Nursing Internships, Externships, & Fellowships – The Ultimate Guide (2025)

Nursing internships, externships, and fellowships provide hands-on experience for nursing students and graduates looking to build clinical skills before entering full-time employment. These programs help student nurses apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings, work under the supervision of registered nurses, and gain exposure to different specialties, such as neonatal intensive care, oncology, and medical-surgical units.

Hospitals, healthcare systems, and universities offer various programs designed to prepare students for professional practice. Some are paid opportunities, while others focus on educational training. Understanding the differences between internships, externships, and fellowships is important for students choosing the best option for their career goals.

This guide outlines the structure, benefits, application process, and hiring process for these programs, with examples from leading healthcare employers such as Allina Health, Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and Northwell Health.

Nursing Internships: What You Need to Know

What is a Nursing Internship?

Nursing internships offer student nurses the opportunity to work in real-world healthcare environments under the guidance of experienced professionals. These programs are designed for nursing students still enrolled in university programs or those who have recently graduated. Internships can be paid or unpaid and typically last anywhere from one week to several months.

Interns may be placed in various units, including:

• Medical Surgical
• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Oncology
• Home Care
• Emergency Medicine

Eligibility Requirements

Most nursing internships require students to be:

• Enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
• Eligible for clinical placement.
• Able to commit to specific program requirements (some may require work on weekends).
• Interested in a particular hospital unit or specialty area?

Internship Structure & Duration

Skills Gained During an Internship

• Patient care skills
• Charting and documentation
• Medication administration
• Communication with healthcare teams
• Hands-on experience in specialized units

Nursing Externships: What You Need to Know

What is a Nursing Externship?

Externships are designed for nursing students looking for advanced clinical exposure before graduation. Unlike internships, externships provide more direct patient care responsibilities and are often paid.

Application Process

To apply for a nursing externship, students typically need to:

• Submit a resume detailing relevant education and clinical experience.
• Complete an online application process.
• Interview with hospital administrators and hiring managers.
• Provide proof of university enrollment and eligibility for clinical training.

What to Expect in a Nursing Externship

Externs are assigned to a specific location and unit based on their qualifications and hospital needs. Under supervision, they:

• Work closely with registered nurses.
• Provide basic patient care, such as taking vitals and assisting with mobility.
• Observe complex procedures in units like neonatal intensive care and oncology.
• Gain exposure to hospital workflow and patient management.

Benefits of an Externship

Externships help nursing students transition from academic learning to hands-on patient care. Benefits include:

• Paid experience in a hospital setting.
• Stronger resume for future employment.
• Opportunities for employment at the same healthcare facility after graduation.

Fellowships for Nursing Graduates

What is a Nursing Fellowship?

Fellowships are structured programs for nursing graduates and registered nurses seeking specialized training. These programs provide paid, supervised clinical experience and additional educational opportunities.

Fellowship Program Requirements

Most fellowships require applicants to:

• Be recent nursing school graduates.
• Hold a valid nursing license.
• Apply to specific units, such as neonatal intensive care or oncology.

How Fellowships Support Career Growth

• Direct experience in specialty fields like medical surgical and emergency care.
• Supervised training under senior nursing staff.
• Increased hiring potential in competitive healthcare systems.

The Hiring Process for Nursing Interns & Externs

Application Process

Researching Available Programs

1. Allina Health – Offers internship and residency programs in various units.
2. Mayo Clinic – Runs a structured Summer III Student Nurse Internship.
3. Northwell Health – Provides externships and fellowships for nursing students.
4. Kaiser Permanente – Features a competitive summer internship program.

Preparing Application Materials

1. A well-structured resume (see below for details).
2. A cover letter tailored to the specific location and unit assigned (e.g., neonatal intensive care, oncology, medical-surgical).
3. Academic transcripts to verify enrollment in a nursing program.
4. Letters of recommendation from clinical instructors or nursing professors.

Submitting the Application

• Apply online through hospital job portals or university partnerships.
• Pay attention to deadlines, many summer programs open applications in the fall or early winter.
• Some hospitals require applicants to list preferred units (e.g., medical-surgical, oncology, or home care).

Background Checks & Health Screenings

• Complete background checks (criminal history, drug testing, etc.).
• Provide proof of immunizations (varies by hospital).
• Undergo TB screening, flu shots, and COVID-19 vaccination (if required).
• Submit CPR certification and other necessary documents.

Building a Strong Resume & Cover Letter

Resume Elements for Nursing Internships & Externships

• Education: Name of university, expected graduation date, GPA (if strong).
• Clinical Rotations: Highlight key patient care experiences. Specify unit placement (e.g., neonatal intensive care, oncology, medical-surgical).
• Certifications: Include Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, or any advanced certifications.
• Skills: Patient care, medication administration, EHR documentation, teamwork.
• Work & Volunteer Experience: Any healthcare-related roles (CNA, home care aide, medical scribe).

Read: Nursing Resume Guide – With Template & Examples

Crafting a Strong Cover Letter

• Express enthusiasm for the specific program and hospital.
• Highlight relevant education, skills, and experience.
• Mention interest in a specific department (e.g., neonatal intensive care, oncology).
• Be concise, no more than one page.

