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If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves.

Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Opportunities for students and new graduates

Your career is just beginning, and there’s no better place to start than VA. Whether with a job, internship, training program, or apprenticeship, you can take the first step on your journey here.  

Start your career

Join one of the top employers for new graduates. We’re committed to supporting you in the early stages of your career, offering many programs to help you get a job, pay off debts, or complete your training

Find your match with a VA residency

Join the largest medical training program in the nation. Each year, we provide clinical experiences to 75,000 medical and 1,000 dental trainees. We’re affiliated with nearly every medical school in the country and offer training programs at 90% of VA facilities.

Start on your path to a rewarding VA career — helping us deliver cost-effective, high-quality patient care — and be ready to meet the ever-changing needs of health care with a VA residency.

Learn more through our Office of Academic Affiliations.

Pathways

This set of 3 programs helps students and new graduates build on their education.  Contact the Pathways Program Management Office (PPMO) for more. 

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Internship Program

Earn a competitive salary while continuing your education and learning about careers at VA. 

Hands-on training

Recent Graduates Program

Get training, mentorship, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities. 

Students training

Presidential Management Fellows Program

Join this unique leadership development program for advanced degree candidates. 

We have excellent resources here at VA…so it creates a nice setting where you can explore different avenues and just grow within your own career just because you have that safe space to learn.

Almarie Talavera Dietetic Intern

National Diversity Internship Program (NDIP) 

We demonstrate our commitment to equity through NDIP. Students from diverse backgrounds can deepen their knowledge about government and share their cultural experiences with others with this path to a VA job. Gain hands-on experience in the federal government and receive a mentor who ensures you feel that your perspective, ideas, and solutions are valued. Hear from a current employee who started as an NDIP intern. 


Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)  

We’re actively hiring participants in WRP, a recruitment and referral program that connects VA with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.  


VA Student Trainee Experience Program (VA-STEP) 

 Nursing and medical laboratory scientist students who have completed their junior year can gain experience at a local VA facility. Contact the education department at your local VA medical center for more information about VA-STEP.

Related job news and advice

Looking for the latest career opportunities and advice at the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Read more job news and advice

Advanced Fellowships in Health Systems Research offer amazing opportunities to study at VA and begin your career.

Health Systems Research fellowships offer pathway to VA

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