VA-STEP (VA Student Trainee Experience Program)

VA-STEP serves as a first step to gain employment with the VA after graduation and licensure. The student is employed as a trainee earning a salary while they learn to develop understanding, confidence and competencies in the care of our nations Veterans at a local VA facility under the supervision of a mentor.

VA-STEP eligible applicants

• U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization (U.S. Veterans are considered first among all equally qualified candidates).
• Current nursing students who have completed or are within one semester of completing the junior year of their bachelor's degree program from a nationally accredited school for Nursing Sciences with a CCNE or ACEN Accreditation.
• Be willing to undergo a background / suitability investigation.
• Be willing to come work for the VA after graduation.
• Students will need to be available to work 400 hours prior to graduation from their education program.
• Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.00 on 4.00 scale
• Currently in Good Academic Standing (as defined by the school the student is attending) leading to graduation and NCLEX certification.

How to apply for VA-STEP

Kimlyn McVay, RN Staff Educator VALOR Program Administrator VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417

Amy Daly, MSN, RN Assistant Chief Nurse VALOR Program Manager, Education Department VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417

VA-STEP is a year-long clinical residency for BSN students between their junior and senior years. It is designed to increase participants’ clinical skills, clinical judgment and critical thinking while caring for our nation’s Veterans.