Top Educational Experiences in Medicine For Teens

One of the most competitive fields of study is medicine, and getting into a good pre-med program requires starting before college. Prelum brings you 10 top universities with pre-college in-person and online programs that will strengthen your knowledge and make your resume more competitive.

Key Points:

• Many of the universities and colleges featured in this article offer both in-person and online medicine programs.
• Online programs offer a range of academic advantages, allowing students the flexibility to work at their own pace.
• Hear from students who have taken courses at top schools such as William & Mary, Case Western Reserve University, Wake Forest, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Dartmouth, Northwestern University, and more. 
• Explore the eligibility requirements, program dates, and tuition for all the schools covered here.

There’s an interesting dichotomy between teen boys and girls regarding future dream jobs, especially in the field of medicine. According to Statista, a recent study reveals that despite the rise in popularity of occupations like digital game designer or professional musician, 6% of male teens desire a future in medicine, compared to 13% of teenage girls.

It is well known that gaining admission to a pre-med college major is a rigorous process. One source commented, “Only 17% of U.S. freshman pre-meds earn admission to medical school. Approximately 140,000 individuals start out, and about half drop out before completing the program. Half of those who stick it out and take the MCAT do not do well enough to apply to med school.” 

If that doesn’t deter you, and you believe you have what it takes to succeed in medicine, then the time to start is now, while you’re still in high school. 

This article identifies 10 of the best pre-college educational programs designed for motivated high school students like you. Most offer hands-on experience with leaders in their fields, exposure to research, and a wealth of invaluable learning experiences shared among motivated teens. Some are designed exclusively for online study. Each program is equally excellent, so the order does not reflect best to least.

Georgetown Summer Medical Academy

Georgetown University’s medical immersion academy invites high school students to explore three specialized tracks: anatomy & physiology, neuroscience, and emergency medicine. Three-week or five-week sessions are available for college credit. 

More about the program:

• Eligibility: Students must be at least 15 years old. New high school graduates are also eligible.

Estimated tuition:

• $8,410: includes tuition, housing and meals
• Commuter tuition: $6,355

Students get exciting, hands-on training in a range of areas:

• Study cell biology, pathology, immunology, cardiology, and endocrinology topics.
• Delve into the fundamentals of emergency medicine (physical exam, wound care, bleeding control, stitches and suturing, airway management, CPR, oxygen and medication administration, and stents and splinting).

You will leave the academy with deeper knowledge and the tools to prepare for a future in medicine.

Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program

Georgetown also offers an online program with a host of medical courses. Students can receive either a Certificate of Completion or college credit (in select subjects).

More about the program:

• Eligibility: For students 13 and up
• Program dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
• Enrichment course fees: $1,795
• College Credit course fees: $3,995

A broad diversity of medicine courses include:

• Anatomy & physiology
• Biology (college credit available)
• Medical research
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Psychology (college credit available)
• Surgery

As with all Prelum programs, faculty members design and teach Georgetown courses. You’ll find the flexible format of the online program easy to fit into your schedule and enjoy the support of mentors who will guide and answer your questions. Completing a Capstone Project will earn you a Certificate of Completion and, in some cases, college credit.

Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program

This week-long program offers high school students hands-on medical learning on the Winston-Salem campus. You’ll visit Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, learn to do ultrasounds, and explore specialties such as cardiology and neurology. It’s all about preparing students for the academic challenges of medical school.

More about the program:

• Available to current 9th- to 12th-grade students
• Tuition: $3,400

Topics covered include:

• Internal medicine
• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Neurology
• Ultrasound
• Cancer care
• Surgery

Wake Forest Pre-College Online Immersion Programs

Wake Forest offers a great online alternative if the in-person program is full.

More about the program:

• Eligibility: Ages 13 and older
• Program dates: Multiple two-four-week sessions
• Tuition: $1,495

Wake Forest University has a top medical school. In addition to in-person pre-college programs, they offer online medicine courses that give high school students a preview of various medical specialties. Courses are served up through dynamic videos and often include lectures by experts in their respective fields. Students receive the support of mentors and earn a Certificate of Completion upon completing a Final Capstone Project.

Medical courses offered include:

• Medicine
• Sports medicine
• Cancer medicine
• Women’s medicine
• Psychology
• Bioscience

William & Mary Pre-College Online Program

William & Mary is a top research university founded in 1693. According to U.S. News and World Report, it ranks #54 in the nation and has an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 7,000. The pre-college online program stems from a strong belief that online learning is a great way for motivated teens to try out different courses before applying to college to achieve the right fit.

