Frequently Asked Questions:
What can I do to prepare myself as a candidate for the program?
The program's focus is surgical and critical care. We look at professional (RN experience), academic (clinical experience) and research experience in these areas as a way of demonstrated passion in the field of surgical and critical care medicine.
If you are strongly interested in the program we recommend applying for your California RN and NP license as soon as possible as this process can take anywhere between 3-9 months.
What is the length of the program? When does it start and finish?
The program's duration is 12 months. Due to the time it takes for licensing and privileging the start date is in November of each year and it goes through the following October.
Will NP fellow gain hands on operative experience?
While the program's title is surgical and critical care, surgical care is focused on pre and post-operative care in the acute and critical care units.
Is there pediatric content?
No, the focus of this program is management of Acute and Critically Ill Adults.
Can FNPs be accepted into the program?
Unfortunately, we can only accept those candidates with an active or pending certification as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care nurse practitioner.
Do I need ICU experience to be accepted into the program?
No. While we look at ICU experience as a positive, it is not a requirement. However, if you do not have ICU experience you should have experience managing surgical patients. If you do not have RN experience in either of these areas, your NP clinical rotations can count towards this experience.
Do you accept out of state applicants?
Yes. We welcome those from out of state and believe it strengthens the diversity of the program. Please see applying for a CA RN license.
When should an applicant apply for a CA RN license?
Yesterday. No seriously, NOW. This is a lengthy process that has prevented offers and delayed start dates.
What is the compensation?
Fellows are hired as employees at UCSF Health and as such have full health insurance and retirement benefits. The salary is approximately $110,000 per year.
Are NP fellow guaranteed a career position at the program completion?
We hope that all fellowship graduates will choose a career with UCSF at the end of the fellowship. We see the fellowship program as an investment in professional growth and believe we are preparing nurse practitioners for a job in the acute and critical care setting at a tertiary center. Ultimately, a career position at the end of the fellowship will depend on graduate interests and current position openings. Our retention rate is approximately 70% in matching fellowship graduates to a career at UCSF.
For further inquiries, contact us: