Internships and Volunteer Opportunities for High School and Pre-Nursing Students
Updated February 10, 2023
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This guide provides information and state-by-state listings of healthcare and nursing programs for high school and pre-nursing students. For students interested in learning about healthcare careers and work environments, these programs offer an inside look at health professional jobs, including nurses.
Through these opportunities, teens can gain valuable information prior to applying to nursing school, along with work experience that enhances their college applications. Most positions take place in nonclinical settings, as clinical rotations do not happen until nursing school. Prior to that time, students must adhere to limitations imposed by their unlicensed status. Regardless, students still experience ample opportunities to observe what nurses and other practitioners do in the workforce.
While not all of the listings specify high school nursing programs, volunteers, interns, and fellows typically interact with nurses. Even general healthcare volunteer positions offer explorations of nursing and other professions.
Popular Types of Nursing Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
-
Volunteering
The largest number of opportunities for high school students involve volunteer positions, either as part of a summer program or as year-round community volunteers. Most hospitals welcome teen volunteers to perform duties that tend to be nonclinical in nature, such as assisting staff, visiting patients, and providing information to visitors. -
Internships
Nursing internships for high school students typically require junior or senior status. Internships can involve more patient care and responsibility under supervision of a nurse or other practitioner. Some hospitals and medical centers offer summer residential internships and college scholarships. -
Shadowing
Job shadowing programs offer students the chance to follow a nurse or other health professional on their regular shift for a set time period (e.g., half day, full day, or 24 hours). These opportunities are generally "hands-off" while students just observe. -
Summer Camps
Camps may involve volunteering, group activities, and presentations. They take place over 1-2 weeks and focus on letting students explore different career options in healthcare. -
Research Internships
Students with an interest in nursing or health research pair with a researcher on a project, attend classroom or informational sessions, and learn about specific research areas, such as cancer, diabetes, and other diseases and conditions.
Volunteer Opportunities and Nursing Internships Near Me
Alabama
Huntsville Hospital
Opportunities geared toward high school students ages 15 and older include job shadowing, a medical career explorer program, and hospital student volunteer positions. School-affiliated internships are available for undergraduates.
Apply for Huntsville Hospital Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Medicine
This medical center and hospital offers summer opportunities for teen volunteers, ages 15-18, and college students. Volunteers may assist in various departments or observe bedside procedures.
Apply to the University of Alabama Volunteer Program
University of South Alabama Health
Teens can learn about healthcare careers at USA Health facilities in southern Alabama. Volunteers care for newborn babies, mentor pediatric patients, and educate families about cancer detection and prevention.
Apply to the University of South Alabama Volunteer Program
Alaska
Providence Horizon House
High school students can volunteer at this residential retirement facility and assist staff during outings, take residents for walks or shopping trips, or lead an exercise class.
Apply to the Providence Horizon House Volunteer Program
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
Educational opportunities include a competitive summer internship program for high school graduates and summer internships for Alaska Native high school students in the Juneau area.
Apply to the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Internship Program
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
High school students ages 15 and older can volunteer at the Wasilla hospital, helping with everything from special events to guiding patients to assisting in the emergency department.
Apply to the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Volunteer Program
Arizona
Phoenix Children's Hospital
Teens ages 13-15 participate in summer project sessions geared toward helping hospital patients. High school students ages 16 and older can volunteer throughout the year.
Apply to the Phoenix Children's Hospital Volunteer Program
Arizona State University
ASU's West Campus in northwest Phoenix invites students in grades 9-12 to a summer college immersion that features learning communities in areas of nutrition and health.
Apply to Arizona State University's Summer Student Programs
Valleywise Health
High school juniors can benefit from patient-oriented volunteer opportunities within this Phoenix health system which include placements in the emergency department, pediatrics, pet therapy, radiology, and surgery.
Apply to the Valleywise Health Volunteer Program
Arkansas
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Students ages 14-18 can learn about caring for children and providing support to families in a hospital setting at Little Rock's Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Apply to the Arkansas Children's Hospital Volunteer Program
Baptist Health
Baptist Health offers volunteer youth programs at its various facilities, including Caring Teen and STAR Volunteen. They also provide an annual $12,500 Volunteen Scholarship to help pay for college.
Apply to the Baptist Health Volunteer Program
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The HEALERS program invites Little Rock high school students to learn about medical careers from practitioners, perform first aid and CPR, and gain clinical experience.
Apply to the University of Arkansas HEALERS Programs
California
Cope Health Scholars
High school students can shadow a current Health Scholar through hospital and medical center placements in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Bakersfield areas.
Apply to the Cope Health Scholars Job Shadow Program
Palomar Health
Palomar, located in San Diego County, offers clinical opportunities through its Pathmaker Internship Program in acute, progressive, and intensive care, along with rehabilitation and emergency medicine.
Apply to the Palomar Health Internship Program
Scripps Health
Student opportunities at San Diego County-based Scripps include the High School Exploration Internship Program, University City High School Collaboration, Young Leaders in Health Care, and onsite training through student placements.
Apply to Scripps Health's Internship and Volunteer Programs
Stanford University
Stanford's Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center offers a summer internship for high school students interested in surgical careers, including nursing. Topics include dissection, suturing, and cardiac valve replacement.
Apply to Stanford University's Internship Program
Colorado
Children's Hospital Colorado
In partnership with Denver Health, the Medical Career Collaborative Program prepares underrepresented students for future nursing and other healthcare careers with hands-on training and professional development.
Apply to the Children's Hospital Medical Career Collaborative Program
Centura Health
At Centura's Littleton Adventist Hospital, junior volunteers join a nine-week summer program where they assist nurses and interact with patients and families in the emergency department, infusion center, and nursing units.
Apply to the Centura Health Volunteer Program
University of Colorado Health
UCHealth offers student volunteer, job shadowing, and clinical observation opportunities at its hospitals throughout the state, including in the Denver area, Fort Collins, and Steamboat Springs.
Apply to the University of Colorado Health Volunteer Program
Connecticut
Stamford Health
Junior Volunteers, ages 14-17, work on patient care units, perform administrative duties, and help with events. Stamford offers internships to graduating seniors.
Apply to the Stamford Health Volunteer Program
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
The Hospital of Central Connecticut offers teen volunteer opportunities in its hospital departments and a summer program at its Southington and New Britain campuses. Volunteers must be high school students, ages 14-18.
Apply to the Hospital of Central Connecticut Volunteer Program
Yale New Haven Health
High school juniors and seniors at select area high schools can participate in the School-to-Career Internship Program during the spring and summer at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Apply to the Yale New Haven Health Internship Program
Delaware
ChristianaCare
At its hospitals in Wilmington and Newark, ChristianaCare offers its Summer VolunTeen program to high schoolers ages 14-18. Volunteers interact with patients and learn about hospital careers.
Apply to the ChristianaCare Volunteer Program
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill
High school students can volunteer during the summer in positions such as physical therapy assistant, information desk staff, and patient visitor.
Apply to the Delaware Hospital Volunteer Program
Nemours Children's Health System
The competitive summer high school volunteer program chooses participants by lottery. Selected students interact with children and their families in the Wilmington hospital.
Apply to the Nemours Children's Health Volunteer Program
Florida
Mayo Clinic
The clinic, located in Jacksonville, offers a summer program for high school students, along with year-round programs for home-school and early college enrollees. Teens volunteer in gastrointestinal recovery, oncology, and surgical units.
Apply to the Mayo Clinic Volunteer Program
Nemours Children's Health System
Teens wanting to learn more about pediatric health can volunteer in a specialty care program in either Pensacola or Jacksonville by assisting staff with supporting patients and families, including serving on pet visitation teams.
Apply to the Nemours Children's Health Volunteer Program
West Florida Healthcare
High school students and recent graduates interested in nursing and healthcare can volunteer at Pensacola's West Florida Hospital assisting physicians and staff with patient care.
Apply to the West Florida Healthcare Volunteer Program
Georgia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Opportunities at the CDC in Atlanta for high school students curious about public health include internships and worksite volunteer positions.
Apply for CDC Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
This hospital offers two volunteer opportunities for high school students: VolunTeen, a summer program with patient interaction, and the Explorer Program where teens learn about medical careers from professionals.
Apply to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Volunteer Program
Christian City
Though not a medical organization, this Atlanta faith-based not-for-profit offers teens enrolled in high school or recent graduates under the age of 19 the chance to learn about the organization's mission of helping children and families in crisis. In addition to foster care and homeless services, Christian City includes senior assisted living facilities.
Apply to the Christian City Teen Student Program
Hawaii
Cope Health Scholars
High school students in the Honolulu area can participate in an immersive experience working alongside healthcare professionals at Adventist Health Castle in Kailua.
Apply to the Cope Health Scholars Program
Area Health Education Center
The Pre-Health Career Corps engages students in learning about health careers and supporting them through college with volunteer positions, career shadowing, internships, and financial resources. The center is housed at the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine.
