UK HealthCare Career Center
The UK HealthCare Career Center is available to all UK HealthCare nurses, nurse leaders, Nursing Care Technicians (NCTs), UK College of Nursing students and other UK HealthCare licensed professionals including OTs, SLPs, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists, Radiologic Technologists, etc. Whether you are looking for your first healthcare position, or fifth, or applying to graduate school, or for a promotion, we offer assistance for all phases of your career.
Career Center Services
- One-on-one, confidential career coaching and exploration.
- Résumé and curriculum vitae critique and preparation.
- Critique and preparation of cover letters.
- Interview strategies and practice interviews.
- Exploration of educational options, including graduate offerings, degree completion and more.
- Personal statements and setting goals.
- A robust web page with the latest information on preparing for an interview, applying to graduate school, updating and strengthening a resume and cover letter, and much, much more.
- Career Center Lunch & Learn workshops
- An annual education fair featuring 25-plus health-science and nursing programs offering degrees and certifications in health informatics, public health, hospital administration, exercise science, epidemiology, and more
Career services for nurses and licensed health professionals such as OT, PT, PA, Pharmacists, Radiologic Technologists, etc. are available via Zoom, in person, by phone or through email. Please schedule your 1:1 career coaching appointment with Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN here: https://calendly.com/shstru2
Announcements
Since 2011, "formerly the UK Nursing Career Center" has helped many nurses, nursing care technicians and staff members grow in their health care careers. Building on that success, the program has expanded to offer a broad range of career services to all health professionals, including respiratory, occupational and physical therapy; speech-language pathology; social work; pharmacy; radiologic technology; and laboratory sciences.
2023 Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair
Thursday, November 9, 2023
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Ground Floor PAV A
If you are considering going back to school to become a nurse or health professional or to start on a degree (e.g., LPN, ADN, BSN, DNP, MSN, MS, DPT, MSOT, etc.) then you will not want to miss this opportunity to talk (in person) to 25 college and graduate school programs.
The UK HealthCare tuition folks will also be there to answer any of your EEP, FEP and tuition contract questions.
Registration is not required. Look for a list of participating schools in mid-October.
2022 UK HealthCare Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair
The UK HealthCare Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair was held in person on Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Representatives from 18 nursing and health science programs discussed undergraduate and graduate programs, curriculum options, prerequisites, requirements, how UK HealthCare will pay for employee tuition and much more. Many UK HealthCare employees, licensed professionals, staff and UK College of Nursing students attended.
If you are a nursing or health sciences program and would like to attend the 2023 Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair, please email Kristen Arflack at Kristen.Arflack@uky.edu for dates and registration information.
UK BSN students
If you are a UK BSN student, you will want to take advantage of the weekly group sessions. These are offered during the fall and spring semesters, as well as during the summer. To sign up, please email Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN at sue.strup@uky.edu.
Group resume and cover letter writing sessions: These group sessions are available from 11 a.m. to noon every Monday. Bring a draft of your updated resume and cover letter to the group session. You can have your questions answered and leave with a critique worksheet to help you fine-tune your resume for your upcoming job search. This information will also include out-of-state job searches and how to develop a targeted resume for various specialty nursing positions, such as pediatrics, emergency department, ICUs or oncology.
Group interviewing strategies sessions: These group sessions meet from 11 a.m. to noon every Wednesday. You will discuss interview etiquette, how to dress for success, how to prepare for behavioral-based interview questions, what questions you will want to ask a Patient Care Manager, and much more.
Current Job Openings
View current UK Job Postings for all UK HealthCare nurses, nurse administrators, Nursing Care Technicians (NCTs), UK College of Nursing students and UK HealthCare staff members. We offer assistance for all phases of a career.
Summer Student Nurse Programs (After the Junior Year)
Summer student nurse programs are structured programs for BSN students in between the junior and senior year that will typically last 6-10 weeks. Academic credit may be offered for the experience as well as financial compensation. Some summer programs may have a theme (e.g. pediatrics, critical care, etc.), while most are more general, allowing you to get experience in multiple types of nursing settings. Many students enjoy summer programs because they help clarify future nursing career goals, and often lead to a nursing care technician position, which may lead to a full-time RN position after graduation.
Summer student nurse programs are usually competitive. It is recommended that you do a summer job search or plan to continue any student nurse positions you already have in addition to applying to summer nurse externship programs. There are many names for summer nurse externship positions including nurse externships, nurse internships, nurse academic practicums, nursing student fellows program, etc. Applying for summer student nurse programs include writing a professional cover letter and resume, and completing the applications in their entirety and supplying the required number of recommendation letters.
