the Bronx, New York
Cost: Free to participate, and you actually earn a $2,500 stipend, daily meal vouchers, and an OMNY transit card
Dates: An 8-week full-time summer session, followed by 2-hour meetings 1 day each week from September through May
Application Deadline: January 12th (Applications open on November 1st)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, live in the Bronx, and attend a Bronx high school. Because you must be a local resident attending a Bronx high school, international students are not eligible to apply.

The BEYOND ALBERT program invites local teenagers to discover the exciting world of cancer research. You spend 8 weeks during the summer working directly inside a real medical laboratory. Expert scientists and college students guide you as you perform hands-on biomedical experiments. You also attend helpful workshops that teach you how to prepare for college and plan a future career in medicine.

During the school year, you continue to meet 1 day each week to grow your skills and build your final project. At the end of the program, you present 1 independent research project to professional college professors. Applications are closed now.

Why it stands out: You can earn up to 3 college credits from the Lehman College Now Program while getting paid to learn about advanced biology.

4. Columbia University BRAINYAC Program

Location: Columbia University in New York City
Cost: The official website does not list any exact cost or stipend details for this program
Dates: The program takes place during the summer
Application Deadline: Applications for 2026 are currently closed, but the portal for the 2027 program opens in October.
Eligibility: Students in 10th or 11th grade who live in New York City and currently attend 1 of 5 specific partner programs (S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, or Double Discovery Center). Because you must reside in New York City and attend an approved partner program, international students from other countries are not eligible to apply.

The Zuckerman Institute offers BRAINYAC, one of the most specialised medical programs for high school students in NYC, where they can pursue if they are interested in neuroscience research. You get an immersive, hands-on summer research experience inside an active Columbia University laboratory. The program matches you directly with 1 dedicated Columbia neuroscientist who guides you through an exciting research project.

You connect with real scientists and learn the key skills required to work in a professional academic environment. This special internship deepens your understanding of how laboratory research creates transformative scientific discoveries. You ultimately walk away with a much stronger connection to science as a future career path. Applications for 2026 are closed. 

Why it stands out: You receive focused mentorship from a real PhD student or postdoctoral researcher while tackling complex neuroscience problems in a world-class university laboratory.

5. Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University campus in Stony Brook, New York
Cost: This specific web page does not list exact fees, but it notes that you receive a stipend award at the end of the program
Dates: June 29th to August 7th
Application Deadline: February 5th by 11:59 PM EST
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years of age by the program start date and currently in 11th grade. Because the rules strictly require all applicants to be United States citizens or permanent residents, international students are not eligible to apply.

The Simons Summer Research Program brings talented high school students to the Stony Brook University campus for an engaging science experience. You match directly with 1 faculty mentor and join an active research team to take responsibility for your own project. Throughout the summer, you attend weekly faculty talks, explore special tours, and participate in interactive workshops. The program teaches you valuable laboratory techniques while showing you what daily life looks like at a major research university.

At the end of your apprenticeship, you write 1 research abstract and design 1 research poster to showcase your hard work. You finally present your exciting discoveries at a closing poster symposium, where you receive a special stipend award. 

Why it stands out: It gives you the rare chance to take actual responsibility for a university-level research project while earning a stipend award for your hard work.

6. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program

Location: The Rockefeller University campus in New York City, New York
Cost: Free to attend, and you might receive a stipend if you show financial need (You must pay for your own housing, travel, and meals)
Dates: June 22nd to August 6th (A program lasting 7 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 2nd at 11:59 PM EST
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start date. Because the program explicitly welcomes applications from outside the United States, international students are fully eligible to apply, but they must arrange their own travel, housing, and visas.

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program places you on a collaborative research team with other passionate high schoolers. Expert scientists from top medical institutions guide your group as you explore fascinating biological questions. You spend about 35 hours a week working inside a real, modern teaching laboratory.

Throughout the summer, you design your own experiments, analyze data, and learn advanced research techniques. The program also features special guest lectures and fun social events to help you build a strong professional network. At the end of the 7 weeks, you present your final discoveries on a scientific poster to your peers and mentors. Applications are closed now. 

Why it stands out: Instead of just following a strict syllabus, you get to choose your own specific research question to investigate alongside 8 to 10 peers and at least 3 dedicated scientist mentors.

7. Columbia University’s State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)

Location: Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City
Cost: Free
Dates: You can choose between 2 sessions: a summer session in July meeting 5 days a week, or an academic year session meeting on Saturdays from October to May
Application Deadline: April 15th for the summer session and November 1st for the academic year session
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 to 12 who maintain an 80% grade average and face economic disadvantages. Because the rules strictly require all participants to be New York State residents, international students are not eligible to apply.