Apply for Area Health Education Center Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Hawaii Pacific Health
The Health Careers Summer Internship Program offers high school students the chance to explore career options, learn about hospital systems, and talk to practitioners.
Apply to the Hawaii Pacific Health Internship Program
Idaho
Kootenai Health
Teens can gain experience in a professional environment and learn about the healthcare industry through Kootenai Health's teen volunteer program. Most volunteer areas require a regularly scheduled, weekly, four-hour shift.
Apply to the Kootenai Health Volunteer Program
Idaho State University
High school students interested in healthcare careers can apply to the Early College Program, which offers dual credits for both high school and college. Applicants need a minimum 2.7 GPA to apply.
Apply to the Idaho State University Early College Program
Madison Memorial Hospital
High school students can apply for externships, internships, shadowing, and volunteering opportunities. Madison Memorial Hospital provides training for all positions, along with exploration of a variety of health careers.
Apply for Madison Memorial Hospital Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
St. Luke's
This Boise not-for-profit healthcare organization's Junior Volunteer Program accepts students ages 14-18 looking to gain hospital experience, customer service and leadership skills, and patient interaction.
Apply to St. Luke's Volunteer Program
Featured Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Illinois
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
High school juniors and seniors in select Illinois towns can apply for a Kendall Smith Healthcare Exploration Scholarship. Recipients spend six weeks in a summer hospital immersion and receive a stipend.
Apply to the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Internship Program
Edward-Elmhurst Health
Volunteers, including high school students, receive orientation and on-the-job training in patient care and advocacy at hospital settings in the Naperville and Elmhurst areas.
Apply to the Edward-Elmhurst Health Volunteer Program
Southern Illinois Healthcare
Designed to interest high school juniors and seniors, along with graduating seniors, in healthcare careers, SIH's Summer Internship Program includes tracks in nursing and other healthcare-related fields.
Apply to the Southern Illinois Healthcare Internship Program
Indiana
Ascension Healthcare
Ascension welcomes students ages 15 and above as volunteers at its various locations, including Peyton Manning Children's, St. Vincent Fishers, and St. Vincent Warrick hospitals.
Apply to the Ascension Healthcare Volunteer Program
Union Health
Teens ages 15-18 can apply for Union Health's summer volunteer program. Volunteers serve in nursing units, Imaging Services, the information desk, and other areas of the hospital.
Apply to the Union Health Volunteer Program
Indiana University School of Medicine
High school students interested in health-related research can choose among several scholarships in areas like behavioral sciences, biomedicine, and molecular medicine.
Apply to the Indiana University School of Medicine Training Program
Parkview Health
Fort Wayne-based Parkview partners with affiliated schools to pair high school seniors with health professionals in their areas of interest for semester-long internships and externships.
Apply for Parkview Health Internships
Iowa
Catholic Health Initiatives
Southwestern Iowa high school students in grades 10-12 can participate in free Health Care Career Exploration Camps that introduce teens to different healthcare careers.
Apply to the Catholic Health Initiatives Career Exploration Camp
Mary Greeley Medical Center
The center offers one-on-one clinical internship and preceptor programs, job shadowing, and youth volunteer opportunities to introduce students to healthcare careers.
Apply for Mary Greeley Medical Center Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
UnityPoint Health
This Des Moines healthcare organization offers student volunteer opportunities in its Iowa Lutheran Hospital Volunteen Program. Volunteers must be 14-18 years old and commit to 2-4 hours per week for two semesters.
Apply for UnityPoint Health Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Kansas
Ascension Via Christi
The Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita offers nursing unit volunteer positions to teens, including greeting visitors, delivering gifts to patients' rooms, and aiding with dismissals.
Apply to the Via Christi Volunteer Program
Children's Mercy Research Institute
Students from underrepresented groups can apply for the STAR 2.0 program. Participants work on an original project, earn a stipend, and learn about medical research, ethics, and careers.
Apply to the Children's Mercy Research Institute STAR 2.0 Program
Salina Regional Health Center
The School to Career program provides observational experiences for high school students taking healthcare courses or participating in a health career-focused internship.
Apply to the Salina Regional Health Center School to Career Program
Kentucky
Norton Healthcare
The Norton High School Academy Program includes three tiers: high school volunteer, academy summer internship, and an academy apprenticeship through which students can progress and explore careers.
Apply to the Norton Healthcare High School Academy Program
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
The High School Senior Internship Program offers service learning experiences for students in their senior year. Interns explore the different hospital departments and their impacts on patient care.
