UA nursing student gains real-world experience through Summa externship

Student Riley Sweitzer (center) is pictured with Unit Director Cheryl Watson from Summa Health and Dr. Tim Myers from UA.

For Riley Sweitzer, a nursing student at The University of Akron, a summer opportunity offers more than just another academic requirement — it’s a chance to grow her skills, confidence and career potential through a hands-on externship at Summa Health.

Sweitzer, a Randolph, Ohio native and graduate of Lake High School, is participating in Summa’s Student Nurse Technician-Extern program. The competitive eight-week program pairs nursing students with registered nurses, offering more than 280 hours of paid supervised clinical experience. Furthermore, she receives nursing credit for her internship, which decreases her required credit load during her senior year allowing her to focus on preparation for the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that Registered Nurses must pass to become licensed.

“I live close to Akron, so it was convenient,” Sweitzer said. “And they offered pay and additional hours. I view it as extending my practice. It also lightens my schedule in the fall so I’ll have more time to study.”

Sweitzer works three 12-hour shifts each week, supporting registered nurses by taking vitals, assisting with patient hygiene and observing the full flow of a nurse’s shift. She said the experience has been eye-opening.

“I’ve already learned so much,” she said. “You gain so much confidence learning how to work independently. I’ve learned charting, how to collaborate with nurses and doctors, and much more. It’s great to be a part of a patient’s care.”

She plans to graduate in spring 2026 and hopes to continue working at Summa after earning her degree.

“I really like the program Akron has here. I didn’t want to go far, and I’m happy with my choice,” she said.

Students in the program can continue working in a nurse tech role through their senior academic year. Sweitzer, who also works per diem as an anesthesia technician, said the flexibility of the nurse tech position helps her balance work and studies.

“I can make my own schedule, which is very convenient,” she said.

The externship program culminated in a Student Nurse Technician Signing Day on July 7, celebrating participants' commitment and achievement.

“This program offers students an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in clinical care while gaining real-world experience in a supportive, educational environment,” said Timothy W. Meyers, Ph.D., RN, CNE, executive director of nursing and associate dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at The University of Akron. “Signing Day is a wonderful way to recognize the dedication and growth of our students as they prepare to transition from the classroom to clinical practice.”

For students like Sweitzer, the externship is more than just a class requirement — it's a springboard into a future career in nursing.

“I would absolutely recommend it,” she said. “It’s only eight weeks, and the experience you get is invaluable.”

For[more information about nursing at UA visit: uakron.edu/nursing.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, cboyd@uakron.edu, 330-972-6476