The majority of hospitals in the country do not offer nurse externships but many Academic Medical Centers such as UK HealthCare, Indiana University Health, University of Louisville Hospitals, etc., do. Other hospitals hire nursing students as nursing care technicians, nurse's aides, nursing assistants, etc. For many hospitals with nurse externship programs, starting in the externship is a way to make connections that may lead to a full time position after graduation. Deadlines are also specific to each hospital, with most applications due in mid winter quarter for a summer program.
Here are just a small sample of Nurse Externships/Academic Practicums/Internships/Nurse Fellowships that we found:
- University of Kentucky Student Nurse Academic Practicum (SNAP)
- Baptist Health Student Nurse Practicums
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital - Information about the Summer Nurse Externship program is available by emailing: nurses4kids@cchmc.org
- Frontier Nursing University Courier Program
- Indiana University Health Patient Care Internships for Nursing Students
- Loyola Medicine Student Nurse Extern Program
- Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Student Nurse Program
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital Nursing Student Experiences
- Norton Healthcare Student Nurse Externships
- Ohio State University Medical Center Student Nurse Associate (SNA) Positions
- University of Louisville Nurse Extern Program
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center Observation Opportunities
- Veterans Administration Nursing Student Internship Program
Continuing Education
UK HealthCare and the College of Nursing offer many options for continuing education including the residency program, the only one in the state and one of only a few in the country to be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Review all our educational opportunities by visiting Nurse Recruitment and the College of Nursing.
Career Planning Series
During the academic year, the UK HealthCare Career Center hosts various health care and nursing workshops to assist in career planning. Speakers share educational programs and career-related information. Workshops are typically held on the third or fourth Thursday of each month, unless otherwise noted, and last approximately 45 minutes, which includes time for Q&A.
To register to attend a Lunch and Learn, please contact Kristen Arflack at kristen.arflack@uky.edu or 859-323-2809.
The Fall 2023 Lunch and Learn schedule is below:
Thursday, August 24, 2023, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Clinical Leadership & Management Online, Part-Time Student Interest Session
Hosted by UK College of Health Sciences
Speakers
Sharlee Burch, BSDH, MPH, EdD
Lecturer for Clinical Leadership & Management, UK College of Health Sciences
Bernadette Cortez
Director of Recruitment, UK College of Health Sciences
The UK Clinical Leadership & Management program is designed for individuals who are interested in the intersection between healthcare and business. The bachelor’s degree may be completed full-time in-person or part-time in an online format. We also offer a Clinical Healthcare Management Certificate for students wanting to take a few classes and sharpen their skills or try out the major before committing to the degree program. Come learn more about all the UK College of Health Sciences has to offer at this lunch and learn!
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
UK Graduate Nursing Programs Overview
Hosted by UK College of Nursing
Speakers
Debra Hampton, PhD, MSN, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, CENP
Assistant Dean of MSN & DNP Programs, UK College of Nursing
Kathy Collins
Academic Coordinator for Graduate Programs, UK College of Nursing
Presentation will include an overview of all graduate nursing programs: MSN, DNP, PHD and Post Graduate Certificate options. All specialty areas offered in addition to admission criteria, application deadlines/process, program format, and sample full/part time plans of study.
Thursday, October 19, 2023, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Nursing Professional Advancement: Creating the Perfect Portfolio
Hosted by UK HealthCare Professional Development Council (PDC) and Nursing Professional Advancement (NPA)
Speakers
Crystal R. Justice, MSN, RN, PCCN
Cardiovascular Progressive Care
Professional Development Council Chair
Shawnda Osborne, RN, OCN, NCTTP
Clinical Documentation Specialist
NPA Council Facilitator
The lunch and learn will discuss constructing the NPA portfolio focusing on the tools provided in the packet. We will discuss what the NPA committee is looking for when reviewing the portfolio. We will discuss writing a good exemplar and literature review.
Lunch and Learn Workshops are not held in November due to the 2023 UK HealthCare Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair, which will be held Thursday, November 9, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on the ground floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital Pavilion A.
Thursday, December 21, 2023, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Hosted by Indiana Wesleyan University
Speaker
Jaresha Moore, MBA
Partnership Executive, Indiana Wesleyan University
Session title and description TBA.
To review past Lunch and Learn presentations on RN to BSN programs, Advanced Practice Nursing Programs, "Hot" Nursing Careers, Nursing Career Specialties, Career Planning Tools such as Writing a Resume, Cover Letter or Interviewing Tips and more, please visit: Past Lunch and Learn workshop presentations
Certifications
Visit our Nursing Certifications page for more information.
