Fellowship Programs for Nurse Practitioners

As healthcare continues to evolve rapidly, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are playing increasingly vital roles in bridging the gaps in primary care, specialty medicine, and patient advocacy. Whether you’re a newly certified NP or an experienced practitioner seeking to deepen your expertise, fellowship programs for nurse practitioners offer structured, hands-on training beyond graduate school. These programs not only enhance clinical competencies but also elevate leadership, research, and teaching abilities.

In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, a nurse practitioner fellowship can be a game-changer, boosting both confidence and career prospects in specialized settings such as emergency care, psychiatry, cardiology, and oncology. Let’s explore what fellowships for NPs entail, why they’re worth considering, and highlight five prestigious programs with detailed insights into how they operate.

Top 5 Fellowship Programs for Nurse Practitioner

If you’re a nurse practitioner aiming to expand your clinical expertise, specialize in a focused area of care, or take on advanced roles in leadership, education, or research, a fellowship program can be the perfect next step. These competitive programs are designed to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world practice by offering hands-on experience in high-acuity settings. Whether you’re interested in emergency medicine, primary care, oncology, or psychiatry, NP fellowships provide structured learning, mentorship, and exposure to interdisciplinary care models. In this guide, we highlight five of the best fellowship programs for nurse practitioners in the 2025–2026 cycle, offering opportunities to grow professionally while serving diverse and often underserved patient populations.

1. The VA Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics 

Program Duration: 2 years

Type of Fellowship: Postgraduate Clinical & Research Fellowship

Level of Study/Eligibility: Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Social Workers, and other healthcare professionals with a strong interest in geriatrics

Requirements: Completion of relevant clinical training or graduate education; demonstrated commitment to aging-related care and research; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (in most cases)

The VA Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics is a prestigious, interdisciplinary program designed to develop future leaders in geriatric healthcare, research, and education. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this fellowship offers hands-on training in the care of older adults, particularly veterans, through patient-centered, team-based care models. Fellows gain experience in both clinical settings and research, with access to top-tier VA hospitals and academic partners across the country.

Through a tailored curriculum that blends direct patient care, didactic learning, leadership development, and scholarly research, the program empowers fellows to address the complex health needs of the aging population. Many fellows go on to take academic, policy, or leadership roles in geriatrics after graduation.

Key Benefits Include:

• Stipend and full benefits (amount varies by location and discipline)
  
• Mentorship from national leaders in geriatric medicine and research
  
• Opportunities for scholarly work and publications
  
• Clinical experience in interdisciplinary VA healthcare teams
  
• Access to national conferences and leadership training
  
• Potential pathways to VA employment after fellowship completion
  

Institution: Multiple VA Medical Centers affiliated with academic institutions

Location: United States (various cities)

Deadline: Typically between November – March

Award Amount: Funded stipend with benefits (varies by specialty and local VA policy)

Where to Apply: https://www.va.gov/oaa/specialfellows/programs/SF_GERIATRICS.asp

Application Process: Submit a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of credentials to the site(s) of interest. Some programs may require interviews or writing samples.

2. Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI) Postgraduate NP Residency 

Program Duration: 12 months (Full-time)

Type of Fellowship: Postgraduate Clinical Residency

Level of Study/Eligibility: Newly graduated and licensed Nurse Practitioners (NPs) committed to primary care practice in safety-net settings

Requirements: Completion of an accredited NP program, national board certification, state licensure, and a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved populations

Established in 2007, the CHCI Postgraduate NP Residency Program was the first of its kind in the United States, designed to bridge the gap between academic training and clinical practice for new NPs. The program offers intensive training in primary care, focusing on the unique challenges of providing comprehensive care in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Residents engage in a structured curriculum that includes precepted continuity clinics, specialty rotations, didactic sessions, and quality improvement projects. The program emphasizes the development of clinical competence, confidence, and leadership skills necessary for effective practice in complex healthcare environments.

Key Benefits Include:

• Full-time salaried position with benefits
  
• Structured mentorship and supervision by experienced clinicians
  
• Exposure to diverse patient populations and complex clinical cases
  
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training
  
• Accreditation by the National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium
  

Institution: Community Health Center, Inc.

Location: Middletown, Connecticut, USA

Deadline: Varies annually; prospective applicants should check the program’s website for current deadlines

Award Amount: Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits

Where to Apply: https://www.npresidency.com/

Application Process: Online application including a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews. 

3. Duke University Nurse Practitioner Residency in Oncology (North Carolina, USA)

Program Duration: 12 months

Type of Fellowship: Postgraduate Nurse Practitioner Residency

Level of Study/Eligibility: Licensed or board-eligible Nurse Practitioners (recent graduates or early-career NPs)

Requirements: Active RN license, graduation from an accredited NP program, national board certification (or eligibility), strong clinical interest in specialized or primary care nursing

The Duke University Nurse Practitioner Residency Program is a full-time, immersive training program designed to support new nurse practitioners as they transition into advanced clinical roles. Hosted by Duke Health, a leader in patient care and nursing education, this residency offers structured, hands-on experience with mentorship from experienced providers. While the program is well-known for its Oncology Residency, it also provides several other specialty tracks, allowing nurse practitioners to gain advanced clinical expertise in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.

