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Nursing Student Programs

Start your nursing path

Take the first step toward your nursing career with one of our Nursing Student Programs at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). Gain hands-on experience, expert mentorship and practical skills to confidently transition into professional nursing.

Nurse Extern Program

Our Nurse Extern Program helps nursing students transition into their nursing practice by emphasizing orientation, education and evidence-based practice. We offer two cohorts annually, with multiple interview dates three to six months before the beginning of each cohort.

  • Training

    This program supports your transition into professional nursing practice through:

    • Working full-time hours for at least three (3) weeks to complete organizational and role/unit orientations.
    • Rotating through different clinical tracks within Medical, Surgical, Cardiac or Intermediate Care units every 12 weeks at one of the five NGHS hospitals.

  • Support

    • Upon completion of orientation, nurse externs are paired with a registered nurse (RN) in a PRN nurse extern role and will commit to work at least one (1) 12-hour shift every two weeks.
    • Gain clinical experience and skills practice to prepare for a transition to an RN career.
    • NGHS will pay for your first attempt at the NCLEX exam after graduation from nursing school.

  • Eligibility

    • Currently enrolled in an accredited RN program and have successfully completed the Foundations of Nursing and Adult Health courses (students are eligible after the second or third semester of nursing school).
    • Current AHA BLS certifications.
    Apply now

COMPASS PCT Program

Start your nursing career with the COMPASS PCT Program, where you’ll gain hands-on experience as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in various hospital units, building skills and confidence in a real healthcare setting. This experience creates a strong foundation for your nursing education and future career

  • Program Overview

    • 12-week summer program, running May through July 
    • Throughout the program, participants will receive guidance and support from both a unit manager and a residency manager 
    • Assigned to a dedicated unit for the duration of the program 

  • Perks of the Program

    • Preference to join our Nurse Extern Program upon completion of the program and your first two semesters  
    • Opportunity to continue work as a PCT after program completion 
    • Participants have the opportunity to work in various units at our five hospitals, depending on availability 
    • Gain valuable, paid experience while completing your education and advancing your career 

  • Eligibility

    • Offered to nursing students in an accredited RN program 
    • Have successfully completed the first semester of a nursing program and Foundations of Nursing course 
    • Participants will work as a patient care technician (PCT) 
    • Must be able to commit to work 36 hours per week 
    • Application posting date:
      • January

PCT Scholar Program

As a PCT Scholar Program participant, you’ll gain hands-on experience as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in various hospital units, building your skills and confidence in real healthcare settings. This experience lays a strong foundation for your nursing career while supporting a fulfilling life beyond our doors.

  • Program Overview

    • Two cohorts annually, starting at the end of July and mid-December  
    • Throughout the program, participants will receive guidance and support from both a unit manager and a residency manager

  • Perks of the Program

    • Preference to join our Nurse Extern Program upon completion of the program and your first two semesters 
    • Participants have the opportunity to work in various units at our five hospitals, depending on availability 
    • Gain valuable, paid experience while completing your education and advancing your career

  • Eligibility

    • Offered to Georgia Gwinnet College nursing students 
    • Have successfully completed the first semester of a nursing program and Foundations of Nursing course 
    • Current AHA BLS certification 
    • Must be able to commit to work one 12-hour shift every two weeks
    Apply now

A future at NGHS

At NGHS, we’re dedicated to helping our employees grow and succeed. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to specialize, our programs are designed to support you every step of the way. 

Apply now