Apply to the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Internship Program
University of Louisville Health
This healthcare organization's Louisville-area hospitals offer volunteering and job shadowing for teens in emergency departments, surgery waiting areas, clinics, and pastoral care.
Apply to the University of Louisville Health Job Shadow and Volunteer Programs
Louisiana
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
High school juniors and seniors with 2.5 GPAs can volunteer in areas like the Center for Health, surgery waiting area, pediatric rehab, and radiology.
Apply to the Baton Rouge General Medical Center Volunteer Program
Children's Hospital of New Orleans
The career shadowing program includes opportunities to shadow nurses and other practitioners in various hospital departments. Students must be 16 or older. The hospital also offers volunteer positions.
Apply to the Children's Hospital of New Orleans Student Career and Volunteer Programs
Tulane Medical Center
High school student volunteers at Tulane can work at the information desk, emergency department, patient relations, the cancer center, and additional medical center units.
Apply to the Tulane Medical Center Volunteer Program
Maine
Central Maine Medical Center
The junior volunteer program invites applications from independent, enthusiastic, and responsible teens ages 14-17 for school-year and summer shifts.
Apply to the Central Maine Medical Center Volunteer Program
MaineHealth
MaineHealth's Center for Workforce Development introduces students to career options within the health system through summer internships, junior volunteers, and student partnerships.
Apply to MaineHealth Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Northern Light Health
The hospitals within this health system offer volunteer opportunities for teens, including junior volunteers at Portland-area locations and patient and rehab care at the Blue Hill hospital.
Apply to the Northern Light Health Volunteer Program
Maryland
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins and its agency partners host a Summer Scholars program that includes a track for underrepresented Baltimore high school juniors enrolled in the MERIT Health Leadership Academy.
Apply to the Johns Hopkins Summer Scholars Program
Meritus Health
This Hagerstown hospital offers high school students ages 14-18 the chance to participate in the Volunteen program. Volunteers ages 14 and 15 are assigned to the gift shop or coffee shop, 16-year-olds can provide nursing support, and 17 and 18-year-olds can work in the emergency department.
Apply for the Meritus Health Volunteen Program
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
High school students can apply to the NIH Clinical Center Summer Internship Program, which pairs students with researchers and health professionals in nursing and other research areas.
Apply to the NIH Clinical Center Summer Internship Program
Northwest Hospital
Teens ages 15-18 in the Randallstown area can earn community service hours and learn new skills as volunteers in surgical services, patient advocacy, and the emergency room.
Apply to the Northwest Hospital Volunteer Program
Massachusetts
Beth Israel Lahey Health
Beth Israel's Winchester Hospital introduces students ages 14-18 to healthcare careers through its Junior Volunteer Program. Participants assist with patient discharge and deliver charts and lab samples.
Apply to the Beth Israel Lahey Health Volunteer Program
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston's BWH features summer internships that open up healthcare careers to students, the Student Success Jobs Program that provides mentoring, and Project TEACH for 10th graders enrolled in partner schools.
Apply for Brigham and Women's Hospital Internships and Student Programs
Lowell General Hospital
Students ages 16-18 can apply to the Junior Track volunteer program and learn about healthcare careers. Volunteers commit 100 hours of service and work after school.
Apply to the Lowell General Hospital Volunteer Program
Saint Vincent Hospital
Worcester-area teens can attend the Summer High School Student Program, in which they gain healthcare skills and earn a recognition certificate if they log 50 hours.
Apply to the Saint Vincent Hospital Summer High School Student Program
Michigan
Ascension Providence Hospital
High school students ages 16 and older can apply to volunteer at Ascension Providence, Novi and Ascension Providence, Southfield. A minimum six-month commitment is required.
Apply to the Ascension Providence Volunteer Program
MyMichigan Health
Teens ages 14 and older can volunteer at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alpena and Midland. Students can also apply for one-day job shadowing experiences with current employees.
Apply to the MyMichigan Health Volunteer Program
Beaumont Health
Student experiences at Beaumont Health include volunteer positions at its locations throughout the Detroit metro area. Experiences include both year-round and summer positions.
Apply for Beaumont Health Volunteer Opportunities
Minnesota
Minnesota Hospital Association
The Summer Health Care Internship Program matches high school juniors and seniors and graduates with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities to provide experiences working in healthcare.
Apply to the Minnesota Hospital Association Internship Program
Sanford Health
Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota high school students can learn about healthcare careers at the Health Occupations & Professions Exploration Camp on the North Dakota State University campus.
Apply to the Sanford Health Career Exploration Camp
Tri-County Health Care
High school students ages 16 and older can apply for job shadowing positions in which they observe a professional caring for patients.
