12 Nursing Internships for College Students in NYC (New York City)
New York City is a unique place to begin exploring a career in nursing. As one of the most densely populated and medically diverse cities in the country, NYC is home to some of the nation’s top healthcare institutions—including NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and Columbia University Medical Center. These institutions, along with many public hospitals and community clinics, offer opportunities for nursing students to gain hands-on experience in a wide range of clinical environments.
Whether you're interested in pediatrics, emergency care, mental health, or public health, internships in NYC can expose you to the daily realities of nursing in both high-paced hospitals and community-focused care settings. The city also hosts a strong network of nursing schools such as those at Hunter College, Columbia, and Pace University, which often partner with local hospitals and health organizations to provide structured training and mentoring opportunities.
We’ve put together a list of 12 nursing internships in and around New York City that can help you build clinical skills, understand patient care dynamics, and learn from experienced healthcare professionals.
1.NYU Langone Health Career Opportunity Program Internships
Location: New York City, New York
Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: December 22
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old with a minimum 3.2 GPA
Cost/Stipend: None
Through the Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP) at NYU Langone Health, you will gain experience in nursing or advanced practice roles by shadowing nurse practitioners, staff nurses, or physician assistants. Depending on your assigned specialty, you may observe inpatient and outpatient care, participate in rounds, and explore clinical interactions across departments. You will learn about procedures, medications, and patient assessment while gaining a nuanced view of team-based care and advanced practice responsibilities. The program includes a structured onboarding process with training modules, background checks, and health clearances.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines, vary with cohort
Eligibility: College students and young professionals
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
The Ladder University Internship Program offers college students the chance to work on projects with top startups in fields such as healthcare, technology, and education. You will meet weekly with a startup supervisor, receive individualized mentorship, and contribute directly to a project with tangible outcomes. The internship is entirely virtual and designed to help you build critical thinking, communication, and project management skills in a professional setting. The program is selective and runs for 8 weeks, with the next cohort beginning July 14. Financial aid options may be available upon request.
3. Northwell Health Summer Nurse Externship
Location: Various Northwell Health sites across New York
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications closed for this cycle
Eligibility: Junior-year BSN students
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Northwell Health’s Summer Nurse Externship is an intensive, eight-week paid program tailored for junior BSN students interested in clinical experience. You will be paired with a preceptor in a specialty area and participate in weekly educational in-services led by nurse educators and leadership. This preceptorship emphasizes direct patient care, professional development, and system-wide exposure to different nursing environments. Externships are available across a variety of specialties, providing a broad view of nursing practice in one of the largest health systems in New York.
4. Internship at Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH)
Location: Stony Brook, New York
Dates: May 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: Not specified (apply early)
Eligibility: Rising senior undergraduate students in pre-licensure nursing programs; SBU and non-SBU students may apply
Cost/Stipend: Paid (hired as state employees); tuition/fees apply for 3-credit required course
This 10-week pipeline internship is designed to prepare you for a future in nursing through intensive clinical experience in adult medicine units like Med-Surg, Telemetry, Stepdown, and ICU. You will be paired with a dedicated preceptor, work 37.5 hours per week (three 12.5-hour shifts), and follow their schedule, including night or day shifts. In addition to training, you will be registered for a 3-credit course through the School of Nursing, which fulfills elective requirements for SBU students. Students are considered state employees and receive bi-weekly paychecks. Vacation or time-off is not permitted during the internship.
5. Internship at the Long Island Veterans Home (LISVH)
Location: Stony Brook, New York
Dates: May 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: December 19
Eligibility: Rising senior undergraduate students in pre-licensure nursing programs; open to SBU students only
Cost/Stipend: None
This focused internship gives you the opportunity to provide compassionate care to veterans while building your nursing skills under the guidance of a dedicated preceptor. You will work three 8.5-hour day shifts per week (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM) following your preceptor’s schedule and gain experience in long-term and rehabilitative care settings. The program emphasizes professional development and time management while allowing you to explore the unique challenges of geriatric and veteran healthcare. Only students from SBU’s School of Nursing may apply. Final decisions are communicated in March or early April.
6. HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program
Location: NYC Department of Health, New York
Dates: June – August (Summer Session); part-time Fall/Winter sessions also available
Application Deadline: Summer January 15 - February 15, Fall July 15 - August 15, Spring October 15 - November 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, or professional students enrolled in accredited U.S. degree programs; NYC residency required for fall/spring
Cost/Stipend: Most placements offer funding; unpaid volunteer option available
HRTP is a long-standing internship program that allows you to apply your academic knowledge to public health challenges in one of the nation’s largest municipal health departments. You will be placed in projects that match your interests and are supervised by experienced public health professionals. During the summer, you may work up to 35 hours/week and participate in workshops, seminars, and cohort-based activities designed to enhance your understanding of public health careers and systems. Fall and spring sessions are part-time and require NYC residency.
7. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Clinical Assistance Program (Nursing)
Location: New York City, New York
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application Deadline: Early Spring
Eligibility: Enrollment in an accredited BSN or ADN program; completion of 2 clinical semesters (including Med/Surg); BCLS certified
Cost/Stipend: Paid full-time employment
Sponsored by MSK’s Nursing Department, the Clinical Assistance Program gives you the opportunity to work full-time for ten weeks in a world-renowned oncology hospital. You will gain clinical experience while working alongside seasoned nurses in specialized care environments. Throughout the internship, you will develop key nursing competencies in patient care, communication, and time management. Top performers may receive offers for full-time post-graduate nursing roles upon successful graduation and licensure (NCLEX). This program is highly competitive and intended to transition interns into future professional positions within MSK.
8. Summer Student Nurse Intern – Labor & Delivery
Location: Mount Sinai West, New York
Dates: Summer (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Not specified (early application recommended)
Eligibility: Enrollment in a BSN program; completion of first clinical year (including Med-Surg); 3.5+ GPA; AHA BLS certification; faculty recommendation
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This full-time summer internship in the Labor & Delivery Unit at Mount Sinai West offers you a deeply immersive experience in maternal health care. You will assist RNs in monitoring vital signs, documenting clinical data, supporting procedures, and performing basic nursing tasks such as bathing, ambulating, and feeding patients. You will gain experience in specialized areas like specimen collection, skin integrity maintenance, emergency response, and post-operative care. This opportunity is ideal if you're seeking first-hand exposure to obstetric nursing and comprehensive patient care responsibilities.
9. Student Nurse Intern (TEMP)
Location: Mount Sinai Brooklyn, New York
Dates: Full-time, summer session
Application Deadline: rolling or seasonal
Eligibility: Completion of first clinical year in a BSN program; GPA of 3.5+; AHA BLS certification; faculty recommendation
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This full-time internship at Mount Sinai Brooklyn allows you to develop clinical proficiency in a fast-paced hospital setting. Under RN supervision, you will participate in routine and advanced patient care like recording vitals, assisting with daily activities, supporting pre- and post-op tasks, and aiding in procedures like EKGs and specimen collection. You will also gain experience in patient transport, infection control, safety monitoring, and end-of-life care. The program requires strong academic performance and BLS certification, and emphasizes teamwork, observation, and direct patient interaction as core learning elements.
10. Flushing Hospital Medical Center Student Nurse Extern
Location: New York City, New York
Dates: 8-week summer program
Application Deadline: Rolling till filled
Eligibility: Enrolled RN nursing students
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a paid, 8-week Student Nurse Externship during the summer, allowing you to gain clinical experience. You’ll be assigned to a nursing unit with a preceptor RN who provides ongoing mentorship and supervision. In addition to direct patient care, the program includes observational opportunities in the Emergency Department and Critical Care units, broadening your exposure to high-acuity environments. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for post-graduate employment opportunities and preferential placement within the hospital system.
11. Mount Sinai South Nassau Student Nurse Externship
Location: Oceanside, New York (within 1-hour of NYC)
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 17
Eligibility: RN students graduating in Dec 2025 or May 2026; completion of 2 clinical semesters; GPA of 3.0+
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Mount Sinai South Nassau’s paid summer externship gives you intensive, nursing experience in a Magnet®-recognized hospital setting. You’ll be paired with a preceptor RN and work full-time (37.5 hours/week), including 12-hour shifts and possible weekend rotations. Beyond daily patient care and vitals, you’ll have opportunities to observe specialized areas like the OR, ER, Endoscopy, Cardiac Services, and the Rapid Response Team. This program emphasizes both professional development and clinical mastery, helping you transition confidently into a graduate nurse role.
12. Mount Sinai Hospital Student Nurse Intern – Emergency Room
Location: New York City, New York
Dates: Part-time, year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Completion of first clinical year in a BSN program (including Med-Surg); GPA of 3.25+; faculty recommendation; BLS preferred
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This part-time internship places you directly in the fast-paced environment of Mount Sinai’s Emergency Department, where you'll work under the guidance of registered nurses to build your clinical confidence. You will assist with vital signs, EKGs, venipuncture, specimen collection, and a range of daily care tasks such as bathing, feeding, and patient transport. You'll also support pre- and post-op procedures, practice infection control, and engage in patient education activities. This role is ideal for nursing students seeking to deepen their understanding of emergency care while gaining structured experience in a collaborative clinical team.