Balancing nursing school and work isn’t easy — but with the right job, it becomes an opportunity to gain practical experience, earn income, and strengthen your resume before graduation.
As a nursing student, your schedule is often packed with clinicals, exams, and late-night study sessions. That’s why the best jobs for nursing students in 2025 are those that offer flexibility, relevant healthcare experience, and personal growth.
Whether you’re pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or advanced nursing degree, this guide will help you discover top part-time, remote, and hospital-based jobs that fit into your busy life while preparing you for a successful nursing career.
Best Jobs for Nursing Students
For college nursing students, the goal is to find work that complements classroom learning and clinical training. The ideal jobs combine hands-on patient experience with manageable schedules.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A CNA position is one of the most valuable jobs for nursing students. It allows you to gain direct patient care experience, including monitoring vital signs, assisting with hygiene, and supporting nurses on duty.
Why it’s great: You’ll apply what you learn in school, improve bedside communication, and build confidence in real healthcare settings.
2. Tutor or Peer Mentor
Helping other nursing students study for exams or master complex topics reinforces your own understanding.
Bonus tip: Online tutoring platforms like Chegg or TutorMe also allow you to earn from home.
3. Campus Health Center Assistant
Many universities offer student jobs at on-campus clinics. These roles expose you to patient intake, record management, and clinical coordination — all while staying close to class.
Pro Tip: Prioritize positions that align with your academic calendar and clinical rotations for long-term balance.
Best Jobs for Nursing Students with Families
Balancing family life and nursing school can be demanding. The key is to find jobs that offer flexibility, remote work options, and predictable hours. These roles let you manage responsibilities at home while still earning and gaining experience.
1. Remote Medical Transcriptionist
Work from home transcribing medical reports or physician notes. This role strengthens your medical terminology knowledge — an essential skill for nursing practice.
Why it fits: You can set your own hours and work around your family’s schedule.
2. Babysitting or Childcare Provider
If you already have parenting experience, childcare jobs can be rewarding and flexible. Some positions even allow you to care for your own child while working.
Pro Tip: Offer services to other healthcare workers who may need flexible babysitting options — this helps you build valuable community connections.
3. Weekend CNA or Caregiver
Taking weekend shifts as a Certified Nursing Assistant or personal caregiver allows you to earn income while keeping weekdays free for classes and family time.
Takeaway: Family-first nursing students thrive in roles that provide predictable schedules, part-time hours, and emotional balance.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Nursing Students
For most nursing students, part-time jobs are ideal. They help you stay financially stable without overwhelming your study routine.
1. Phlebotomy Technician
Learning to draw blood is a skill you’ll use throughout your nursing career. Many labs and clinics hire part-time phlebotomists with short training programs.
Why it’s great: It adds a professional edge to your resume while improving your patient-handling skills.
2. Medical Receptionist
This role provides insight into the administrative side of healthcare — managing appointments, patient records, and billing systems. It’s a perfect mix of communication and organization.
3. Retail or Food Service Jobs with Flexible Hours
While not directly healthcare-related, retail or café jobs with adjustable shifts can help you maintain financial stability during busy semesters.
Tip: Communicate your academic schedule clearly to ensure your employer supports your educational goals.
Best Jobs for Full-Time Nursing Students
Full-time students face tight schedules packed with clinical rotations, lab sessions, and study groups. The best jobs for them are low-stress, flexible, and manageable.
1. Campus Library Assistant
Quiet, low-pressure, and often located right on campus. Many library assistant roles also allow time for studying during slow periods.
2. Virtual Assistant
Perform remote administrative tasks — such as scheduling, data entry, or email management — for small businesses or healthcare professionals.
Why it fits: It offers flexibility and teaches organization, communication, and digital skills useful for healthcare settings.
3. Fitness Instructor or Gym Assistant
Working at a campus gym or as a certified fitness instructor is a great way to relieve stress while earning money. It also promotes wellness — an important aspect of nursing.
Advice: Prioritize roles that won’t interfere with your clinical schedules or exam weeks.
Best Jobs for Pre-Nursing Students
If you’re still in your pre-nursing phase, it’s the perfect time to build a foundation for your clinical education. These jobs help you gain experience, learn medical terminology, and understand patient care environments before entering nursing school.
1. Volunteer at Hospitals or Clinics
Volunteering offers hands-on exposure to real healthcare environments. You’ll observe nurses, interact with patients, and understand the workflow in hospitals and clinics.
Why it matters: Volunteering looks excellent on nursing school applications and demonstrates your commitment to healthcare.
2. Shadowing Opportunities
Shadowing nurses or doctors allows you to observe real patient interactions and medical procedures without direct responsibility.
Tip: Reach out to local hospitals or university clinics that offer formal shadowing programs.
3. Medical Scribe
Work alongside physicians documenting patient encounters and treatment plans. This role improves your understanding of medical terminology, charting, and communication — all critical nursing skills.
