MN MedTech Pathways

Applied Engineering Tech: Biomedical Design & Manufacturing

• Type of Degree: A.S.
• Length of Program: 2 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $6.3K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Lean Manufacturing Cert - CNC Tech Cert
• Transfer Options: Direct transfer to MN State Mankato (BS Manufacturing Eng. or Integrated Eng.)
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Biomedical Tech - Manufacturing Tech - Quality Inspector

Fashion Design Technologies

• Type of Degree: A.A.S.
• Length of Program: 2 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $5.8K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Pattern Design Cert - Sewn Product Manufacturing
• Transfer Options: Transfers to UMN Apparel Design BS (Portfolio Entry)
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Technical Designer - Prototype Sew Tech - Smart Textile Maker

Engineering 

(Transfer Pathway)

• Type of Degree: A.S.
• Length of Program: 2 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $5.5K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Engineering Fundamentals Cert
• Transfer Options: Articulated transfer to UMN CSE or MN State Univ (BS Eng.)
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: CAD Designer - Engineering Tech - R&D Assistant

Web Design & Front-End Dev

• Type of Degree: A.A.S.
• Length of Program: 2 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $5.6K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: UX Design Cert - Digital Media Cert
• Transfer Options: Transfers to Metro State or UMN UX Design Minor
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: UX Technician - Front-End Dev - Digital Health Designer

Apparel Design

• Type of Degree: B.S.
• Length of Program: 4 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $15.7K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Smart Textiles Lab - Sustainability Minor
• Transfer Options: Transfer from MCTC or Anoka-Ramsey (AAS credit review)
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Wearable Tech Designer - E-Textile Engineer - Prototype Specialist

Biomedical Engineering

• Type of Degree: B.Bm.E.
• Length of Program: 4 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $15.7K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Product Design Minor - Med Device Design Cert
• Transfer Options: N/A (Flagship 4-yr)
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Biomedical Engineer - Device Designer - Clinical Engineer

Industrial & Systems Engineering

• Type of Degree: B.S.
• Length of Program: 4 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $15.7K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Human Factors Minor - Data Analytics Cert
• Transfer Options: N/A (Flagship 4-yr)
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Human Factors Engineer - Usability Analyst - Process Improvement Lead

Product Design

• Type of Degree: B.S.
• Length of Program: 4 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $15.7K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: UX Minor - Design Leadership Minor
• Transfer Options: Cross-college design transfers allowed
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Product Designer - Industrial Designer - MedTech Innovator

Integrated Engineering

• Type of Degree: B.S.E.
• Length of Program: 4 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $9.5K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Six Sigma Cert - Lean Manufacturing Cert
• Transfer Options: Accepts A.S. transfers from Anoka-Ramsey / M State
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Systems Engineer - Process Engineer - Med Device Manufacturing

Biomedical Sciences

• Type of Degree: B.S.
• Length of Program: 4 yrs
• Estimate Cost (In-State as of Nov 2025): ≈ $9.5K / yr
• Type of Degree/Certification: Chemistry Minor - Pre-Med/Pre-Health Tracks
• Transfer Options: Transfer from community colleges (A.S. bio or eng)
• Typical MedTech Job Titles: Clinical Lab Scientist - Usability Researcher - Medical R&D Assistant

Blueprint Program

The Abbott Blueprint Program is a paid summer STEM internship designed to launch high-school students into the world of medical technology. Through hands-on projects, industry mentorship, and exposure to real MedTech innovation at Abbott, students build the skills and confidence needed to take their next step toward a science or engineering career. As a partner site, the Institute for Engineering in Medicine connects students to cutting-edge biomedical labs, design studios, and clinicians across the University of Minnesota—giving Blueprint interns an inside look at how new medical technologies move from idea to impact. It’s a powerful jumpstart for any student who wants to shape the future of health.

Medtronic Spark

Igniting futures in health tech. Medtronic Spark is a global, 10-year commitment to propel 1 million students from low-income households into healthcare technology careers. The initiative will address the growing health tech talent gap through three programs: Medtronic Spark Innovator Labs, Medtronic Spark Credentials, and the Medtronic Spark Scholarship. Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare technology—one student at a time.

Education and Training Programs

Solventum is committed to supporting the education and training of healthcare professionals in the latest medical procedures and technologies. A Fellowship is an award that enables an individual medical professional to pursue study in their field or to introduce them to related fields. A fellowship often advances or enlarges the recipient’s area of interest or allows study in a different area extending their competence. The award will help support activities such as training, further study, or research.

