Shape your nursing future:
Your path to nursing excellence
Your path to nursing excellence
At the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, we welcome nursing students approaching their final year to apply for our comprehensive Nurse Extern program. This structured year-long experience provides you with valuable clinical exposure while applying your skills across various acute care settings.
Why choose our externship program?
Why choose our externship program?
Magnet® recognition: nursing excellence in action
Froedtert Hospital achieved its fifth ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® designation in 2026 – reflecting the exceptional care our nurses deliver every day. Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital and Froedtert West Bend Hospital have also successfully completed the interim monitoring phase of their Magnet® designation, reinforcing our system-wide commitment to nursing excellence, evidence-based practice, and professional growth.
Hear from our externs
"I started the nurse externship here at Froedtert Bluemound Hospital. I really enjoy it because I love the inpatient rehab setting. I really like the wards and the patients that we work with here... I love working with a variety of patients and I feel like these skills that I've learned here can easily transfer to other facilities as well."
Elise
RN
“I started as a CNA here and I still love it! I have now transitioned into a Nurse Extern role here too, and planning on working as a nurse here when I graduate! Froedtert & MCW has been amazing and offered tuition reimbursement which I used!"
Jena
CNA, Nurse Extern
Your externship journey
Orientation
Begin with a comprehensive welcome orientation where you'll meet program leaders and your fellow externs.
Rotation phase (first 6 months)
Gain robust clinical experience through rotation opportunities in different units, building a strong foundation of skills across multiple specialties.
Specialization phase (final 3 months)
Focus your experience in an area that matches your interests and our opportunities, deepening your expertise and preparing for potential employment.
Graduation
Celebrate your accomplishments with a special ceremony as you transition toward your RN role.
How to apply
Application window: February 9 - March 27
Process steps:
Application window: February 9 - March 27
Process steps:
- Complete the online application for
- Submit required documentation
- Interview process
- Selection and notification