Top Radiology Internships for High School Students

Gaining experience in radiology as a high school student can provide a strong foundation for careers in medicine, healthcare technology, or biomedical engineering. Radiology internships for high school students allow you to explore medical imaging, patient care, and healthcare workflows while also learning from professionals in hospitals, labs, and academic institutions. These programs can help you develop essential skills like communication, technical literacy, and teamwork and offer exposure to clinical tools and technologies used in diagnostic imaging and research.

Online radiology internships for high school students, in particular, are more accessible and often come at a lower cost than in-person programs. They’re also a great way to add rigour and professional credibility to your resume before applying to college. This article focuses on programs that offer prestige, rigorous professional experience, and opportunities to network with healthcare professionals and peers. Some emphasize mentorship, while others provide shadowing opportunities in radiology departments or exposure to healthcare research.

Here are some of the top radiology internships for high school students to help you explore this field.

Exploring Radiology Internships for High School Students

1. Ladder Internships

Location: RemoteProgram Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and WinterApplication Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students

The Ladder Internship is a selective program that offers high school students an opportunity to work with startups across a variety of domains, such as technology, machine learning, AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, media, and more. During the program, you'll attend presentations and interactive sessions with a wide range of healthcare professionals, including radiologists, pediatricians, surgeons, and therapists. While you won't be shadowing in radiology exclusively, you'll get insight into how imaging fits into broader clinical care, especially in pediatric settings. The structure emphasizes professional development, networking, and exposure to real-world healthcare environments. At the end of the program, all participants receive a certificate of completion, and one $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a standout participant.

2. Cooper University Health Care High School Volunteer Program

Location: Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJCost: FreeDates: June-SeptemberApplication Deadline: RollingEligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 and 17

This program offers students the opportunity to support various hospital departments while learning about the internal workflow of a professional healthcare center. One of the unique placements available is the Radiology Ambassador role, where you can assist staff in the imaging department and observe how radiology contributes to patient care. Other volunteer roles include patient care support, transport services, clerical duties, and concierge work. Through these experiences, you’ll interact with clinical and non-clinical teams, gaining exposure to both the medical and administrative aspects of healthcare. The program is structured to help students explore professional pathways and fulfill community service or internship hour requirements.

3. UCSF Research Initiative to promote Diversity in Radiology (RIDR)

Location: University of California, San Francisco, CACost: Free; Includes a $3,000 stipend for high school participantsDates: 8 weeks during the summer; Start is flexible between June 1-July 1Application Deadline: Applications open in December; The exact deadline isn’t specifiedEligibility: High school, college, and medical students who are from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds or are committed to working with underserved communities

The RIDR Program at UCSF is a summer research opportunity designed to introduce high school, college, and medical students, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, to the field of radiology. If selected, you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor from the UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging to assist with a clinical, translational, or basic science research project. Over eight weeks, you'll explore key topics in radiology and develop a research abstract to present at UCSF’s Summer Students Symposium. The program also encourages participation in broader academic discussions, potential manuscript collaboration, and career development sessions focused on increasing diversity in medicine.

4. Atrium Health Student Placement-Summer Internship (Non-Clinical)

Location: Atrium Health, Greater Charlotte Region, NCCost: Free (paid through school-sponsored programs like the Mayors Youth Employment Program or Senator Scott Opportunity Internship Program)Dates: 7 weeks during summer (typically runs mid-June through early August)Application Deadline: May 30Eligibility: High school students in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools via MYEP, or in Clover School District via Senator Scott program; Must apply through designated school-based channels or career counsellors

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Atrium Health offers high school students the opportunity to participate in a non-clinical summer internship program through partnerships with school-based initiatives like the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) and the Senator Scott Opportunity Internship Program. If selected, you’ll work on project-based assignments in different domains such as hospital operations, patient registration, quality improvement, or education material preparation. You will focus on structured goals (e.g., SMART objectives), track weekly progress, and benefit from virtual “Friday Experiences” where Atrium leaders share insights into healthcare roles and organizational operations. While the internship does not involve direct clinical care, it provides exposure to healthcare departments like radiology, enhances workplace readiness, and builds soft and analytical skills in a professional environment.

