Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing

Applications for cohort 2024-2025 will open in Fall 2023.  Candidates accepted for this cohort must graduate by May 2024 from NP program to start the APRN fellowship program on September 2024. 

The mission of the Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing is to prepare and train advanced practice nurses to function as clinical experts in the complex environment of oncology care. APRN fellows are paid, full-time employees of MD Anderson Cancer Center. They receive paid time off and other benefits, including health insurance. 

Eligibility:

• Minimum of a clinical master's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program by May, prior to fellowship start date
• Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing prior to the fellowship start date
• Unencumbered licensure as an APRN in the nurse practitioner role by the Texas Board of Nursing in one of the following Nurse Practitioner  titles: Adult, Adult Gerontology, Acute Care, or Family Nurse Practitioner, prior to the fellowship start date

Overview of curriculum

• Program Orientation
• Specialty Curriculum
• Core Curriculum
• Clinical Immersion/Focus

Clinical focus

Fellows rotate through more than 20 oncologic specialties.  In addition, fellows will have the opportunity to spend additional time in two areas reflecting their clinical interests.

Clinical lectures

To prepare for clinical rotations, fellows will go through a lecture series covering over 30 cancer-specific and related topics. 

Professional meetings

During the course of the year, the APRN fellow will attend institutional conferences and grand rounds, as well as professional organization and society meetings.   

Some examples include:

• Houston Chapter Oncology Nursing Society (HCONS) monthly meetings
• APRN Leadership Council at MD Anderson
• National conference for oncology APRNs

Evidence-based practice (EBP)

Fellows will integrate evidence-based practice into the fellowship as follows:

• Read current research and guidelines pertaining to the clinical rotation and implement accordingly
• Present and participate in weekly case studies related to the role of the oncology advanced practice nurse
• Author an evidence-based manuscript on a topic relevant to oncology advanced practice nursing and submit for publication

Evaluation

The APRN fellow will be guided through the core program by advanced practice providers who will review the APRN fellow’s progress on a regular basis and serve as preceptors during the APRN fellow’s clinical rotations.

The APRN Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing was established in 2006 to fill a gap in specialty education in oncology and was the first of its kind.  It was accredited with Distinction through Practice Transition Accreditation Programs (PTAP) in 2018 and 2021 and is also recognized by PTAP as an Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program through the Department of Labor. Since inception of the program in 2006, we have completed 15 cohorts with 47 fellows who entered and graduated. Our 16th cohort with 4 fellows started in September 2021. 

Core Curriculum:

• Breast
• Endocrine (Thyroid)
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Genitourinary cancers
• Gynecology Oncology
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Melanoma
• Thoracic (Lung)
• Multiple Myeloma
• Neuro Oncology
• Sarcoma

What is the purpose of the fellowship?

The goal of this fellowship is to provide advanced practice registered nurses an opportunity to enhance their expertise in cancer care and to carry that expertise throughout Texas, the nation, and the world to promote excellence in oncology nursing and positively impact the care of oncology patients and their families. Through completion of the fellowship, the fellow will gain in-depth experience in clinical oncology practice with selected experience in oncology focused teaching, clinical research application and utilization, presentation and publication.

How is the fellowship offered?

The fellowship is offered as a twelve-month clinical based experience along with didactic training, simulation, and skills workshops. In addition, fellows will participate in a curriculum of clinical study that will ensure exposure to the entire spectrum of oncology care, from prevention to end of life.

Where is the fellowship offered?

The fellowship is offered at the The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Activities will be held in the Main Campus at the Texas Medical Center. 

When is the program offered?

The fellowship is currently offered annually, September through August. 

How many fellowship positions are available?

Historically, up to four fellowship positions are available for the 12-month program. 

What APRN specialties are eligible to apply for the Fellowship?

Adult Gerontology, Acute Care, Adult, and Family nurse practitioners are encouraged to apply for the fellowship.  For nurse practitioners specializing in acute care, there is an opportunity for a critical care immersion during the fellowship.

If I specialize in oncology during my graduate program am I eligible to apply for the fellowship?

Texas Board of Nursing looks closely at specialized programs.  We recommend submitting your transcripts for our review as early as possible for us to evaluate possible eligibility.

When are applications accepted to the fellowship?  

• Applications for the fellowship open in the fall
• Selected applicants may be asked to participate in short virtual interviews
• Final virtual interviews are required for final applicants

I am currently enrolled in a Graduate Nursing Program.  When am I eligible to apply for the Fellowship program?

To be considered for the fellowship program, you must have graduated no later than the preceding May of the September fellowship start date.

If you are accepted in the fellowship, you must take and pass your certification exam immediately after graduation, ideally by mid-June.  This will allow you adequate time to obtain your Texas RN license and Texas APRN licence which are required in the credentialing and priveligeng process to be completed prior to your start date.

You cannot start the fellowship program until a Texas RN license and Texas APRN license are obtained.

What should I expect if I am selected for the final virtual interview?

The interview process will encompass half of a day. The applicant will meet with MD Anderson nursing directors, advanced practice registered nurses, and administrative staff.  The candidates will not be required to give a presentation. Business attire is highly recommended.

What stipend and benefits are offered?