Other Nursing Programs
- RN Refresher Course
- University of Kentucky RN to BSN program
- Nursing credits may be earned from regionally accredited colleges by taking the courses or by submission of a portfolio of RN or LPN licensure, experience, and record of continuing education earned to the appropriate track coordinator and the College of Nursing Undergraduate Admission and Progression Committee. For questions about the RN-BSN program, contact Tara Grana, academic success specialist, at tara.grana@uky.edu.
- Accelerated BSN (Second Degree, MedVet, LPN-BSN)
- MSN
- DNP
- Ph.D.
- Post Master's Certificate
- State Registered Nurse Assistant Certification Program
- Displaying Nursing Credentials
See the listing of all CRNA schools.
Other Health Careers
UK Majors, Graduate Programs and Certificates
- UK College of Medicine
- UK College of Dentistry
- UK College of Pharmacy
- UK College of Health Sciences (i.e., Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, Speech & Learning Pathology, Medical Technology, Clinical Leadership & Management, etc.
- UK College of Public Health (i.e., undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates)
Learn about other available health career opportunities:
General School Entrance Examinations and Test Preparation
Graduate School Applications
- Your Guide to Graduate Nursing Programs provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School Applications: Nursing. Part 1 of 2
- Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School Applications: Nursing. Part 2 of 2
- Miller Analogies Test information and test prep
Financing Your Education
View this page for information about our scholarships. This policy pertains to public colleges and universities in Kentucky. More information is available from the UK Employee Education Program.
To receive a copy of the tuition contract, email Andrea Wright in Hospital Fiscal Affairs at hospitalpayments@uky.edu. If you have any questions regarding these policies or procedures, please contact Andrea Wright at hospitalpayments@uky.edu.
If you are inquiring about tuition payments, tuition loan repayment program, submitting a contract for payment, requesting reimbursement or payment for certification exams, or requesting information regarding any other tuition program payment, please email hospitalpayments@uky.edu. This is a shared, monitored email 24/7 and responses will be provided as soon as possible and will handled in the order in which they are received. If you do not hear back, you may contact Brian Stephens, Manager of Fiscal Affairs, at brian.stephens@uky.edu.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) is intended to provide one-time need based grants to women who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada for use in completing a degree or certification necessary for improving or gaining skills leading to employment. Learn more about PCE »
Resource Areas
Job Search and Networking Websites
- Sigma Theta Tau Job Board
- Indeed
- The Benefits of Using LinkedIn
- Professional Nursing Associations
- American Nurses Association Career Center
- Vault
- Nursing Career Information
- Nursing Salary Information
- Nursing Resume and Job Application Advice
- Interview tips and advice for nurses
- What Every Nursing Student Should Know When Seeking Employment
- NCLEX-RN Practice Test Questions with Rationale
- NCLEX-RN Exam Overview
Professional Associations
Learn about the benefits of joining a professional nursing association.
Other Resources
Career Planning Tools
Career planning and job search
Resume, Cover Letter, and Job Search Strategies for Nursing Students (Video, 54:42)
Out of State Job Search Strategies
Resume and CV guides
Curriculum Vitae Format
Recommended for nurses and health professionals i.e., OT, PT, SLP, Respiratory Therapy, etc. that are applying for faculty, research and leadership positions)
Cover Letter Guide
Interview tips and strategies
Interview Skills and Strategies for Nursing Students (Video, 51:45)
Mock Interview Advice & Tips (Video, 17:23)
Are you ready for your big interview? Checklist
A Career Closet for Students - Wildcat Wardrobe
Informational Interview and Networking
Behavioral Based Interview Question Examples
Thank you letter
Preparing letters of recommendation
Preparing References: Reference template and a Sample reference letter.
Preparing a letter of resignation
Certified Nurse's Aide
If you are interested in becoming a UK HealthCare Nursing Care Technician and working at the bedside in one of our three hospitals, the SRNA is required. If you are interested in applying to Medical Assistant (MA) positions in any of our ambulatory clinics, the SRNA is NOT required.
You may be interested in becoming a Certified Nurse's Aide (SRNA) or Nursing Assistant while you are in nursing school to gain valuable skills while working under the guidance of a Registered Nurse. This also will allow you to network and establish a relationship with potential coworkers and professionals.