Apply to the Tri-County Health Care Student Shadow/Internship Program
Mississippi
Baptist Memorial Health Care
The CRASH Course camp invites applications from high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The summer camp introduces students to careers in nursing at several Baptist Memorial hospital locations.
Apply to the Baptist Memorial Health Care CRASH Course Camp
North Mississippi Health Services
This organization fosters student interest in healthcare careers through several programs, including a summer health academy, summer volunteering, job shadowing, and scholarships.
Apply for North Mississippi Health Services Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Singing River Health System
Student volunteers can find nonclinical summer opportunities in the cancer center, emergency department, and radiology at Pascagoula and Ocean Springs hospitals.
Apply to the Singing River Health System Volunteer Program
Missouri
CoxHealth
Springfield's CoxHealth accepts high school volunteers ages 15 and up with a 3.0 GPA and recommendations. The student program focuses on engaging volunteers for possible future recruitment.
Apply to the CoxHealth Volunteer Program
Children's Mercy at Kansas City
Children's Mercy Hospital provides summer volunteer opportunities for high school students who want to support staff and create positive experiences for patients, families, and visitors.
Apply to the Children's Mercy Hospital Observership Program
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
The St. Louis-based hospital offers volunteer opportunities where students gain insight into healthcare careers. Student volunteers provide support, comfort, and facility navigation service to patients.
Apply to the Missouri Baptist Medical Center Volunteer Program
Montana
Billings Clinic
The clinic welcomes student volunteers ages 15-18 who can commit to one four-hour shift a week for eight weeks minimum. Students must also attend a two-day orientation.
Apply to the Billings Clinic Volunteer Program
Bozeman Health
Junior volunteers work under the supervision of an adult member to perform nonmedical tasks in their chosen department. Shifts take place during the school year.
Apply to the Bozeman Health Volunteer Program
Providence St. Patrick's Hospital
Missoula's Providence St. Patrick's Hospital invites high school students interested in learning about healthcare careers to volunteer and assist hospital staff and patients.
Apply to the Providence St. Patrick's Hospital Volunteer Program
Nebraska
Children's Hospital & Medical Center Omaha
Kids and teens can learn more about healthcare careers and make a positive contribution to medicine in Nebraska by volunteering through Teen Connection or joining the KIDS Nebraska Advisory Board. Teen Connection volunteers apply in the summer or fall to join volunteer groups.
Apply to the Children's Hospital & Medical Center Teen Connection Volunteer Program
Catholic Health Initiatives Health
High school students in grades 10-12 can participate in free Health Care Career Exploration Camps that include group activities, interactive learning, and tours of facilities and departments.
Apply to the Catholic Health Initiatives Career Exploration Camp
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The Omaha-based High School Alliance Health Sciences Enrichment Program for juniors and seniors features observation and shadowing tracks. Participants can also take college-level courses taught by practitioners, including nurses.
Apply to the UNMC High School Alliance Health Sciences Enrichment Program
Nevada
Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center
The hospital partners with Las Vegas schools to provide High School to Healthcare program funding for seniors heading to college, along with offering student volunteer opportunities.
Apply to Southern Hills Hospital's High School to Healthcare Program
MountainView Hospital
Teens ages 14-17 can apply to MountainView Hospital's Summer Junior Volunteer Program. Assignments vary depending on the volunteer's age and skills.
Apply to the MountainView Hospital Summer Junior Volunteer Program
The Valley Health System
Teens ages 16-18 with a 2.5 GPA can participate in the summer volunteer teen program at Las Vegas-area hospitals. Volunteers attend an orientation covering infection prevention, patient confidentiality, and safety.
Apply to the Valley Health System Volunteer Program
New Hampshire
Concord Hospital
Students ages 14 and up learn about health professions and develop new skills by greeting and escorting patients, delivering mail to departments, and providing clerical support.
Apply to the Concord Hospital Volunteer Program
Speare Memorial Hospital
Students ages 14 and older can volunteer at Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth. Volunteers commit to 30 hours in the first year, assisting patients, visitors, and staff while learning about careers in healthcare.
Apply to the Elliot Hospital Volunteer Program
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center
The teen volunteer program provides opportunities to students ages 14-18 during the afternoons and weekends. The program also awards six $1,000 scholarships each year to teen volunteers.
Apply to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center Volunteer Program
New Jersey
Cooper University Healthcare
Student volunteers ages 14-17 at Camden-based Cooper acquire experience in patient care, perform clerical tasks, and serve as radiology ambassadors. Volunteers can earn community service and internship hours.
