12 Nursing Internships for Undergraduates
Internships are one of the best ways for college students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. They enhance resumes, build relevant experience, and improve employability by offering exposure to industry challenges. An internship allows you to apply your skills, make informed career choices, and gain confidence in your chosen field.
For those interested in healthcare careers, such as nursing and medicine, internships offer valuable clinical insights and patient interaction. Recognizing this, we’ve curated a list of 12 nursing internships for undergraduates. These programs provide mentorship that can shape the careers of future healthcare professionals.
1. AACN Government Affairs & Policy Internship
Location: American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: 2 interns are selected per session
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Summer Session One: Mid-May to June | Summer Session Two: July-August | Fall Session: September-November | Spring Session: January-May
Eligibility: Undergraduates at an AACN Member School
The AACN Government Affairs & Policy Internship offers students the opportunity to explore health, nursing, and education policy from Washington, D.C. Designed for students studying nursing, public policy, political science, or related fields, the program provides exposure to federal legislative processes. You will attend Capitol Hill briefings, draft policy-related content, and assist in preparing for AACN conferences. You will engage with critical issues impacting academic nursing at the national level. The internship requires a minimum six-week commitment at 20+ hours per week and is highly selective.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,490
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: April 13 (Summer Cohort Regular I Deadline)
Dates: The program runs for 8 weeks, starting June 2 for the summer cohort
Eligibility: College students and young professionals
The Ladder University Internship Program is an 8-week, hands-on experience for motivated college students and professionals to collaborate with innovative startups across fields like Tech, Consulting, and Media. Interns dedicate 5–10 hours per week to meaningful, project-based work alongside a dedicated company mentor through eight structured sessions. Over the course of the program, participants complete two key deliverables that contribute to real business outcomes.
Interns gain practical experience, mentorship, and the chance to present their work directly to startup leaders. By the end, you'll have sharpened industry-relevant skills, built a strong portfolio, and received a professional reference from your mentor—making it a valuable opportunity to enhance your resume and stand out in the job market.
3. International Medical Aid Nursing/Pre-Nursing Internships
Location: International Medical Aid, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: Depends on the duration and location. Click here to know more.
Cohort Size: 35-70
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: You can find available dates here.
Eligibility: Pre-nursing students, current nursing students, and recent nursing graduates
International Medical Aid’s Nursing and Pre-Nursing Internships offer experience in hospitals across developing countries. Created in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, the program pairs each intern with clinical settings that align with their educational background and career goals. You will work alongside nurses and physicians, participating in patient care, treatment planning, and health education. Structured clinical rotations and simulation clinics develop practical skills in areas such as emergency care and pediatrics. You will benefit from mentorship and lectures on global health. The program emphasizes ethical, community-driven healthcare and international impact.
4. Stanford Summer Administrative Internship Opportunities
Location: Stanford Medicine, California
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Application information will be available in the fall
Dates: 8,10, or 12 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing a bachelor's or associate's degree from an accredited institution
Stanford’s Summer Administrative Internship enables students to explore the inner workings of hospital administration over 8 to 12 weeks. Interns work in diverse departments, including Radiology Administration, Nursing Education, and Food Services. Each participant is assigned a preceptor who offers guidance and support on day-to-day responsibilities. Beyond project work, you’ll benefit from seminars, career planning events, and networking sessions. Offered in both on-site and hybrid formats, the program is designed for students interested in healthcare leadership.
5. Allina Health Summer Nurse Internship
Location: Allina Health, Minnesota and Wisconsin
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: November - December
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate RN nursing program completed the summer before graduation
The Allina Health Summer Nurse Internship gives nursing students a 10-week, paid clinical experience at one of 12 hospital campuses. You will gain over 300 hours of experience working with a preceptor in departments such as cardiology, rehabilitation, or mental health. Assignments are location- and unit-specific, and preferences are discussed during the interview process. You will work up to 40 hours per week, with shifts matching the preceptor’s schedule, including weekends. The program offers valuable training and job prospects.
6. Nursing Internship at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, New York
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: 30
Application Deadline: December 19
Dates: May 22 - July 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate pre-licensure nursing program students entering their senior year
Stony Brook University Hospital’s summer internship provides nursing students with a structured 10-week clinical experience. Interns are hired as state employees, working 37.5 hours per week in adult medicine units, such as Med-Surg or Telemetry. Each intern is paired with a dedicated preceptor and must complete a 3-credit course through the School of Nursing at SBU. The program is open to rising senior nursing students from any school. With limited slots, this internship develops clinical and time-management skills while providing a pathway into future nursing roles.
7. Nursing Internship at the Long Island Veterans Home
Location: Long Island Veterans Home, New York
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 14
Application Deadline: December 19
Dates: May 22 - July 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate pre-licensure nursing program students entering their senior year
Nursing students interested in serving veterans can apply for the nursing internship at the Long Island Veterans Home. As an intern, you’ll work three 8.5-hour shifts weekly under close guidance from a preceptor. Open to rising seniors in pre-licensure nursing programs, the program provides personalized learning and patient care experience. With only 14 spots available, selection is highly competitive. Students currently licensed as registered nurses (RNs) are ineligible to apply.
8. KP Nursing Student Work-Study Summer Internship Program
Location: Kaiser Permanente, multiple locations across the country
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Nursing student interns at participating universities complete the application and are selected by university faculty.
Dates: Runs in the summer
Eligibility: Students attending a nursing program at one of the 7 partner universities in Northern California.
The KP Nursing Student Work-Study Summer Internship offers nursing students a paid opportunity to gain clinical experience at Kaiser Permanente Northern California medical centers. Conducted during summer break, the internship allows students to focus on learning without academic commitments. You will work under RN supervision and rotate through both clinical units and support teams such as education, risk management, and infection prevention. Structured as a Board-approved practicum course, the program builds confidence and skills in a healthcare setting.
9. LAUNCH Nurse Trainee Program
Location: Children’s National Hospital, Washington
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: November 4 - December 9
Dates: 12-14 weeks starting May 12 and May 27
Eligibility: Students halfway through their nursing program who have completed a medical/surgical and/or pediatric clinical rotation
Children’s National offers the LAUNCH Nurse Trainee Program, a 12–14-week paid summer internship for undergraduate nursing students. You will begin with a four-day orientation to the hospital and nursing practices, followed by clinical training on an assigned unit. You will work with experienced staff, including nurse managers, preceptors, and supervisors. The program enables you to perform certified nursing assistant duties while gaining experience in pediatric nursing. The program fosters growth while offering valuable mentorship.
10. Nursing Internship - Steel Dynamics
Location: Steel Dynamics, multiple locations
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: May 18
Dates: Start date between June 1 and June 30
Eligibility: Enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Nursing; Completed at least freshman year of study; Minimum GPA of 2.7
The Nursing Internship at Steel Dynamics provides experience in occupational health. You will assist the occupational health coordinator with daily responsibilities, including conducting site audits, managing workplace injuries, and coordinating medical surveillance for employees. Tasks include organizing audiograms, spirometry, vision screenings, and lead testing, as well as handling drug screens and pre-employment physicals. Interns also support compliance activities and follow up on safety deficiencies. This paid internship includes mentorship and professional development opportunities and may lead to full-time roles in occupational health.
11. Nursing Internship - Ascension
Location: Ascension, Nashville, Tennessee
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: May 16
Dates: Varies
Eligibility: Must be accepted or enrolled in a Nursing program within 90 days of hire; BLS Provider certification required within 30 days of hire, accepted from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross
Ascension’s Nursing Intern role allows students to gain supervised clinical experience. You will perform direct patient care tasks, including monitoring vital signs and assisting with daily living activities. You’ll work with registered nurses to complete nursing orders and document patient progress. Interns also help in developing care plans by reporting results and patient responses. The role entails supporting diagnostic transport and basic environmental services. This internship builds foundational nursing skills.
12. UPMC Student Nurse Internship
Location: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: August 15 - March 15
Dates: 10 weeks starting in May
Eligibility: College junior-level or equivalent nursing students
The UPMC Student Nurse Internship (SNI) is a 10-week, paid summer program that offers experience across various clinical units. Designed for soon-to-be graduate nurses, the internship pairs each student with a preceptor to guide them through direct patient care. You will gain exposure to clinical scenarios, which will enhance your confidence before graduation. The program bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and bedside application. It’s a great way to develop nursing skills and preview your future career path.