
The VA offers a range of opportunities for aspiring nurses, including internships, scholarships, and trainee programs. These programs aim to provide nursing students with the skills and experience necessary for their professional growth and development. One such program is the Student Nurse Technician (SNT) program, which allows students to work part-time or full-time and earn a competitive salary while developing their nursing skills in a clinical setting. Additionally, the VA offers scholarship programs such as the VA National Education for Employees Program (VANEEP), which covers education costs and provides a salary while students attend school full-time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Student Nurse Technician (SNT) Program |
| Program Type | Internship |
| Pay | Competitive pay scale; 80% of a Nurse I Level I salary; paid as hourly, intermittent employees |
| Work Hours | Minimum of 4 hours in a two-week timeframe; 400 hours or 10 weeks; part-time during summer and complete the rest of the hours during senior year |
| Work Areas | Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, long-term care, rehabilitation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Department (ED), and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizen; completion of first semester of a CCNE or NLNAS accredited nursing program; minimum CGPA of 3.0; completion of junior year of bachelor's degree program from an accredited school for Nursing Sciences |
| Application Requirements | Resume, academic transcript, cover letter, unofficial transcript, letter of recommendation |
| Application Process | Apply online through USAJOBS; submit application materials to Student Nurse Technician Coordinator or Nursing Recruitment/SNT Program Manager |
| Program Benefits | Develop skills and gain experience in patient care under the supervision of a professional nurse; increase confidence in performing basic skills; enhance interprofessional collaborations and educational opportunities; exposure to acute care settings |
| Scholarship | VANEEP scholarship covers education costs and provides a salary while in school full-time |
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What You'll Learn

Student Nurse Technician pay scale
The VA offers a range of opportunities for student nurse technicians (SNTs) to gain hands-on clinical experience while being paid. The VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) is a year-long clinical residency for BSN students between their junior and senior years. It is open to students who have completed their junior year with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 and are enrolled in an accredited BSN program. VA-STEP SNTs are paid hourly at a rate equivalent to 80% of a Nurse I Level I salary, but they are not eligible for overtime pay, holiday pay, or shift differentials.
The Student Nurse Technician program is another opportunity for nursing students to develop skills that will benefit their professional growth. This program is open to students who have completed their first semester of a CCNE or NLNAS accredited nursing program and are able to work at least four hours in a two-week timeframe. The pay scale for this program is described as competitive, but no specific rates are mentioned.
Additionally, the VA offers scholarships such as the VA National Education for Employees Program (VANEEP) that covers education costs and provides a salary while the recipient attends school full-time. The maximum funding offered by VANEEP is $41,160.42 for the equivalent of three years of full-time coursework.
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VA-STEP pay
The VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) is a paid internship program for aspiring nurses who are U.S. citizens and are seeking careers centred on improving the lives of veterans. The program is designed to help students develop clinical competencies, judgement, and critical thinking skills. It also serves as a pathway to employment with the VA after graduation and licensure.
VA-STEP SNTs are paid hourly but are not eligible for overtime pay, holiday pay, or shift differentials. The pay rate is 80% of a Nurse I Level I salary or a starting RN's salary, and it changes every year. The program includes 400 hours of work during the summer months between the junior and senior years, with an additional 400 hours available during the school year. Students are also required to complete an application and submit various documents, including a resume, academic transcript, and recommendation letters.
Traditional BSN students can work full-time during the summer months (June-August), while accelerated baccalaureate nursing students can start their 400 hours after the fall semester and finish before graduation. The program includes orientation, clinical practice with a preceptor, and various patient experiences. Participants will learn about the culture and unique needs of the veteran population and develop confidence and proficiency in nursing skills.
VA-STEP participants may be appointed above the beginning salary rate when employed as an RN following graduation based on superior qualifications and performance in the program.
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VANEEP scholarships
The VA National Education for Employees Program (VANEEP) is a scholarship program that covers education costs and pays the recipient's salary while they attend school full-time. The scholarship is designed to accelerate completion of a degree in an approved academic program for Title 38 or hybrid Title 38 occupations, including nursing. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have completed the final semester of their junior year. They must also be a U.S. citizen and provide documentation of immunizations.
