UK HealthCare Career Center

The UK HealthCare Career Center is available to all permanent, non-travel UK HealthCare nurses, nurse leaders, Nursing Care Technicians (NCTs), UK College of Nursing students and other UK HealthCare licensed professionals including OTs, PTs, 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, the Career Center (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 were not able to attend the 2023 Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair to start on a degree (e.g., LPN, ADN, BSN, DNP, MSN, MS, DPT, MSOT, etc.) then you can reach out to the 27 college and graduate school programs that attended. The UK HealthCare tuition folks were also there to answer any EEP, FEP and Nursing Tuition Contract questions.

    Download the PDF below for contact information of academic advisors and program directors that attended, as well as a list of schools, education programs, tuition and scholarships.

    2023 Education Fair Directory (PDF, 142.13 KB)

    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:

    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

    See the listing of all CRNA schools.

    Other Health Careers

    UK Majors, Graduate Programs and Certificates

      Learn about other available health career opportunities:

      General School Entrance Examinations and Test Preparation

      Graduate School Applications

      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

      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)

      Career Planning Presentation for Nurse Residents (PDF, 2.3 MB)
      Job Searching Strategies (PDF, 113 KB)
      Preparing for a Nursing Job or Career Fair (PDF, 119.91 KB)

      Out of State Job Search Strategies

      Job Search Action Plan Guide

      Resume and CV guides

      Resume Guide and Sample Resumes Presentation

      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)

      Family Nurse Practitioner Resume Example
      Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Resume Example
      Chronological Resume Example
      Experienced RN Resume with Clinical Leadership Focus
      Nursing Student Resume Example
      Experienced RN Resume Example
      Experienced RN Seeking Management Positions Resume Example
      Nursing Student Resume with Clinicals
      Nursing Student Resume with a Targeted Focus
      Nursing Care Technician Resume for non-nursing students
      Experienced Health Professional with Leadership
      Experienced RN resume with clinical cardiac focus

      Cover Letter Guide

      Cover Letter Guide
      Recent Graduate Cover Letter
      Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter

      Interview tips and strategies

      Interview Skills and Strategies for Nursing Students (Video, 51:45)

      Mock Interview Advice & Tips (Video, 17:23)

      Interview Guide / Information Presentation

      Are you ready for your big interview? Checklist

      Dress for Success

      A Career Closet for Students - Wildcat Wardrobe

      Informational Interview and Networking

      Behavioral Based Interview Question Examples 

      Thank you letter

      Preparing a thank you letter

      Preparing letters of recommendation

      Preparing References: Reference template and a Sample reference letter.

      Preparing a letter of resignation

      Resignation letter 

      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

      See shadowing details »

      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.

      Shadowing contact form »

      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
      UK Senior Career Consultant 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.

      “Recently I had the opportunity to work with Sue Strup. I met Sue many years ago when I was accepted to the Leader in Training program that Dr. Kathy Isaacs and Dr. Patty Howard led. Since that time, I have always thought so highly of her and what she offers to UK nursing students and employees.

      “Recently, I applied for a HOA position and utilized her services for resume review and interview preparation. I cannot speak highly enough of Sue and the assistance she gave me. I left her office feeling very confident and prepared for the interview marathon I had ahead of me. She gave me so many helpful tips that I could utilize during the month-long process. I have told my coworkers for years that she is a hidden gem at UK HealthCare. I always promote her and advise others to see her for career-related things. This experience once again proved that advice is spot-on.”

      Amy M. Teague, MBA, MSN, RN, CCRN-CSC, Staff Nurse, Cardiovascular Service Line- CVICU NPA-Platinum Level, University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital