Clinical Assistant Program | Nurse Externship | Summer 2027

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

The Clinical Assistant Program is a 10-week paid experience where you will work alongside Magnet recognized nursing staff to gain more exposure to the oncology field while learning the core skills of a Clinical Nurse.  

This exciting 10-week program begins May 27, 2027, and offers:  

• Oncology clinical and classroom orientation program  
• Assignments to Med/Surg Inpatient Units, Pediatrics, Critical Care, Ambulatory Care, Perioperative Units, or the Operating Room  
• Collaboration with our Magnet-recognized nursing staff  
• Full-time schedules; 10- & 12-hour day shifts, with weekend rotation as needed. 
• Opportunities for Clinical Observation Days  

To be considered for this program, you must:  

• Have a graduation date of Winter 2027, Spring 2028 or Summer 2028
• Be currently enrolled in an accredited BS, BA, or Associate’s Nursing Program  
• Have completion of two (2) clinical semesters, including one semester in Med/Surg Nursing  
• Active BCLS or BLS Certification  

 Core Skills

• Communication & Teamwork: Share information clearly, listen to others, and work well with MSK staff.
• Professionalism & Responsibility: Show up on time, come prepared, finish tasks, and accept feedback.
• Patient Care & Empathy: Be kind, respectful, and understanding of people from different backgrounds.
• Time Management: Stay organized during busy times and ask for help when you need it.
• Flexibility & Willingness to Learn: Stay calm when things change quickly and use feedback to improve.

If you’re invited to interview: Be ready to share short, real examples of when you showed these skills — like solving a problem, working with others under pressure, or using feedback to do better next time.

Explore Our Units and Locations

CAP placements are available across inpatient medical and surgical oncology, critical care, the operating room, pediatrics, outpatient and urgent care, and our regional sites in Westchester, Nassau, and Monmouth. You don't need prior experience in a specialty to be interested in it.

Before you apply, review the full list of units and locations on our Frequently Asked Questions page so you're ready to share which areas interest you during the interview process. 

Our Hiring Process for the CAP Program:

• Step 1: Interested students must complete the job application by October 16, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and moved forward in the order they are submitted.
• Step 2: Selected candidates will complete a virtual AI interview, which can be scheduled at any time. All AI interviews are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team, and people make all hiring decisions.
• Step 3: Candidates who move forward will complete virtual interviews with the Talent Acquisition team and the Nursing leadership team.
• Step 4: Final decisions will be communicated by late November.

Please note: Hourly rates for the 2027 program are not yet available. The 2026 rate was $19.00 per hour.  

Participants are expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and strong communication skills throughout the program.

Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.