Professional development is a lifelong journey that fosters growth, clinical excellence, and personal fulfillment. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, we help nurses build confidence, sharpen skills, and achieve their career goals. Explore the programs below to support your growth and advancement.
Nurse Residency: Transition to Practice Program
The Summa Health Nurse Residency Transition to Practice Program equips new graduate nurses with the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide exceptional care to our patients and community. Designed for new graduate nurses or nurses with less than 12 months experience, it enhances the orientation nurses receive on their specific units, while focusing on clinical judgement and knowledge throughout their first year of nursing.
Our goal is to seamlessly integrate new nurses into our team while providing the confidence, support and education they need to thrive. Through a strategic blend of theory, hands-on bedside experience and reflective practice, the Transition to Practice Program lays the foundation for long-term career success.
Nursing Clinical Ladder
The Summa Health Nursing Clinical Ladder Program is designed with a commitment to the ongoing professional development and advancement of our nursing professionals. Rooted in the belief that excellence in patient care is achieved through a dynamic and empowered nursing workforce, this program serves as a structured pathway for career growth and enhancement of expertise.
The primary purpose of the Nursing Clinical Ladder Program is to:
- Recognize, support and reward the dedication of our nurses to continuous learning, clinical excellence, and compassionate patient-centered care.
- Foster a culture of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, research innovation and excellence within our nursing community by providing a framework that encourages skill acquisition, leadership development, and scholarly pursuits.
- Empower nurses to reach new heights in their careers, contributing to improved workplace engagement, increased job satisfaction and the overall elevation of the standard of nursing care at Summa Health.
Nursing Preceptor Development Workshop
Summa Health’s Nursing Preceptor Development Workshop equips nurses with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in the vital role of a preceptor. Based on Beth Ulrich’s Mastering Precepting framework, this interactive workshop introduces participants to the core responsibilities of preceptorship, including strategic teaching, effective coaching and navigating common challenges. Designed for both new and aspiring preceptors, the program fosters strong, supportive nurse leaders who help shape the next generation of caregivers.
American Nurses Credentialing Center Accreditation Program (ANCC)
Summa Health is accredited by the ANCC’s Commission on Accreditation to provide continuing professional development for nurses. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based education that supports licensure, certification, and lifelong learning. Our programs are designed to empower nurses at every stage of their careers and uphold the highest standards of professional practice.
Student Nurse Clinical Experiences
Student nurse clinical experiences connect classroom learning with real-world practice, building confidence and essential skills. They provide a strong foundation for a successful nursing career.
Clinical Areas
At Summa Health, student nurses have the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience in a variety of specialties, such as:
- Acute care
- Ambulatory care
- Behavioral health
- Community-based health centers
- Nursing research
Onsite Locations
With multiple hospital campuses and outpatient sites across the system, schools choose clinical placements that align with their interests and career goals. Potential Summa Health locations for clinical opportunities include:
- Summa Health System – Akron Campus
- Summa Health System – Barberton Campus
- Summa Health Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers
- Akron
- Barberton
- Green
- Wadsworth-Rittman
- Fairlawn
- Stow-Kent
- Tallmadge
Educational Partnerships
We proudly partner with leading nursing schools and academic institutions to support high-quality clinical education, including but not limited to the below partners. These experiences help bridge classroom learning with real-world practice in a supportive, team-based environment.
Undergraduate Nursing Program Partnerships
- Herzing University
- Kent State University
- Malone University
- Mount Union University
- Stark State University
- University of Akron
- Walsh University
Graduate Nursing Program Partnerships
- Western Governors University
- Franklin University
- Youngstown State University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Ohio State University
- Chamberlain College
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Summa Health. We offer many opportunities for college students, such as volunteering, interning, and shadowing. To become involved in our program, please complete the following steps:
- View our volunteer opportunities.
- Complete a volunteer application.
- Once we receive your application, a volunteer services team member will contact you for the next steps.
- If accepted into the program, view this presentation and complete the quiz. Please review the helpful information in our volunteer handbook, as well.
Smart Start Program
The Summa Health Smart Start Program is dedicated to developing and strengthening our employees and future members of the workforce through a variety of educational and certification programs. Skills attained through the Smart Start program will help participants thrive in the increasingly competitive workplace and build a career at Summa Health.
Nursing Externship Program
The Summa Health Nursing Externship Program is designed for Kent State University and The University of Akron nursing students who will enter their senior year after completing the summer session.
This full-time, 8-week paid opportunity runs from June through July, with a weekly schedule of 36–40 hours. Nursing externs are placed in participating units or departments based on availability and individual preferences, including location and area of interest.
Externs gain valuable hands-on clinical experience while working alongside experienced nurses and other healthcare professionals. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are on a direct path to:
- Nursing Student Tech employment during their final year of school
- Registered Nurse (RN) positions following graduation and successful completion of the NCLEX