5. Foundation Health Partners Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

Location: Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Fairbanks, AKCost: FreeDates: 5-week program during summer; Specific dates vary; Interns work up to 15 hours/weekApplication Deadline: Not specifiedEligibility: Rising sophomores through recently graduated high school seniors; Must be in good academic standing at their school

The SHIP at Foundation Health Partners is a five-week program that places you in a single department, where you'll work up to 15 hours per week. In addition to your main placement, you can attend optional weekly exploration sessions that give you exposure to other departments such as radiology, the operating room, and the medical lab. These exploration days provide you with a broader understanding of the diagnostic workflows and hospital operations across multiple departments, while your primary internship allows you to build deeper connections with the clinical staff and learn professional skills.

6. Southern Illinois Healthcare High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH), IL (various hospital locations)Cost: FreeDates: June 10-July 17 (2-3 days per week, up to 4-6 hours per day)Application Deadline: April 14 (application); April 22 (transcript submission)Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 and graduating seniors

The SIH High School Summer Internship Program allows students to explore careers across a variety of healthcare departments, like radiology, nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, and more. As a radiology intern, you'll have the opportunity to shadow imaging technologists and observe procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Interns are placed in one department and are expected to attend 2-3 days per week, working daytime shifts for 4-6 hours each session. The experience is designed to provide insight into healthcare settings while helping students build professional soft skills like communication and reliability. The program also includes orientations, meal coverage during shifts, and a closing awards dinner.

7. Nationwide Children’s High School Career Academy

Location: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OHCost: Free; Paid programDates: November-April; Two sessions per month (4:30-8:00 pm)Application Deadline: September 26Eligibility: 11th and 12th grade students attending high school in Franklin County, OH (and the surrounding areas)

The High School Career Academy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a six-month, after-school program that introduces students to a wide variety of healthcare professions through paid shadowing experiences and training. As a participant, you’ll attend two sessions per month and explore fields such as radiology, respiratory therapy, infectious disease, pharmacy, and lab sciences. The program includes instruction in medical terminology, CPR, HIPAA, and career readiness skills like resume writing and interview preparation. You’ll also have the chance to earn the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal and connect with clinical professionals from high-demand areas. This program is aimed at helping students make informed career decisions while gaining exposure to the hospital environment.

8. MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare (M.A.S.H. Camp)

Location: MultiCare Health System (Puget Sound, Spokane, and Yakima regions, WA)Cost: Free## Dates:* Yakima Region: June 24-26

Puget Sound Region: July 14-18
Spokane Region: July 29-August 1

Application Deadline: Applications open early in the yearEligibility: High school students residing in Pierce, South King, Kitsap, or North Thurston counties

The M.A.S.H. Camp is a multi-day, immersive summer program designed for high school students interested in healthcare careers. Through this free camp, you'll engage in hands-on activities, mock codes, and hospital tours, while learning directly from professionals in both clinical and non-clinical service areas, including emergency departments, intensive care unit (adult and pediatric), cancer center, labor and delivery, information systems and technology, human potential, and a variety of leadership roles. You'll explore areas such as radiology, nursing, pharmacy, emergency medicine, and surgery, and may also visit local colleges to better understand educational pathways. The program aims to help students make informed career decisions and gain exposure to the variety of roles within a hospital system.

9. HEAL (Health Excellence & Academic Leadership), Alameda Health System's HealthPATH Program

Location: Highland Hospital (Alameda Health System), Oakland, CACost: Free; Summer cohort includes a $1,000 stipendDates: September 22 - December 17 (Investigators Fall Cohort) | September 23 - December 18 (Career Explorers Fall Cohort)Application Deadline: August 26 (Fall)## Eligibility:* Academic Year: High school students living in Oakland or enrolled in an Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) public or charter school

Summer: Current 11th graders enrolled in an Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) public or charter school

This program, offered by Alameda Health System, provides high school students, particularly students of color in Oakland, with effective, hands-on exposure to explore careers in healthcare. Through rotations in departments like radiology, pediatrics, emergency care, respiratory therapy, and labor and delivery, you'll shadow clinical staff, practice skills in the simulation lab, and participate in professional development workshops. The program is offered in both academic year and summer formats, with sessions that include training in CPR, taking vitals, and bedside care. HEAL also focuses on developing career readiness through resume writing, public speaking, and career planning activities.