Example Opening:

"Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the Nursing Internship at [Hospital Name]. As a junior BSN student at [University], I have gained hands-on experience in medical-surgical and pediatric units. My recent clinical rotations at [Hospital] allowed me to develop skills in patient assessments and EHR documentation. I am eager to bring my passion for patient-centered care to your team."

Interviews & Selection

Common Interview Questions & How to Answer

Clinical Knowledge Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you cared for a difficult patient."
• "How would you handle an emergency situation?"
• "What experience do you have in neonatal intensive care/oncology/medical surgical?"

Behavioral & Soft Skills Questions:

• "Tell us about a time you worked as part of a healthcare team."
• "How do you handle constructive feedback?"
• "Why do you want to work in this unit?"

The Selection Process

• Some programs require additional written assessments or competency exams.
• After the interview, candidates may receive an offer within one week to a month.
• Programs with a large number of applicants may have multiple interview rounds.

Where to Find Nursing Internships, Externships, and Fellowships

1. Allina Health

• Offers nursing internships for students interested in gaining experience at their Unity Campus and other hospital locations.
• Focuses on clinical education and hands-on patient care in different unit assignments.
• Paid and unpaid opportunities are available, depending on the hospital department.

2. Kaiser Permanente

• Runs a nursing student work-study summer internship program in Northern California.
• Designed for student nurses who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
• Interns work under the supervision of registered nurses to develop patient care skills.

3. Mayo Clinic

• Offers the Summer III Student Nurse Internship, a 10-week paid program.
• Available at Mayo Clinic hospitals in specific locations, including Minnesota and Arizona.
• Interns gain experience in hospital units such as medical-surgical, oncology, and intensive care.

4. Northwell Health

• Provides summer nurse externships, fellowships, and nurse residency programs.
• Offers placement in specialized units, including neonatal intensive care and home care.
• Focuses on mentorship and professional development for nursing students.

5. Work the World

• Organizes international nursing internships in hospitals across Asia and Africa.
• Focuses on clinical exposure in resource-limited settings.
• Ideal for nursing students who want to gain global healthcare experience.

University & Hospital Partnerships

Many universities have agreements with hospitals to provide internship, externship, and fellowship placements. These partnerships help nursing students secure hospital placements as part of their clinical education requirements.

How to Find University-Affiliated Programs:

• Check your nursing school’s career services or academic advising office for internship opportunities.
• Ask faculty members if the university has formal agreements with local hospitals for clinical placements.
• Review the nursing program website, many schools list affiliated hospitals and externship requirements.
• Contact hospitals directly to ask if they accept students from your university for internships or externships.

Some universities with strong hospital partnerships include:

• Johns Hopkins University – Partners with Johns Hopkins Hospital for structured nurse internships.
• University of Pennsylvania – Offers student nurse externships at Penn Medicine hospitals.
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Provides summer externships at UCLA Health facilities.

Online Job Boards & Career Websites

Hospitals and healthcare networks post internship, externship, and fellowship openings on job boards and career websites. Checking these platforms regularly increases the chances of finding available programs.

Where to Search for Nursing Internships & Externships Online:

Final Thoughts

Nursing internships, externships, and fellowships provide essential hands-on experience that prepares students and recent graduates for real-world clinical practice. These programs offer structured training, direct patient care, and mentorship under the supervision of registered nurses in hospital units such as neonatal intensive care, medical-surgical, and oncology. Whether through university partnerships, hospital career programs, or job boards, securing a spot in these competitive programs requires early research, a strong application, and interview preparation. Interns and externs who take full advantage of these opportunities gain critical skills, professional connections, and a stronger path to full-time employment in healthcare.

Get Help from a Nursing Admissions Coach

Applying for nursing internships, externships, or fellowships can be competitive. A nursing admissions coach can help you craft a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and navigate the application process.

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• BSN Programs: What You Need to Know About Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs
• Nursing School Cost – How Much is Nursing School
• Online Nursing Degrees — Comprehensive List of Programs

FAQs

What are the duties of an extern?

• A nursing extern works under the supervision of registered nurses, assisting with patient care, monitoring vital signs, documenting medical information, and supporting healthcare teams in hospital settings. Externs gain hands-on experience in different units, such as neonatal intensive care, medical-surgical, and oncology, helping them prepare for full-time nursing roles.

What are nursing internships?

• Nursing internships are structured programs designed to give nursing students hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, home care, and other healthcare settings. Interns work under the supervision of registered nurses, assisting with patient care, medical documentation, and unit operations. These programs are typically offered during summer breaks and can last one week to several months, depending on the hospital and specific location.

What is the difference between a nursing externship and an internship?

• A nursing internship is usually for students still in school, providing introductory clinical exposure. Externships, on the other hand, offer more in-depth, hands-on experience and are typically reserved for upper-level students nearing graduation. Externs work closely with hospital staff and often perform more advanced patient care tasks compared to interns.

Do hospitals hire interns?

• Yes, many hospitals hire summer interns and nursing students for internship programs that provide practical training and mentorship. Some hospitals also use internships as a way to identify potential full-time hires after graduation.

How much do nurse interns make in Michigan?

• Nurse intern salaries in Michigan vary based on hospital, specific location, and experience level. On average, nurse interns in Michigan earn between $15 to $22 per hour, with some hospitals offering higher pay for specialized units such as neonatal intensive care or oncology. Paid internships often include weekend shifts and flexible scheduling to accommodate students.