Apply to the Cooper University Healthcare Volunteer Program
Jefferson University Hospitals
High school students can apply for summer volunteer positions working with patients and clinical staff, performing clerical duties and providing patient services, such as patient escorting.
Apply to the Jefferson University Hospital Volunteer Program
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
The institute offers numerous education and training events for students in middle school and above with the goal of training the next generation of cancer researchers.
Apply to Rutgers Cancer Institute Student Programs
New Mexico
Presbyterian Healthcare Services
High school graduating seniors can explore healthcare careers during this six-week paid summer internship. Interns rotate through departments and observe nursing, clinical, and support staff. High school students ages 16 and older can also volunteer.
Apply to the Presbyterian Healthcare Services Internship Program
University of New Mexico Health
UNM Health's Youth Empowerment Program introduces high school students to healthcare careers with summer and after-school hands-on activities, volunteering, and classroom instruction.
Apply to UNM Health's Youth Empowerment Program
New York
Addressing Health Equity Challenges
This organization serves Manhattan and Staten Island. Its Summer Health Internship Program places high schoolers in healthcare facilities to learn about health professions and issues.
Apply to Addressing Health Equity Challenges' Summer Health Internship Program
Adelphi University
Based in Garden City, Adelphi offers a pre-college introduction to nursing track for high school students. Held in the summer months, students live on campus and earn three college credits.
Apply to Adelphi University's Pre-College Summer Program
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for high schoolers ages 15 and up. Students can volunteer in the Child Life and Take 10 programs, provide pet therapy, and work as ambassadors. The hospital also offers a limited number of research-based volunteer programs for high school students.
Apply to the Mount Sinai Hospital Volunteer Program
North Carolina
Atrium Health-Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Cabarrus offers concurrent enrollment in its healthcare programs, including nursing, for high school students who have completed at least their sophomore year with a 3.0 GPA.
Apply to Cabarrus College's Concurrent Enrollment Program
Cone Health
The Annie Penn Hospital Teen Volunteer Program consists of a six-week summer opportunity for Reidsville-area high school students to experience working in a hospital environment.
Apply to the Annie Penn Hospital Teen Volunteer Program
University of North Carolina Medical Center
UNC's summer high school volunteers benefit from eight-week positions in nursing units at its Chapel Hill and Hillsborough sites. The program teaches practical job skills in an academic hospital setting.
Apply to the UNC Medical Center Summer Volunteer Program
North Dakota
Altru Health System
Grand Forks-based Altru accepts applications for its junior volunteer program from students ages 16 and up who have completed tenth grade. Volunteers gain on-the-job experience and explore health occupations.
Apply to the Altru Health System Volunteer Program
Heart of America Medical Center
Teens ages 12-18 can apply to the Heart of America VolunTeens summer program. Volunteers greet visitors, help transport patients, spend time with residents, and play music or read, among other tasks.
Apply to the Heart of America Medical Center VolunTeens Program
Sanford Health
High school students in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota can learn about healthcare careers at the Health Occupations & Professions Exploration Camp at the North Dakota State University camp.
Apply to the Sanford Health Career Exploration Camp
Ohio
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Graduating high school seniors can apply for eight-week summer internships in which they work with a mentoring physician in a pediatric specialty area.
Apply to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Internship Program
Cleveland Clinic
The clinic's Zielony Nursing Institute partners with schools nationwide to mentor and develop new nurses through senior projects. The project matches each student with a nurse in an assigned unit.
Apply to the Cleveland Clinic Senior Project Program
Premier Health
High school students can job shadow and observe a healthcare worker in a selected department, including nursing, at Dayton-based Premier Health.
Apply to the Premier Health Job Shadow Program
Oklahoma
Ascension St. John Hospitals
The Junior Volunteer programs at Ascension St. John hospitals in Broken Arrow, Owasso, and Sapulpa provide summer and school-year career discovery and exploration opportunities for students ages 15-18.
Apply to the Ascension St. John Volunteer Program
Stillwater Medical Foundation
Recipients of high school fellowships observe surgeries, childbirth, and emergency procedures and shadow physicians. Former fellows have entered nursing and other medical fields.
Apply to the Stillwater Medical Foundation High School Fellowship Program
Bethany Children's Health Center
The center's VOLUME program grants service-based, hands-on learning for high schoolers planning for healthcare careers, such as nursing. Activities include job shadowing, pediatric patient care, and team building.