10. St. Elizabeth High School Service Internships

Location: St. Elizabeth Healthcare facilities across Northern Kentucky (Edgewood, Florence, Covington, Ft. Thomas, Dearborn, etc.)Cost: FreeDates: School year program; Begins in August and follows the academic calendarApplication Deadline: February 28Eligibility: High school seniors (must be juniors at time of application); Must attend a school that offers academic credit for internships

This program offers seniors the chance to explore a wide range of healthcare careers through a structured, for-credit experience. Students apply for one of five tracks: Patient Care, Business, Information Technology, Facilities/Engineering, or Culinary. If you choose the Patient Care track, you’ll rotate through departments like emergency services, radiology, perioperative care, and inpatient units. Interns participate in observation-based rotations and service tasks, gaining exposure to hospital operations and shadowing professionals across disciplines. Additional experiences include live observing surgeries, participating in simulated lab sessions, resume workshops, and a final presentation summarizing your internship experience.

11. Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science (M.I.N.D.S.)

Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJCost: Free; A $1,200 stipend is paid per accepted studentDates: 6 weeks during summer (exact dates vary)Application Deadline: Varies each yearEligibility: High school juniors and seniors from New Jersey with a minimum GPA of 3.0; Preference for students who are underrepresented in medicine or financially disadvantaged

The M.I.N.D.S. Program is a six-week paid internship that supports high school juniors and seniors from across New Jersey, especially those who are underrepresented in medicine or face financial constraints. The program gives participants a structured introduction to healthcare through workshops and research opportunities. You will investigate the social determinants of health, such as education, housing, and socioeconomic status, and complete a capstone research project on health disparities in New Jersey. Interns also receive CPR/BLS certification, ensuring that they graduate with practical credentials valuable for future medical training. In addition to research and technical skills, you will be mentored by professionals across the Hackensack Meridian Health network and have exposure to fields like radiology, internal medicine, and public health, with academic supports like SAT prep workshops.

12. Uniformed Services University Summer Scholars Program

Location: Uniformed Services University (USU), Bethesda, MDCost: FreeDates: June 16-August 8 (8 weeks for high school students)Application Deadline: Early-year (varies annually)Eligibility: High school students who are at least 18 years old by June 1 and have not completed college senior st…

13. Work the World Radiology Internships

Work the World specializes in planning, customizing, and building internships for radiology students. These internships offer the opportunity to gain experience in international locations.

Destinations:

Takoradi, Ghana: Assist in providing diagnostic services for departments like A&E, as well as small clinics in surrounding rural villages. The large scope of patients will open your eyes the range of advanced pathologies typical to Ghana.
Kandy, Sri Lanka: Work in a relatively well-equipped hospital, using technologies like CT scans and angiograms, MRI scanning, mammography, digital subtraction angiography, and radio-opaque substance investigations. You could even access operating theatres, a catheterization lab, and a lithotripsy unit accompanied by a local radiographer. Experience in radiotherapy is also available.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Assist with cases like fractures, road traffic accidents, and burns. Diagnosing a range of HIV related chest infections will highlight the impact of the virus on a low-resource healthcare system.
Hue, Vietnam: Gain experience both scanning and assisting in the interpretation of imagery at a university teaching hospital.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Assist in a busy department, learning how local specialists get by using dated equipment. Many cases are referred here from surrounding rural areas, making for a range of unfamiliar cases you could be helping to diagnose and treat.
Iloilo, Philippines: Gain experience with diagnostic medical imaging tools to diagnose things like pulmonary tuberculosis, and trauma related cases. Display skill and enthusiasm and you could even get involved in inserting IV lines, performing fluoroscopic procedures, and injecting contrast dyes.

14. Mayo Clinic Paid Educational Student Internships

Location: Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

Cost: Paid Internship

Eligibility:

Applicants must be 18 years or older by the time they would start in the role.
Currently pursuing a degree in a science-related field or pre-med with aspirations to pursue a career in post-Graduate Biomedical Research or Medical studies.
2.5 Cumulative GPA.
Authorized to work in the United States for the entire duration of the internship.
Currently registered in school as a full-time student.

Details:

Mayo Clinic in Arizona is seeking college interns for Paid Educational Student Internship opportunities. Interns will work on a specific project that will provide a challenging learning opportunity. Responsibilities will vary based upon your course of study and the business unit to which you are assigned. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, interpersonal, problem solving, organizational, and analytical skills, as well as, proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. Interns must pass a pre-employment drug test and criminal background check. This position will support the Department of Radiology through Research Administration. Students will work between 120 - 160 hours during this opportunity. Employment dates will be between 6/1/26 - 8/7/2026.

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