Key Insight: Pre-nursing students should focus on experience and exposure rather than income. The goal is to learn how healthcare systems operate before taking on more responsibility later.
Best Summer Jobs for Nursing Students
Summer breaks are an ideal time for nursing students to take on more intensive roles without the pressure of full coursework.
1. Camp Nurse Assistant
Work at children’s camps or outdoor programs assisting licensed nurses. You’ll handle minor injuries, distribute medications, and support health checks.
Why it’s great: It blends fun with learning and gives experience in pediatric and first-aid care.
2. Hospital Internships
Many hospitals offer summer internship programs or externships specifically for nursing students. These positions provide real-world training and sometimes even lead to job offers after graduation.
Pro Tip: Apply early in the spring — spots for summer internships fill up fast.
3. Travel CNA or Temporary Caregiver
Take short-term contracts during summer break in different cities or facilities. This is a chance to earn well, gain experience, and explore new places.
Tip: Use your summer to gain hands-on experience you might not get during the academic year.
Best Hospital Jobs for Nursing Students
Hospitals provide some of the most valuable, career-relevant work experiences for nursing students. These roles offer real-world patient exposure and a deeper understanding of how healthcare teams function.
1. Patient Care Technician (PCT)
PCTs perform duties similar to CNAs but with added responsibilities like EKG monitoring, blood draws, and assisting nurses in procedures.
Why it’s ideal: It builds confidence in direct patient care — one of the most essential nursing skills.
2. Unit Clerk or Ward Assistant
Help manage administrative tasks such as charting, phone calls, and patient admissions. You’ll gain insight into hospital operations and teamwork.
3. Transport Aide
Assist in safely transporting patients between hospital departments. This is a great entry-level position to understand hospital flow and patient needs.
Takeaway: Hospital-based roles give you practical exposure, networking opportunities, and a strong foundation for your clinical rotations.
Best Remote Jobs for Nursing Students
Remote roles are a great option for students who need flexibility to manage their studies. These positions allow you to work from home while still gaining experience in the healthcare field.
1. Telehealth Support Staff
Assist with scheduling virtual appointments, managing patient inquiries, or supporting online health platforms.
Why it’s ideal: You gain real healthcare exposure without the commute or shift stress.
2. Medical Billing & Coding
Work behind the scenes handling insurance claims, billing records, and patient data. Many employers offer training, making it beginner-friendly.
3. Freelance Healthcare Writer
If you enjoy writing, create content for medical blogs or health websites. You’ll build your knowledge base while improving communication skills — essential for future nurses.
Tip: Remote jobs suit self-motivated students who can manage their own time and deadlines effectively.
Best Entry-Level Jobs for Nursing Students
Entry-level positions help students get a foot in the door of healthcare settings, even without prior experience.
1. Home Health Aide
Assist patients with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. It’s an excellent way to develop compassion and caregiving skills.
2. Hospital Volunteer
Volunteering in hospitals exposes you to various departments and helps build valuable professional connections.
3. Dietary Aide
Work alongside dietitians and nurses to prepare and deliver patient meals — a great way to understand patient nutrition and care routines.
Advice: Even non-clinical roles provide valuable insight into healthcare teamwork and patient interaction.
Best Jobs for Nursing Students with No Experience
Starting out in nursing doesn’t mean you can’t find a job that builds your resume. These beginner-friendly roles require minimal training but offer meaningful experience.
1. Caregiver
Provide support to elderly or disabled clients in home settings. It helps you develop empathy and basic care techniques.
2. Medical Office Assistant
Handle scheduling, paperwork, and patient communication. You’ll learn about healthcare systems and patient management.
3. Pharmacy Assistant
Work under a pharmacist to organize medications, manage prescriptions, and assist customers. It’s a great introduction to pharmacology.
Key Point: Employers value enthusiasm, responsibility, and a willingness to learn more than experience at this stage.
Conclusion:
Finding the best job as a nursing student depends on your goals, time, and energy. Whether it’s part-time, remote, or hospital-based, the right position should complement your studies — not compete with them.
By choosing strategically, you can gain hands-on experience, earn steady income, and develop the soft and technical skills that will prepare you for a successful nursing career after graduation.
FAQs:
1. What is the best job for a nursing student with no experience?
Roles like caregiver, medical office assistant, or volunteer are great starting points for beginners.
2. Can nursing students work full-time?
Yes, but it’s challenging. Look for jobs with flexible or weekend shifts that don’t interfere with classes and clinicals.
3. Are there online jobs for nursing students?
Yes — options include telehealth support, medical billing, and freelance writing in the healthcare field.
4. What job helps most with future nursing careers?
Working as a CNA, PCT, or hospital intern offers direct patient care experience that builds clinical confidence.
5. Should I work during nursing school?
If you can manage your workload, working part-time can help you gain experience and reduce student debt — just ensure your job doesn’t affect your academic performance.