There are various titles for Nurse's Aide including Nursing Care Technicians (NCTs), Nurse's Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Nurse Assistant. Employers such as academic medical centers like UK HealthCare, hospitals, home health care agencies, doctor's offices, laboratories, clinics or skilled nursing facilities hire nurse's aides.
Below are just a few of the Nurse's Aide educational programs offered in Kentucky, and in particular Lexington, Richmond and Louisville. The length of time and price will vary so it is imperative that you visit each program's website or call the program directly to find out availability, cost and online versus traditional courses. Once you have successfully completed a Kentucky state-approved training program, you will be eligible to sit for the Nurse's Aide Certification exam.
Find more information about becoming State Registered Nursing Assistant (SRNA) certified or the role of a Nurse's Aide.
THE SRNA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM THROUGH UK HEALTHCARE NURSE RECRUITMENT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. BUT HERE ARE TWO OTHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND UK EMPLOYEES:
UK College of Nursing SRNA Training and Scholarship Program - for more information email Denise Welch, Education Coordinator, Denise.Welch@uky.edu. For more information: https://www.uky.edu/nursing/professional-development/state-registered-nurse-aide
UK HealthCare SRNA Career Program - For more information email Madison Stephens, mest297@uky.edu. To access the application, please click here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/462178
Here are a sample of SRNA courses in Central Kentucky:
University of Kentucky College of Nursing
Bluegrass Community and Technical College System (BCTCS)
Emergency Medical Training Professions, Lexington.
859-455-8438
(Traditional SRNA courses offered during the week and on Saturdays)
Health Education Center of Louisville (online courses)
502-510-1363
KY Health Training LLC
859-963-2901
(Traditional SRNA courses offered as well as online courses)
Nurses Aide Training School, Inc, Richmond, Ky.
(online and traditional course)
859-624-4068
If you are interested in finding Nurse's Aide programs in rural or remote areas outside of Lexington, please email: KYNurseAideTraining@kctcs.edu.
License and Renewal
The National Student Nurses Association offers help for preparing for licensure as a registered nurse.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing provides information about obtaining RN licensing, renewing a license plus other educational programs to finish your BSN, start back on your MSN, DNP and more.
Shadowing Program
Shadowing professionals can be beneficial in deciding whether you’re a good fit for a career or workplace. Career Services provides the names of professionals who are willing to speak with others about their careers and experiences.
These individuals include:
- Nurse administrators
- Clinical nurse specialists (Acute care or Ambulatory care)
- Nurse practitioners (Acute care or Ambulatory care)
- Nurse educators (Staff development specialists, nurse educators or college faculty)
- Nurse researchers
- Nurses specializing in settings such as the operating room, PACU, ED, ICU, Behavioral Health, etc.
- Nurse recruiters
- Nurse anesthetists (CRNA)
- Pharmaceutical and medical equipment sales representatives
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Pharmacists
If you are a nurse or health care professional with a specialization and would be interested in having a UK HealthCare nurse, nursing student or health care professional shadow you, please complete the form below.
Location
UK HealthCare Career Center
Waller Healthcare Annex, Suite 108
115 Waller Avenue
Lexington KY 40508
Call 859-323-3169
Email sue.strup@uky.edu
Schedule an appointment with me via Calendly
Mailing Address
UK HealthCare Career Center
Waller Healthcare Annex, Suite 108
115 Waller Avenue
Lexington KY 40508
Hours of operation: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(By appointment only—8:00 a.m. appointments held for those who work the night shift before.)
Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN
UK Senior Career Consultant Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN, leads the center. Strup has more than 25 years of experience directing career centers at UK, Drexel University and Thomas Jefferson University. Prior to her work in career services, Strup served as a cardiac intensive care nurse at Indiana University Medical Center and as a nursing research assistant at the IU School of Nursing. She has taught hundreds of career planning workshops and seminars, led numerous presentations, and authored many career-related articles and publications.
To set up a one-to-one career coaching appointment, ask quick questions or discuss resume critiques and last-minute interview tips, contact Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN at sue.strup@uky.edu or 859-323-3169. You may also schedule an appointment with me via Calendly.
"Thanks to Sue H. Strup and the UK HealthCare Career Center, I am now the new UK Enterprise Operations Manager of the Hemodialysis Unit. Sue helped me to build my resume and shared interviewing tips that I feel increased my confidence level tremendously. I walked into the interview feeling prepared with the tools and resources she shared. Thanks for all of the tips and I will forever be grateful. Sue was a great help!" Brandi N. Adams RN, BSN, MSN, MHA, UK HealthCare Enterprise Acute Dialysis Manager.