Explore Student Nurse Externship Program

The Explore Student Nurse Externship provides BSN & MSN students with valuable clinical training, enabling them to gain direct patient care experience or contribute to quality improvement initiatives.

Program Highlights

• Semester-length program
• 120 externship hours
• RN preceptor pairing
• Clinical experiences available in various areas of interest
• Welcome Orientation Event 
• Access to Skills Training & Professional Development Workshops
• Free Parking
• Awarded Certificate of Completion
• Extension of externship may be possible (pending manager approval)

Eligibility Requirements

• Enrollment in a nursing program that has an active clinical affiliation at UCSDH through the Allied Health Professions Education Committee (AHPEC-N).
• Enrollment in an externship course through their school’s nursing program.
• Students are eligible to participate during their final academic year. (In most cases, the application deadline will be before your final two semesters.)
• Provide evidence of valid health insurance and professional liability insurance, Complio Immunization and Background Compliance Report and other required documentation.

Application

Please submit updated versions of the following items:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Two Letters of Reference (dated within 1 year)
• Essay Questions (provided only during application period)
• Proof of Health Insurance

Explore Student Nurse Externship Program application opens for the following semesters:

• Summer Semester - January 
• Fall Semester- February 
• Spring Semester - August 

For precise application dates and deadlines, please visit our application website. 

Begin your application today! Applicants will need to create an account to get started. Link for application website: 

Explore Career Path Application Website

For any questions, please reach out to rnstudents@health.ucsd.edu