Apply to the Bethany Children's Health Center VOLUME Program
Oregon
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Oregon high school students ages 16 and older can volunteer at Kaiser Permanente Northwest hospitals. Options include a school year program and an eight week summer volunteer program.
Apply to the Kaiser Permanente Volunteer Program
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland-based OHSU houses a nursing school and offers numerous K-12 student experiences, such as a summer scholars program with partner schools that focuses on cancer research, treatment, and prevention.
Apply to Oregon Health & Science University's K-12 Programs
PeaceHealth
Teen volunteers ages 15-18 can apply for school-year and summer placements at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend located in Springfield.
Apply to the PeaceHealth Volunteer Program
Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation
Bryn Mawr invites high school student volunteers to gain healthcare experience, earn community service credits, obtain letters of reference, and shadow clinicians and practitioners.
Apply to the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation Volunteer Program
Jefferson Health
High school summer volunteer opportunities include working with patients and clinical staff. Students also participate in career day where they can ask questions to health providers.
Apply to the Jefferson Health Volunteer Program
Penn Medicine
Penn's junior volunteer programs offer high school students exposure to healthcare professions, patient care, and daily duties. Placements depend on site availability and students' interests.
Apply to the Penn Medicine Volunteer Program
Rhode Island
Care New England
The Teen Volunteer Program exposes students who have completed one year of high school and aspire to healthcare careers to numerous medical professions.
Apply to the Care New England Volunteer Program
Lifespan
The Lifespan Summer Youth Employment Program provides students ages 16-19 with an inside look at healthcare, paid summer employment, career advice, and potential employment beyond the summer.
Apply to the Lifespan Summer Youth Employment Program
South County Health
Volunteer opportunities at South County Hospital for students ages 13 and up include assisting postoperative patients, cancer center and surgical service staff, and helping emergency department nurses.
Apply to the South County Health Volunteer Program
South Carolina
Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation
The greater Charlotte-area clinics invite teens to volunteer as nursing unit assistants and patient mentors, along with job shadowing nurses and occupational and physical therapists.
Apply to the Atrium Health Carolinas Volunteer Program
Pee Dee Area Health Education Center
Underrepresented high school students in the Pee Dee area can apply for summer fellowships and internships with the Health Careers Program. Interns receive a stipend, and the fellowships include housing, meals, and a stipend.
Apply for Pee Dee Area Health Education Center Fellowships and Internships
Prisma Health
Prisma's Healthcare Exploration programs seek to engage students through the Health Careers Club, virtual career talks, summer academy and volunteering, and a health science career center at Carolina High School.
Apply to the Prisma Healthcare Exploration Program
South Dakota
Sanford Health
Health Occupations & Professions Exploration Camp offers high school students in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota a chance to investigate healthcare careers at the North Dakota State University campus.
Apply to the Sanford Health Occupations & Professions Exploration Camp
Sanford Research
The PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship provides high school students with 10-week internships in biomedical sciences research, three University of South Dakota credits, and $2,500 scholarships.
Apply for the PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship
Tennessee
East Tennessee Children's Hospital
The Knoxville hospital's summer VolunTeen Program invites high schoolers to help at its diabetes camp or at camps for rehabilitation center patients.
Apply to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital Volunteer Program
Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge
Methodist Medical Center offers a Junior Volunteer program for students ages 15-18. Volunteers support staff, patients, and families.
Apply to the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Volunteer Program
Williamson Medical Center
The junior volunteer program at Nashville's Williamson Medical Center provides opportunities for teens ages 14-18 to work with patients and their families and explore potential career paths in healthcare.
Apply to the Williamson Medical Center Volunteer Program
Texas
Covenant Health
West Texas' Covenant offers nurse observation experiences for students ages 16 and above, along with pre-nursing school internships for college-level students.
Apply to the Covenant Health Job Shadow Program
Houston Methodist
The Caring Teen Volunteer Program accepts applications from community youth and delivers opportunities to network with medical professionals and provide supplemental hospital services.
Apply to the Houston Methodist Volunteer Program
Texas Health Resources
The Dallas-Fort Worth network invites teens to become junior volunteers at its various facilities during the summer. Volunteers curious about healthcare operations can develop professional skills.
Apply to the Texas Health Resources Volunteer Program
Utah
Intermountain Healthcare
Teen volunteers at Intermountain medical facilities can work with pediatric patients at Primary Children's Hospital, coordinate with pet therapists at Park City Hospital, and find numerous other opportunities.
Apply to the Intermountain Healthcare Volunteer Program
Maliheh Free Clinic
High school students can join nurses and other practitioners at this Salt Lake City community clinic and provide administrative support and perform services, such as reading to children in the waiting room.