Columbia University offers this free preparation program to help young students pursue future careers in medicine and science. You attend challenging enrichment classes in subjects like anatomy, calculus, and psychology to build strong academic skills. Expert instructors also teach you how to succeed on important standardized tests like the PSAT and SAT.

The staff supports your personal growth by organizing fun field trips, college tours, and helpful career development workshops. If you join this community, you gain exclusive access to apply for paid laboratory internships at top research centers. During these special internships, you work directly with real scientists to master fundamental clinical and neuroscience research techniques. 

Why it stands out: You receive personalized academic counseling and college preparation support that continues to help you succeed long after your classes end.

8. NYU GSTEM Summer Research Program

Location: New York University and various partner college laboratories across New York City
Cost: Tuition is $5,750, plus an optional $3,840 if you want to live in the campus dorms and eat in the dining halls (Financial aid is available for students who need support)
Dates: June 29th to August 7th (A 6-week full-time commitment)
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (11th graders) who have a strong background in science and math. Because the university cannot sponsor summer visas for this specific program, international students living outside the United States are not eligible to apply unless they already hold an active F-1 student visa.

New York University created GSTEM as one of the most academically rigorous medical programs for high school students in NYC. You spend your summer working directly with a professional scientist or college professor on a research project. Every week, you leave the laboratory to take field trips to places like Google headquarters or the Museum of Math.

During these trips, you meet successful women in STEM who share their personal career stories and offer valuable advice. The friendly staff also teaches you how to write professional science papers and present your discoveries to an audience. At the end of the 6 weeks, you showcase your hard work at a large symposium and earn an official college transcript showing your final grade. 

Why it stands out: Instead of just taking standard classes, you actually commute to a real laboratory Monday through Thursday to work 1-on-1 with a professional researcher.

9. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free (you receive a $2000 stipend)
Dates: June 1st – August 14th (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who live full-time in New York City and attend local schools; the program is not available for international students.

The NYU ARISE program offers a 10-week summer research experience where you gain hands-on scientific training while exploring critical health and medical fields. You spend your initial 4 weeks completing remote workshops that build your laboratory safety knowledge, scientific writing abilities, and foundational research skills. You work closely with experienced mentors in specialized groups like the Applied Micro-Bioengineering Lab, the Chromatin Genomics Lab, or the Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab.

The daily schedule helps you log nearly 150 hours of active research practice while improving your public speaking talents. You end your summer journey by showcasing your medical and scientific discoveries at a special poster symposium hosted by the American Museum of Natural History. 

Why it stands out: You earn a $2000 stipend for your hard work and gain access to 1-on-1 college application support, ongoing mentorship, and an extensive alumni network that connects you to future jobs and internships.

10. Columbia University’s YES in the HEIGHTS Program

Location: Columbia University Medical or Morningside campus, New York, NY
Cost: Paid (you receive compensation for 35 hours of work per week, but housing and transportation are not provided)
Dates: June 29th – August 21st for high school students (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 9th
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 14 years old and currently enrolled in high school or college; the program is not available for international students.

The YES in THE HEIGHTS program invites you to spend 2 summers fighting cancer alongside famous doctors and researchers at Columbia University. During this 8-week internship, you dive straight into the medical field by completing hands-on scientific training in a real laboratory environment. You work 8 hours daily under the close guidance of a faculty mentor who shares your specific medical interests.

You attend a weekly biology journal club to discuss the latest cancer treatments and discoveries with other student researchers. You also build important career skills by learning proper professional etiquette and creating a personal development plan. You deliver a final oral presentation about your medical research findings at the conclusion of your 2nd year. 

Why it stands out: You participate in a rare 2-year summer commitment, which guarantees long-term mentorship from world-renowned cancer physicians and requires you to produce a formal scientific abstract that will strongly boost your future medical career.

11. NYU High School Medical Ethics Internship

Location: NYU Langone Health, Section of Medical Ethics
Cost: Not specified on the website
Dates: Spring and summer terms (specific dates are not listed)
Application Deadline: Closed for spring; summer information updates in late April
Eligibility: High school and college students from all schools; the website does not state if international students are eligible.

The Medical Ethics Internship Program brings you directly into the complex world of healthcare decision-making by introducing you to the central concepts of bioethics. You collaborate closely with respected faculty members on ongoing real-world medical projects.You participate in activities exploring critical topics like clinical ethics, transplant ethics, sports ethics, and the fair allocation of medical resources.

You engage directly with experienced professionals working in public health, patient advocacy, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry. You examine difficult moral dilemmas that doctors and researchers face every day while developing a better understanding of patient care. You build valuable mentorship relationships that guide your future medical career far beyond the internship.

