Earn to Learn

The Earn to Learn (ETL) program is a Virginia Department of Health grant-funded project in partnership with VCU/CMH, designed to enhance nursing education and career paths. It blends practical work experience with academic learning for nursing students, aiming to support your educational journey in the SVCC nursing program and prepare you for a successful healthcare career.

Two Phases

Phase I: Work Experience

Work Experience begins during the second semester and continues through the summer of the first year. After successfully completing NSG 100 and 106, you can apply for the program, which includes an interview process and skills competency check-off. If accepted, you will work 12-20 hours per week as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) at VCU/CMH on an acute care unit, gaining hands-on experience and earning wages.

Phase II: Immersive Clinical Experience

Immersive Clinical Experience starts in the third semester, where you will be assigned to a preceptor within VCU/CMH, with this experience counting towards required clinical hours. You will continue as a PCT but with an increased skill level (PCT II). This phase involves 36 hours of clinical experience in the third semester, increasing to 48 hours in the fourth semester, with financial scholarships of $540 and $720 provided during this period.

Benefits

Benefits of the ETL Program include gaining practical experience while earning, developing clinical competencies, securing future recruitment opportunities at VCU/CMH post-graduation, and integrating work and education for optimal success with flexible schedules.

Apply

Applicants should see their first-year nursing instructor for information about applying. To apply, complete the Google application thoroughly, prepare for a face-to-face interview, sharpen your skills for the competency test, and then await notification to begin your journey as an ETL Scholar. The program offers valuable experience, financial support, and job opportunities in healthcare.