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Nursing internships and VA-STEP

Minneapolis VA medical center has a variety of nursing internship programs at different levels including student nurse technician and VA-STEP (VA Student Trainee Experience Program) for aspiring nurses seeking fulfilling careers improving the lives of those who've served our nation.

Student nurse technician

The student nurse technician (SNT) is a VA employee who is mentored and supported under the supervision of a registered nurse while attending nursing school. This hands-on position allows student nurses the opportunity to practice and grow their clinical skills in preparation for professional licensure as a registered nurse. Flexible scheduling allows student nurses to work in conjunction with academic requirements and obligations.

SNT eligible applicants

  • U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization
  • SNTs must have completed one full academic year post high school and be enrolled in an Associates of Nursing Degree (ADN), Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing degree (BSN/BA), Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN), or bridge program.
  • Nursing program must be nationally accredited by ACEN or CCNE
  • Proficient in English language (written and spoken), in accordance with 38 U.S.C 7402(d).
  • Pre-hire physical examination (including drug screening) and security/background investigation is required

SNT level determination

  • SNT-3: Completion of 1 academic year of post-high school study, no clinical rotations required.
  • SNT-4: Completion of 2 academic years of post-high school study and completed clinical rotations.
  • SNT-5: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school study and completed clinical rotations or completed a Bachelor's in a related field and entering into an entry-level Master's Nursing Program.

How to apply for an SNT position

SNT applicants are encouraged to apply online through USAJOBS by searching “Student Nurse Technician” positions. A current resume and copy of academic transcript are required for application.  Any questions about the program or application process can be directed to Amy Daly, Nursing Recruitment or Katie Nelson, SNT Program Manager.

Amy Daly, MSN, RN
Nursing Recruitment/Retention
Amy.Daly@va.gov

Katie Nelson, MSN, RN
Nurse Manager, Clinical Resource Teams
Katherine.Nelson1@va.gov

VA-STEP

VA-STEP serves as a first step to gain employment with the VA after graduation and licensure. The student is employed as a trainee earning a salary while they learn to develop understanding, confidence and competencies in the care of our nations Veterans at a local VA facility under the supervision of a mentor.

VA-STEP eligible applicants

  • U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization (U.S. Veterans are considered first among all equally qualified candidates).
  • Current nursing students who have completed or are within one semester of completing the junior year of their bachelor's degree program from a nationally accredited school for Nursing Sciences with a CCNE or ACEN Accreditation.
  • Be willing to undergo a background / suitability investigation.
  • Be willing to come work for the VA after graduation.
  • Students will need to be available to work 400 hours prior to graduation from their education program.
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.00 on 4.00 scale
  • Not obligated to work somewhere outside the VA after graduation.
  • Currently in Good Academic Standing (as defined by the school the student is attending) leading to graduation and NCLEX certification.

How to apply for VA-STEP

We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 VA-STEP cohort through November 24, 2023. Learn more and apply at the VA application management system.

Kimlyn McVay, RN
Staff Educator/Nursing Professional Development Specialist,
VALOR Program Manager, Education Department
VA Medical Center
One Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417

Brad Ely, RN
Assistant Chief Nurse,
VALOR Program, Education Department
VA Medical Center
One Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417

RN Transition to Practice

Are you a recent or anticipated graduate of an ACEN or CCNE-accredited Baccalaureate or Associates nursing degree program? If so, the VA’s Registered Nurse Transition-To-Practice (RNTTP) residency program was made for you!

VA RNTTP residency is a 12-month program designed to support newly licensed RN employees (in their first RN role and/or with <1yr of licensed RN experience) through the transition from novice new-graduates to confident and competent nurse professionals. Learn more.

Subscribe for updates about VA Nursing TTP opportunities and events.

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  • Minneapolis VA health care provides training programs for students at the college, university, and postgraduate levels.

  • Registration instructions and forms for residents, students and trainees.

  • Minneapolis VA education program coordinators will help you navigate the VA internship and fellowship application process.

  • Learn more about our nursing vacancies and how to apply.

  • Visit our jobs and careers page to learn more about the application process.

  • VA-STEP is a year-long clinical residency for BSN students between their junior and senior years. It is designed to increase participants’ clinical skills, clinical judgment and critical thinking while caring for our nation’s Veterans.

  • HPSP provides financial assistance to students receiving education or training in a direct or indirect health-care services discipline.

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