The VANEEP scholarship covers a majority of the recipient's tuition fees and matches their regular income, allowing them to focus on their studies and other professional pursuits. Recipients are required to report sick days and submit sick leave requests to the scholarship coordinator. They must also maintain their government email communications and TMS modules. Additionally, recipients must complete their degree within a specified time frame, typically two years, and work for the VA in their new role after graduation for three years.
The VANEEP application deadlines are twice per year, in March for classes starting after the spring, and in October for classes starting after the fall. The application process can be challenging, as the forms are not easily accessible to the public, and scholarship coordinators may not be readily available to answer questions. However, applicants can seek assistance by calling 1-800-698-2411.
The VA also offers other opportunities for nursing students, such as the Student Nurse Technician program and the VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP). These programs provide nursing students with the opportunity to develop clinical and nursing skills, gain practical experience, and enhance their professional growth and development.
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BSN student work and pay
The BSN degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The degree offers flexibility and freedom to explore different nursing career paths. BSN nurses are prepared to work with patients of all ages in various healthcare settings and specialised medical fields. The pay for BSN nurses varies depending on the employer and the type of work.
BSN students can participate in the VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) to gain clinical experience at an approved medical centre. The program offers BSN students the opportunity to work full-time for ten weeks during the summer months (June-August) or work part-time during the summer and complete the rest of the hours in their senior year. Accelerated baccalaureate nursing students can start their 400 hours after the fall semester and finish before graduation. BSN students in the VA-STEP program are paid hourly and are not eligible for overtime, holiday pay, or shift differentials. The hourly pay is 80% of a Nurse I Level I salary.
The Student Nurse Technician program is another opportunity for BSN students to gain work experience and develop skills for professional growth. The program is open to BSN students after the successful completion of their first semester of an accredited nursing program. Student nurse technicians will work alongside seasoned nurses to provide patient care and increase their confidence in performing basic nursing skills. The program offers flexible scheduling to accommodate student nurses' school schedules. The pay for student nurse technicians is competitive, but the exact rate is not specified.
The pay for BSN nurses varies depending on their employer and the type of work they do. BSN nurses can work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, long-term health facilities, medical response teams, and unique travel settings. The median salary for registered nurses with BSNs is over $93,000, but it can range from $75,870 to $154,839 depending on the source. BSN nurses can also pursue advanced nursing degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, to access higher-paying jobs.
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Student Nurse Technician application requirements
The Student Nurse Technician program is intended to help nursing students develop skills that will benefit their professional growth and development. The program provides nursing students with the opportunity to apply classroom material in a realistic environment, providing Veteran-centric care.
Requirements
- Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with no grade lower than a B in any nursing course.
- Must have completed the final semester of junior year and be eligible to graduate by the following year.
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, provide documentation of immunizations, and meet physical exam standards at the time of entry into the program.
- Applicants must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
- Must be able to work at least four hours in a two-week timeframe.
- Applicants must provide a complete application package, including a cover letter, unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended, a resume or portfolio, and one letter of recommendation from a clinical instructor.
- Students in an accelerated BSN program can apply if they meet the program requirements and are available to work 400 hours or 10 weeks.
- Participants may not have a service obligation to any federal, state, or private institution or be a recipient of any federal scholarship that incurs a service obligation.
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Frequently asked questions
A student nurse technician (SNT) is a VA employee who is mentored and supported under the supervision of a registered nurse while attending nursing school.
The rate of pay changes each year. The pay is 80% of a Nurse I Level I salary. Student nurse technicians will also be offered a competitive pay scale.
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with no grade lower than a "B" in any nursing course. They must also be a U.S. citizen and meet physical exam standards.
The Student Nurse Technician program provides nursing students with the opportunity to develop skills that will benefit their professional growth and development. It also allows for flexible scheduling, so students can work in conjunction with their school schedules.
Applications are accepted year-round. Students can apply online through USAJOBS by searching for "Student Nurse Technician" positions. A current resume and copy of academic transcript are required for the application.































