Advance Your Nursing Career with the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health Nurse Externship Program
The Nursing Learning and Development team at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma, offers an exceptional externship program providing registered nursing (RN) students with invaluable insights and hands-on experience.
As an extern, you will receive support throughout your experience, as you enhance your skills, boost your confidence and establish a strong foundation for your nursing career.
Applications for the summer 2025 nurse externship program are now closed. Applications will reopen in January 2026 for the summer 2026 program.
Why Top Nursing Schools Recommend CNDH
- Immersive nine-week paid summer program
- Hands-on experience across four diverse inpatient units
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced nurse educators
- Evidence-based clinical skill development
- Direct patient care experience in a supportive environment
Externs receive education and hands-on training in a professional health care setting, working in a structured and mentored environment that fosters learning and confidence. Through this program, you will have the opportunity to enhance essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, collaboration and teamwork.
Your Path to Success Starts Here
By joining the CNDH Nurse Externship program, you can be well-prepared for a dynamic career in the health care field. Our nurse educators are dedicated to helping you achieve your highest potential in learning, leadership and service while enhancing our patients’ quality of life.
Our program helps you navigate the challenging journey of becoming an RN. It offers a safe environment that supports your learning. As a new nurse, you will gain experience, better understand your role and build confidence — all crucial for earning trust from co-workers and patients.
Applying for Summer 2025
Applications for the summer 2025 nurse externship program are now closed. Applications will reopen in January 2026 for the summer 2026 program.
- For nursing students graduating in December 2025 or May 2026
- Application deadline: March 1, 2025 at 10 p.m. CST
- Program date: June 2 - Aug. 2, 2025
- Early applications strongly encouraged
Steps to Apply
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1. Complete the Nurse Externship Application
Application for the nurse externship will open Jan. 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted no later than 10 p.m. CST, March 1, 2025. -
2. Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents:
1. Letter of recommendation from Clinical Faculty
2. Letter of Good Standing from nursing school
3. Copy of Clinical Skills Checklist
4. Copy of Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
5. Unofficial transcript
6. Copy of COVID-19 vaccination
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3. Create Your Profile
Visit our jobs portal at careers.chickasaw.net and create your profile by establishing your user name and password. -
4. Complete Your Profile
Complete all the necessary fields in your newly created job profile. -
5. Provide References
Enter information for three personal and professional references, including their name, address and phone number.
Once your application has been successfully submitted and your profile has been created, our team will review it and reach out to you for further discussion.