What are hospital internships for high school students?

I'm trying to find out about hospital internships available for high school students. What kinds of tasks or responsibilities might these roles involve, and how can I apply? Are they common, or do only a few hospitals offer them?

Hospital internships for high school students are opportunities that offer an introduction to the healthcare field. They can be a great way for students interested in pursuing medical careers to gain real-world experience. Some larger hospitals or health systems may have established programs specifically for high school students, while smaller hospitals may offer volunteer roles.

Some duties you could expect to carry out in a hospital internship can vary, but generally they involve support tasks rather than direct care due to liability and license issues. You might assist with administrative duties such as paperwork and patient check-in, help transport patients around the hospital, assist hospital staff with minor tasks, or observe surgeons, physicians, or nurses. Some internships may also feature educational components where you learn about different medical specialties, and shadow opportunities where you get to 'follow' a healthcare professional throughout the day to see what their job is like.

Getting involved usually means researching local hospitals, clinics, or health systems to see if they offer internships or volunteer opportunities for high schoolers. These may not be listed under "jobs" on their website, but often under "volunteer" or "education" opportunities. You will usually need to fill out an application form, provide references, and perhaps also complete an interview.

Keep in mind the competition for these internships can be fierce since there are often more applicants than there are spots available, particularly in larger metropolitan areas. Additionally, you may need to consider transportation arrangements if the hospital isn’t nearby.

Do note that due to privacy issues and the sensitive nature of healthcare, you will also likely be required to go through background checks, immunizations, and orientation processes in order to participate. It's also important to keep in mind that the current availability and nature of these programs may vary, depending on state regulations and the specific policies of each institution.