Apply to the Maliheh Free Clinic Volunteer Program
University of Utah Health
The Youth Volunteer Summer program offers after-school opportunities working with patients and staff in a Salt Lake City clinical setting.
Apply to the University of Utah Health Volunteer Program
Vermont
Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center
Med Quest 2.0 is the health careers exploration program for middle and high school students that offers career workshops, job shadowing, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Apply to the Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center Career Exploration Camp
University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
The statewide Office of Primary Care and Area Education Centers Program facilitates community and academic partnerships that connect students to healthcare careers.
Apply to Larner College of Medicine Student Programs
Virginia
Inova
This Northern Virginia nonprofit health system offers numerous volunteer options for teens that suit their interests and enable them to explore potential careers.
Apply to the Inova Volunteer Program
Mary Washington Healthcare
Area high school students ages 14-17 can apply for summer junior volunteer positions working with patients, families, staff, and visitors at this Fredericksburg healthcare organization.
Apply to the Mary Washington Healthcare Volunteer Program
Virginia Hospital Center
Teens ages 16 and up can volunteer and assist staff with direct patient care in inpatient units, women and infant health, and outpatient services at this Arlington hospital.
Apply to the Virginia Hospital Center Volunteer Program
Washington
Cope Health Scholars
High school students can learn about patient care from a current health scholar at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle or Multicare Health Systems in Spokane.
Apply to Cope Health Scholars' Student Programs
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
At Vancouver-based PeaceHealth, volunteer positions are available to teens ages 14-18 in medical and surgical nursing units, the emergency department, the intensive care unit, and oncology and other departments.
Apply to the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Volunteer Program
Washington Hospital Healthcare System
High school students age 16 and older with at least a 3.0 GPA can apply to volunteer at Washington Hospital Healthcare System. Volunteers commit to at least 100 hours and work in the gift shop, lobby, or birthing center. They can also play music in the lobby.
Apply to the Washington Hospital Healthcare System Student Program
Washington, D.C.
Children's National Hospital
The Summer High School Volunteer Program provides students ages 15-18 a first-hand look at working in a children's hospital. The eight-week program starts with an information session and training.
Apply to the Children's National Hospital Volunteer Program
Georgetown University
GU hosts a three-week college-prep summer program for high school seniors with seminars in health studies, test prep workshops, and mentorships.
Apply to the Georgetown University Summer College Immersion Program
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The D.C.-based VA medical center offers students nationwide an inside view of career options, ways to gain healthcare experience, and qualification for college scholarships.
Apply to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Volunteer Program
West Virginia
Fairmont Regional Medical Center
Students ages 13 and older can join the VolunTeen program to learn about healthcare careers, professional roles, and community health.
Apply to the Fairmont Regional Medical Center Volunteer Program
West Virginia University Health System
WVU Medicine's Ruby Memorial Hospital invites high school students to apply for its summer Junior Volunteer Academy. Students gain hands-on experience as they pursue their interest in various health professions.
Apply to the West Virginia University Health System Volunteer Program
Wisconsin
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Milwaukee-area teen volunteers work with pediatric patients in hospitals, advocate for children's health to state legislators, and assist at fundraising events.
Apply to the Children's Wisconsin Volunteer Program
Froedtert Hospital & Medical College of Wisconsin
In partnership with Milwaukee's Carmen High School, student interns can gain work experience, home life skills, and earn scholarships for college while learning about healthcare careers.
Apply to the Froedtert Hospital Internship Program
Aurora Health Care
Teens ages 14 and above can volunteer year-round at Aurora Health Care locations, including Aurora Medical Center Kenosha, Aurora Medical Center Bay Area, Aurora Medical Center - Manitowoc County, and Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh. .
Apply to the Aurora Health Care Volunteer Program
Wyoming
Campbell County Health
CCH's junior volunteers can learn new skills and provide aid to the community by supporting services to children, working with clerical records, and helping at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center, among other roles.
Apply to the Campbell County Health Volunteer Program
Memorial Hospital
High school students find volunteer opportunities by working in a hospital environment, providing support to patients, their families, and visitors at the Sweetwater County facility.
Apply to the Memorial Hospital Volunteer Program
Banner Wyoming Medical Center
Casper-based WMC accepts applications from teens ages 14-17 and up for the junior volunteer program and ages 18 and older for adult volunteer opportunities.
You might be interested in
How Should Nursing Students Pick a Minor?
Published June 1, 2023 · 2 Min Read
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.