How long is the Nurse Residency Program?
The nurse residency is a prestigious 12-month program designed to help nurses move confidently into practice. While in the program, Inpatient Nurse Residents will meet once per month and Ambulatory Nurse Residents will meet twice per month.
How often do you offer the Nurse Residency Program?
Ambulatory start dates
- Sept. 8, 2025
Inpatient start dates
- June 16, 2025
- July 14, 2025
- Aug. 11, 2025
- Sept. 8, 2025
- Nov. 3, 2025
When should I apply?
If you are interested in a particular area or specialty, we recommend you apply as close to the application open date as possible. However, the application remains open for up to month prior to the start date or until positions are filled. This means the application for each cohort is open for seven to 11 months. Upcoming application open dates:
- Summer (June–September): Opens approximately Sept. 15 (Nine months prior to first cohort start)
- Fall (November): Opens approximately March 1 (Eight months prior to cohort start)
- Winter (January–February): Opens approximately June 1 (Seven months prior to first cohort start)
Do I need to have graduated before applying?
No, most people apply during their final one or two semesters of nursing school. Some people apply after graduating. While you must have graduated to begin the residency program, you do not need to have graduated to apply to the residency program.
What is the orientation period for the nurse residents?
Twelve to 24 weeks, depending on the acuity of the practice area.
Which units are available for nurse residents?
We hire nurse residents into all inpatient units, the Emergency Department, Operating Rooms and several ambulatory settings. Unit descriptions are available for your review:
How does the clinical area placement work?
As part of our application process, applicants submit a clinical interest inventory to indicate clinical preferences, which are discussed with the recruiter during the interview. For candidates moving forward to a clinical area interview (after recruiter interview), we try to match the clinical area with one of the candidate’s top choices. However, this is not always possible. For example, a clinical area might have completed hiring or have preferred prior experience.
Is there a time commitment after completing the residency program? Am I obligated to stay at UW Health?
There is not a time commitment after completing the program. However, you are not eligible to apply for positions in other clinical areas at UW Health prior to completing the one-year residency program.
If I am hired into the Nurse Residency Program, will I be paid and eligible for benefits?
Yes, nurse residents are paid and are eligible for benefits. View our benefits page for additional information on benefits of working at UW Health.
Do you offer shift and weekend differentials in the Nurse Residency Program?
Inpatient nurse residents receive a shift and/or weekend differential as appropriate. Ambulatory nurse residents work during standard business hours and do not receive a shift differential.
Is the Nurse Residency Program accredited?
Yes, our Nurse Residency Program has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education since 2011. Through this rigorous process, UW Health has demonstrated that it meets national standards for its program to support new nurses during their first year of practice.
What does the program look like?
Nurse residents will attend monthly residency classes with their cohort. You will meet with clinical experts and problem-solve clinical challenges and learn more about resources to support your practice.
I’m not from the Madison area. How can I decide where to live?
Let your recruiter know if you will be relocating to the Madison area. You might be eligible for relocation assistance funds.
In addition, we can connect you with a relocation specialist to be a resource for you as you plan your move.
Eligibility requirements for UW Health Nurse Residency Program
Is there a GPA requirement to apply for the Nurse Residency Program?
No, there is not a minimum GPA to apply to the program. However, submitting your current unofficial transcript is part of the application process because we do take your Nursing GPA into consideration.
How long after graduation may I start the program?
Candidates must start the program within 12 months of graduation.
Do I need to complete an additional application for the Nurse Residency Program?
Yes, there is a supplemental application that you need to complete as part of the online application. Please go to Applying to the Program for additional information.
Is the Nurse Residency Program open to all new graduate nurses?
Yes, the Nurse Residency Program is open to all new graduate nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree.
I just graduated with my Associate Degree in Nursing. Do I need to complete a Bachelor’s in Nursing?
Although you are not required to complete your BSN, UW Health strongly supports a culture of learning for ongoing professional development. There are many resources to support low-cost BSN completion available to you. Evidence supports a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses in a complex academic medical center leads to better patient outcomes.
What certifications are required before starting the program?
Nurse residents are required to be BLS-certified and provide a copy of the Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers card prior to starting the program. We only accept certifications from American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
What if I am not able to take NCLEX prior to my start date?
We encourage nurse residents to schedule the NCLEX at least two weeks before their start date. However, when this is not possible, it might be possible to start the program with a Wisconsin temporary permit. The recruitment team can share more details about this option with you.