Starkey Cares

At Starkey, Caring, Fearless, and Dedicated aren’t just words, they’re the values that drive us. They shape how we lead, how we serve, and how we connect with each other, our communities, and the world around us.

The Horizon Academic Research Program - STEM Tracks offers trimester-long research programs specifically designed for high school students in fields such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, and neuroscience. You are allowed to select a subject track and are paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university. Throughout the research journey, you will develop advanced skills in quantitative or qualitative methodologies, culminating in a 20-page university-level research paper. This experience not only enhances your research skills but also prepares you for publication in prestigious journals, making it a solid foundation for furthering your career in academia. future academic pursuits.

• Cost: Financial aid available
• Program Dates:
  • Summer Seminar: June 24 – September 2
  • Fall Seminar: October 23 – February 19
• Deadlines: May 21 (summer), September 25 (fall)
• Subject Areas: Data Science, Biology, Chemistry, Political Theory, Neuroscience
• Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.67.
• Highlights: Personalized mentorship, publication opportunities, comprehensive feedback for future projects.

The National Youth Science Camp offers students interested in biology and physics hands-on research opportunities. Participants engage in experiments and collaborative projects, attend lectures from prominent scientists, and develop critical thinking and inquiry skills. This experience is invaluable for students who wish to pursue scientific research or advanced studies in STEM fields.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: June 17 – July 11
• Deadlines: February 15
• Subject Areas: Physics, Biology, Chemistry
• Eligibility: High school seniors.
• Highlights: Research experience, mentorship from scientists, collaborative learning environment.

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students, across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.

The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: January (exact dates TBA)
• Deadlines: December
• Subject Areas: Data Science, Physics, Mathematics
• Eligibility: High school students with strong academic backgrounds.
• Highlights: Research mentorship, hands-on experience in advanced topics, and development of essential analytical skills.

The Research Science Institute (RSI), organized by the CEE, is a prestigious summer program for high school students that combines hands-on research in STEM fields with academic coursework, the program has an acceptance rate of 2-5% making it an extremely competitive program. Participants conduct original research in various scientific disciplines under the mentorship of MIT faculty, graduate students, and industry professionals. The program culminates in a symposium where students present their findings. RSI focuses on developing critical thinking, research methodologies, and presentation skills.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: June 22 – August 2 (6 weeks)
• Deadlines: Applications generally close in February
• Subject Areas: Various STEM disciplines
• Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11 or 12.
• Highlights: Hands-on research experience, mentorship from leading scientists, exposure to advanced scientific techniques, final symposium presentations.

The MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) summer program is an intensive experience designed for U.S. high school juniors, offering an estimated acceptance rate of just 3-10%. Participants take one life sciences course, one physics course, a humanities course, and a project-based elective course, with electives varying each year. Previous electives have included architecture, genomics, electronics, engineering design, and computer science. The program includes classes, workshops, recitations, tours, college admissions sessions, and social events. Students gain access to MIT’s state-of-the-art laboratories, providing insights into advanced topics not typically covered in high school curricula. At the end of the program, students receive a written evaluation detailing their performance and progress.

• Cost: Free. Housing and meals are provided.
• Program Dates: June – August (6 weeks)
• Deadlines: Applications generally close in February
• Subject Areas: STEM
• Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors
• Highlights: Intensive STEM curriculum, access to MIT labs, written evaluation, exposure to college-level coursework.

The Girls Who Code Self-Paced Program allows high school girls to learn computer science fundamentals at their own pace, and build skills that can help them ace national-level competitions, Olympiads, and even land prestigious internships! Participants engage with interactive coding tutorials and projects, focusing on languages like Python and HTML/CSS. This program encourages girls to build their confidence in tech, providing a solid foundation for future studies in computer science. The self-paced format allows flexibility, making it accessible to students with varying schedules.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: Ongoing
• Deadlines: N/A
• Subject Areas: Computer Science, Coding
• Eligibility: High school girls.
• Highlights: Flexible learning, interactive projects, foundational skills in programming.

This CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition focuses on cybersecurity, allowing students to defend virtual networks against cyber threats. Participants learn about network security and ethical hacking, developing essential skills for careers in cybersecurity and information technology. This hands-on experience provides a competitive edge in the growing field of cyber defense.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: October – March
• Deadlines: Registration typically opens in September
• Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, Information Technology
• Eligibility: Middle and high school students.
• Highlights: Hands-on cybersecurity training, competitive environment, skill development in IT.