Why it stands out: You gain a look into the legal and moral side of medicine, preparing you to tackle the tough decisions that modern doctors face in their daily practice.

12. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai – CEYE Internship Placement Program

Location: Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY
Cost: Not specified on the website
Dates: Summer term (specific dates are not listed)
Application Deadline: Closed for the upcoming summer; updates will be released in December
Eligibility: All New York City high school students; the website does not state if the program is available for international students.

The Center for Excellence in Youth Education Internship Placement Program is one of the most hands-on medical programs for high school students in NYC. You work directly inside the Mount Sinai Health System to complete a daily internship alongside a dedicated clinical mentor. You choose from 4 specialised medical tracks that let you explore exciting healthcare careers, such as hospital placement, veterinary sciences, neurosurgery, or neurology.

You gain clinical experience by examining complex patient cases, working with biomedical research animals, or studying brain conditions like epilepsy. You interact closely with expert doctors and faculty members who teach you the daily realities of patient care. You finish the summer with a strong professional identity and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in medicine.

Why it stands out: You receive highly targeted group mentorship within specific clinical departments, giving you unparalleled, hands-on access to advanced medical fields like neurosurgery before you even start college.

13. CUNY’s Sophie Davis Health Professions Mentorship Program (HPMP)

Location: CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: 2 years (includes 4-week summer sessions and Saturday meetings 1 time a month)
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: Current 10th-grade students who have a 80 GPA or higher; the website does not state if the program is available for international students.

The Health Professions Mentorship Program immerses you in the medical field through a 2-year journey that begins before your 11th-grade year. You complete 4-week summer classes where you learn about population health, explore healthcare challenges, and present community-based medical projects. You attend Saturday sessions 1 time each month during the school year to study different organ systems and discuss clinical patient cases.

You receive direct guidance from current medical students and expert faculty members who teach you strong study habits and essential time management skills. You discover various healthcare careers ranging from medicine and nursing to dentistry. You practice standardized test preparation and mock interviews to make sure you are fully prepared for college admissions. You can submit your application right here.

Why it stands out: You participate in an extensive 2-year pipeline program that provides direct mentorship and a massive advantage for admission into a highly competitive 7-year medical degree program.

14. NYU Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP)

Location: NYU Langone Health (including Tisch Hospital), New York, NY
Cost: Free (you do not receive a salary; you must arrange and pay for your own housing)
Dates: 3 separate 4-week sessions running between May 26th and August 14th
Application Deadline: Not specified on the main website
Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, and recent graduates who are at least 18 years old; the website does not state if the program accepts international students.

The Health Career Opportunity Program allows you to explore various medical careers through a 4-week clinical internship. You spend your weekdays inside the hospital observing professional healthcare workers as they treat patients in 1 specific medical specialty. Your daily schedule usually starts around 8 AM and includes direct shadowing experiences on the clinical floor.

At 3 PM each day, you gather with fellow interns to attend engaging lectures about rehabilitation medicine and participate in college preparation seminars. You also join weekly group conferences to discuss important medical ethics and the physical obstacles that patients face. You finish the session by passing a final exam to earn a signed certificate proving you completed 140 hours of medical observation. 

Why it stands out: You secure 140 hours of direct hospital observation, giving you real-world clinical exposure that makes your future medical school applications incredibly competitive.

15. Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research – Summer Visiting Scholar Program

Location: Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health
Cost: Free
Dates: June 30th for high school students
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students who are at least 16 years old; the website does not state if the program accepts international students.

The Summer Visiting Scholar Program immerses you in real disease-oriented research under a healthcare provider. You secure your spot by directly contacting a specific faculty member to ask for their personal summer mentorship. Once a mentor accepts your request, they actively start your official onboarding process to bring you into their medical laboratory.

You work closely with experienced scientists who study important health topics like genetics, molecular medicine, and brain research. You gain unique, hands-on exposure to how 5000 clinical professionals raise the standard of medical innovation every single day. You submit your required medical clearances to the employee health department before the April deadline to finalize your position. 

Why it stands out: You bypass standard applications by directly networking with top scientists, giving you immediate access to 1 of 50 active research labs focused on curing complex diseases.

Discover the Books Behind Future Doctors

Medicine asks for more than interest. It asks for stamina, curiosity, and the confidence to keep learning when answers are not obvious.

The 15 medical programs for high school students in NYC featured here give you an early look at that reality through research, clinical exposure, and practical challenge.

Instead of simply confirming an interest, these experiences help you test it, question it, and decide whether the demands of medicine genuinely suit you.

Open our Medicine Top Books Guide now to find the books future doctors read to think more deeply, ask better questions, and stay ahead from the very start.