More about the program:

• Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
• Program dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
• Tuition: $1,495 per course

Medical courses include:

• Medicine
• Psychology

Our students say it best:

“It is structured so that it works with your schedule, and the videos, simulations, knowledge checks, and projects were so interesting and informative. I never felt overwhelmed, and I genuinely looked forward to doing my course each day” ~Celsey

University of Rochester Pre-College Programs  

The University of Rochester provides full-day and half-day courses as well as a popular online program for pre-college students.

The full- and half-day options offer:

• Explorations in Pathology: A hands-on exploration of the role of pathologists in diagnosing disease.
• Mini Medical School: This is where students are introduced to the first-year medical school experience, including anatomy and clinical skills.
• What’s Up, Doc? This half-day program explores the pre-med path from coursework to internships.
• Bones, Muscles, Joints, and Movement: Delve into the musculoskeletal system through labs and interactive sessions.
• Biomedical Technology: Discover the interaction of engineering and medicine.

University of Rochester Pre-College Online Programs

The University of Rochester’s Pre-College Online Programs are popular for those interested in online medical programs. 

More about the program:

• Eligibility: 13 and older
• Program dates: Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions
• Individual course fee: $1,495

Medical courses include:

• Medicine
• Orthopedic medicine
• Biomedical engineering

Rice University Precollege Program

Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, and ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report, Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio. With a student body of more than 4,000 students, Rice has 749 full-time faculty members and 149 part-time faculty members. A growing number of undergraduate and graduate students hail from more than 60 countries worldwide. Rice University is part of the New Ivy League as of 2023. A Prelum partner school, their online precollege program is truly outstanding. 

More on the program:

• Eligibility: 13 and up
• Program Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
• Individual course fee: $1,495

Medical courses include:

• Genome engineering
• Physiology
• Psychology 
• Medicine

Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program

We chose Notre Dame because its online program is one of the best in the nation, thanks to top faculty and its focus on three essential subjects critical to success in medicine, as you’ll see in their courses.

More about the program:

• Eligibility: For students 13 and up
• Program Dates: Choose from 2- and 4-week sessions
• Individual course fee: $1,495 

Medical courses include:

• Biology
• Medical research
• Psychology

Courses are available throughout the year. Professors deliver lessons through dynamic videos and interactive tools that bring online learning to life. You’ll be guided by mentors and earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame, which you can add to your application.

Dartmouth College Precollege Online Program

Dartmouth is a top college offering online medical courses for high school students. Dartmouth’s online program offers an intriguing mix of subjects.

More about the program:

• Eligibility: For students 13 and up
• Program dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
• Individual course fee: $1,795

Medical courses include:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Regenerative medicine

As with all Prelum online programs, you’ll find a course that best aligns with your passions and interests, experience college-level learning while in high school, be supported by mentors, and earn a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth College.

Dartmouth On-Campus Programs

Dartmouth offers a robust summer immersion program for those seeking hands-on learning in medicine. 

More about the program:

• Eligibility: students 13 and up
• Individual course fee: From $4,799 to $9,299 (includes Leadership Institute)

Medicine courses include: 

• AI in healthcare
• Brain health

Session 1:

• Courses include AI in Healthcare: Ethics and Applications and Brain Health: From Diagnosis to Treatment

Session 2:

• Courses include The Genetic Basis of Human Disease and Bioinformatics

Case Western Reserve University Pre-College Program

For nearly 200 years, Case Western Reserve University has prepared high school students for college. Their students say it best:

“I have taken two Case Western Reserve online classes, and both have been an amazing experience. The difficulty level is perfect for the age the class is intended for. The methods they use to teach, such as making them interactive, means you are not just staring at a screen. This helps me remember what I learned for a very long time.”  ~Sutter

More about the program:

• Eligibility: Ages 13 and up
• Program dates: Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions
• Individual course fee: $1,495

Medical courses include:

• Neuroscience and medicine
• Biomedical engineering

Northwestern University Pre-College Online Program

With a main campus in Evanston, Illinois, and a secondary campus in downtown Chicago, Illinois, Northwestern is recognized as an innovative and collaborative community that excels in developing leaders and pursuing excellence. The pre-college online program is no exception.

More about the program:

• Eligibility: 13 and up
• Program dates: 2- and 4-week sessions throughout the year
• Individual course fees: $1,795

Medical courses include:

• Medical research
• Psychology
• Medicine
• Physiology

For those students interested in an on-campus experience, see what Northwestern offers here.

Remember, this is a competitive field, but with the help of top universities and some of the best pre-college courses available, you can improve your chances significantly. Go for it!