The Summer Intern Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers high school students a chance to engage in biomedical research at the NIH. Interns work in laboratories and gain firsthand experience in conducting scientific experiments, learning important techniques in the life sciences. This opportunity allows students to develop essential research skills and explore potential careers in health and medicine.

Cost: Free

Program Dates: June to August (exact dates TBA)

Deadlines: Applications typically open in January

Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Health Sciences

Eligibility: High school students interested in health-related fields.

Highlights: Hands-on research experience, mentorship from leading scientists, exposure to biomedical careers.

MIT OpenCourseWare offers high school students access to a wide range of courses covering advanced topics in engineering, physics, and mathematics. Students can engage in self-paced learning, which helps them build foundational knowledge in their areas of interest while developing critical analytical skills necessary for future academic pursuits. This resource allows students to prepare for more rigorous college coursework and enhances their competitiveness in STEM fields.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: Self-paced
• Deadlines: N/A
• Subject Areas: Engineering, Physics, Math
• Eligibility: High school students.
• Highlights: Comprehensive course materials, self-directed learning, foundational knowledge for advanced studies.

The NASA STEM Engagement Program provides high school students with the opportunity to engage directly with NASA projects, focusing on aerospace engineering and environmental science. Participants analyze satellite data and contribute to real-world space missions. By developing skills in programming (especially Python) and data visualization, students gain practical experience that is directly applicable to future studies and careers in aerospace engineering, environmental monitoring, and data science. This hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology positions students for success in highly competitive fields.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: Ongoing, varies by project
• Deadlines: Rolling applications
• Subject Areas: Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Science
• Eligibility: High school students interested in space sciences.
• Highlights: Hands-on experience with NASA projects, mentorship from aerospace professionals, development of critical analytical skills.

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity for high school students to engage in hands-on research in various fields, including engineering, biology, computer science, history, nutrition, and chemistry. This immersive program selects 12 highly qualified students who receive mentorship from experienced faculty while participating in seminars, workshops, and field visits. The research areas are updated annually, with last year’s offerings focusing on nutritional sciences, computer science, biology and microbiology, neurobiology, history, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and electrical and computer engineering.

• Cost: Free (students receive a stipend of $750, plus free housing and meals)
• Program Dates: June 16 – August 1 (7 weeks)
• Deadlines: Applications close in February
• Subject Areas: Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, History, Nutrition, Chemistry
• Eligibility: Students who are at least 17 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Highlights: Hands-on research experience, mentorship from faculty, engaging seminars and workshops, stipend provided.

NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program offers high school students a comprehensive summer experience in STEM fields through a blend of remote workshops and in-person laboratory work. The program features a 4-week remote after-school workshop followed by a 6-week in-person experience in New York City. Participants engage in hands-on projects covering topics such as robotics, chemical engineering, computer science, bio- and molecular engineering, civil and urban engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Each student is matched with a mentor and lab based on their research interests and skills.

• Cost: Free, with a minimum $750 stipend
• Program Dates: June 3 – August 9 (10 weeks)
• Deadlines: Applications typically close in March
• Subject Areas: STEM
• Eligibility: Students living in New York City completing 10th or 11th grade by the program start date
• Highlights: Hands-on project work in research labs, mentorship, college advising sessions, exposure to scientific ethics and research practices, concluding colloquium with student presentations.

Project SEED is a summer program designed to provide high school students from underrepresented backgrounds with opportunities to conduct research in chemistry and related fields. You will work with mentors in laboratories, gaining valuable research experience while developing their understanding of scientific methodologies and principles. This program is instrumental in preparing students for future academic and career paths in STEM.

• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: June to August (exact dates TBA)
• Deadlines: Applications typically open in January
• Subject Areas: Chemistry, Environmental Science
• Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Highlights: Research mentorship, hands-on laboratory experience, exposure to careers in chemistry.

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers high school students the chance to conduct biomedical research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and researchers. You will gain direct access to advanced laboratories and spend the majority of your time engaged in hands-on research. You can choose from various research areas, including stem cell and regenerative medicine, neurobiology, immunology, bioinformatics, cardiovascular biology, bioengineering, cancer biology, and genetics. The program includes safety training, lectures, lab work, and a final poster session for project presentations, providing a comprehensive introduction to the field of medicine.

• Cost: Free. All students receive a minimum stipend of $500; students from underrepresented groups will receive at least $1,500.
• Program Dates: June 10 – August 1 (8 weeks)
• Deadlines: Applications generally close in February
• Subject Areas: Medicine
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Highlights: Hands-on biomedical research experience, mentorship from experienced researchers, safety training, and final project presentations.