Specialty Tracks Include:

• Oncology
  
• Primary Care
  
• Cardiovascular Medicine
  
• Critical Care
  
• Emergency Medicine
  
• Pediatrics
  
• Psychiatry & Mental Health
  
• Surgical Specialties
  

Residents benefit from structured didactics, one-on-one clinical mentorship, leadership development, and access to Duke’s academic resources. This residency helps bridge the gap between academic training and independent practice, ultimately improving clinical confidence, patient outcomes, and career readiness.

Institution: Duke University School of Nursing

Location: Durham, North Carolina, USA

Deadline: Varies by specialty (typically between January – April)

Award/Support: Competitive salary, benefits, clinical mentorship, and academic resources

Where to Apply: https://nursing.duke.edu/academics/advanced-practice-residencies

Application Process: You can apply directly online, by submitting your  CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts.

4. UCSF Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Fellowship 

Program Duration: 12 months (4 consecutive quarters, including summer)

Type of Fellowship: Postgraduate Certificate Program

Level of Study/Eligibility: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

Requirements: Completion of an accredited APRN program, active RN license, national board certification (or eligibility), and a demonstrated commitment to serving psychiatric patient populations

In response to California’s growing shortage of mental health professionals, the UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate Program was established as a collaborative effort among the UC Schools of Nursing at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, and UCSF. This innovative, hybrid program is the first of its kind in California, aiming to expand the mental health workforce by preparing APRNs to become board-certified PMHNPs.

The program combines online coursework with three in-person immersion sessions and regional clinical training across California. This structure allows students to remain in their communities while completing their clinical training, thereby addressing mental health care disparities in underserved areas. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Board Certification (PMHNP-BC™) examination.

Key Benefits Include:

• Flexible hybrid format accommodating working professionals
  
• Regional clinical placements to serve diverse communities
  
• Collaborative learning environment across UC campuses
  
• Preparation for national PMHNP certification
  
• Contribution to addressing mental health provider shortages in California
  

Institution: University of California Schools of Nursing (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UCSF)

Location: California, USA (various regions)

Deadline: Varies by campus; prospective applicants should check the respective program websites for current deadlines

Award Amount: Varies; some campuses may offer stipends or financial assistance

Where to Apply: UC PMHNP Certificate Program

Application Process: Online application including a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. Selected candidates may be invited for interviews

5. Johns Hopkins Hospital Nurse Practitioner Critical Care Fellowship 

Program Duration: 12 months

Type of Fellowship: Postgraduate Clinical Fellowship

Level of Study/Eligibility: Newly graduated and licensed Nurse Practitioners (NPs) with a strong interest in critical care

Requirements: Completion of an accredited NP program, national board certification, Maryland NP licensure, and a demonstrated commitment to critical care practice

The Johns Hopkins Hospital Nurse Practitioner Critical Care Fellowship is a rigorous, year-long program designed to transition newly graduated NPs into proficient critical care providers. Fellows engage in immersive clinical experiences across various intensive care units, including medical, surgical, cardiac, and neurological ICUs. The program emphasizes the development of advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and professional confidence necessary for effective practice in high-acuity environments.

Key Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive clinical rotations across multiple critical care specialties
  
• Structured mentorship and supervision by experienced critical care clinicians
  
• Participation in didactic sessions, simulation training, and professional development activities
  
• Opportunities for involvement in critical care research and quality improvement projects
  
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  

Institution: Johns Hopkins Hospital

Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Deadline: Applications are typically accepted annually; prospective applicants should check the program’s website for current deadlines

Award Amount: Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits

Where to Apply: Johns Hopkins Hospital Careers

Application Process: Online application including a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews.

Tips for Securing a Nurse Practitioner Fellowship

Securing a nurse practitioner fellowship is a competitive process that requires careful preparation and a clear demonstration of your clinical skills, commitment, and professional goals. To help you stand out and increase your chances of success, here are some essential tips to guide you through the application and interview process.

1. Start Early: Start researching for fellowship programs at least 6–12 months in advance. Pay attention to deadlines, application requirements, and specific areas of focus.

2. Tailor Your Application: Customize your personal statement and CV to align with the fellowship’s specialty (e.g., psychiatry, oncology, critical care). Show how your interests and experiences match their mission.

3. Highlight Clinical Experience: Emphasize relevant rotations, clinical projects, and hands-on patient care that demonstrate your readiness for advanced training.

4. Secure Strong References: Request letters of recommendation from clinical preceptors, faculty, or supervisors who know your skills and work ethic well. Aim for references who can speak to your clinical judgment and professionalism.

5. Showcase Leadership and Initiative: Include leadership roles, quality improvement projects, community involvement, or research experience that reflect your commitment to growth and patient care.

6. Be Interview-Ready: Prepare for both virtual and in-person interviews. Practice discussing real clinical cases, decision-making processes, and how the fellowship fits into your long-term goals.

7. Demonstrate Passion and Purpose: Programs want fellows who are not only capable but genuinely committed. Let your motivation and future aspirations shine through every part of your application.