The fellow will be a full-time employee at MD Anderson and will receive a salary suitable for an advanced practice registered nurse. An excellent benefits program is offered, which includes comprehensive medical insurance; dental, vision and life insurance are available at low cost. There is no financial support for relocation and living expenses, but relocation information may be provided.

What support is offered for attending conferences and educational seminars?

There are division travel guidelines and requirements applicable for all staff and educational trainees, including arrangements for registration, airfare and other accommodations. The program will determine the appropriate meetings for fellow attendance.

What other support is available to the fellows during the fellowship?

The MD Anderson Cancer Center's Research Medical Library provides electronic access with excellent search capabilities and collaboration with library staff, as well as reference manager software training. Faculty and staff will help mentor fellows through the program with structured support.  Fellows are also matched with an APRN mentor during the program with similar clinical interests.

What living arrangements are available for the fellows?

Houston offers a wide variety of housing opportunities including many apartments and townhouses near the Texas Medical Center. Many apartments offer shuttle service to the Medical Center complex. New fellows are responsible for any costs associated with relocation to the Houston area

What entertainment and cultural opportunities are available in the Houston area?

Houston has numerous entertainment opportunities for the enjoyment of the arts, theater, sports, recreation, dining, and shopping. The city offers major league sports, and special attractions such as the NASA/Johnson Space Center, and the beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Important Notes:

• Late submissions will not be accepted, no exceptions.
• Incomplete application/submission via DISCOVER and Human Resources will NOT be considered for review. 
  
  •  DISCOVER and Human Resources systems will close by the deadline and will not reopen, no exceptions.
• Only completed applications (DISCOVER and HR) with all required documents will be reviewed. There will be no notification/reminder for missing documents (licenses, certifications, etc.)
  
• Please read directions carefully and note of the deadlines.  
  

Application process consists of:

• Phase I: Initial Application (October  - December )
  • Fellowship application in DISCOVER online application system
  • Job application in Human Resources portal.
• Phase II: One-Way Video Recording (Early November - January)
• Phase III: First Virtual Interview (February)
• Phase IV: Final Virtual Interview (March)

Application Requirements  

1. Fellowship Application via DISCOVER
2. HR Job Application via Human Resources portal
3. Statement of Intent
4. Curriculum Vitae
5. Nursing License(s) and Certification (copies or verification)
6. Unofficial Transcripts
   
7. Three Recommendation Forms
8. Supplementary Information Form

PHASE I : INITIAL APPLICATION  - October - December 

STEP 1 -  Complete and submit Fellowship Application via DISCOVER online application system

The following documents will be submitted in the DISCOVER system. Do not send any document via mail/email/fax.

• Statement of Intent

Applicants should submit a one page, 12-point font, double-spaced statement, describing your career goals and reasons for pursuing the fellowship.Include how participation in the fellowship will enhance your future career plans. Please ensure your name is included on your statement of intent.

• Curriculum Vitae

• Nursing License(s) and Certification

Provide copy or verification of :

        - RN license 

        - APRN license (if available)

        - APRN certification from ANCC or AANP. 

Upload license/certification as additional new document in DISCOVER. 

• Unofficial Transcript(s) from Graduate Program(s)  

• Three Recommendation Forms

Applicants will  submit the names and contact information of the three individuals within the DISCOVER system in a timely manner.   The program will then contact these individuals on behalf of the applicant to complete the recommendation form. Authors of the recommendation must submit the form in DISCOVER system. Applicants may not submit the recommendation form. 

When selecting these individuals, applicant must keep in mind:

-  New graduates must provide at least one recommendation from their graduate program director or clinical faculty member.        

-  The remaining recommendation(s) must be from advanced practice providers or physicians who are familiar with your knowledge and skills as a nurse practitioner or nurse practitioner student.

-  Recommendations must reflect practice performance and should be from persons qualified to comment on your performance as an advanced practice nurse.

Note:  Only the recommendation form is required, Applicants can track the submission status  of the recommendation forms in DISCOVER, which should be "Submitted." Follow up with references to ensure recommendation forms are submitted by the deadline. 

• Supplementary Information Form

Complete form and submit in DISCOVER online application system. Form is also available in DISCOVER.

STEP 2 - Complete and submit Human Resources (HR) job application. .

• Internal Candidates - Apply to Human Resources job posting  on internal Career Opportunities site.
• External Candidates - Apply to Human Resources job posting on external site at https://jobs.mdanderson.org/
• Search for  "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Fellowship - Nursing Fellowship" 

STEP 3 - Upon completion of steps 1 &  2, email aprnfellowship@mdanderson.org:

• Subject: "Last Name, First Name - Phase I Complete" 

PHASE II - ONE WAY VIDEO RECORDING- November  to January 

STEP 4 - Schedule to record One-Way Video 

• Available times for recording will be forwarded to you after your complete initial application (Step 1 and 2) is reviewed.
• Timeslots are limited. Complete both applications in Phase I early to secure your recording time. 

PHASE III - FIRST VIRTUAL INTERVIEW  - February  

STEP 5 - Invitation to a Virtual Interview

• Virtual interviews will be conducted with a search committee, composed of program faculty and staff, and current fellows.
• Out-of-state applicants who are successfully accepted for the first virtual interview should start the processing Texas RN licensure. 

PHASE IV- FINAL VIRTUAL INTERVIEW - March

STEP 6 - Invitation to a Final Virtual Interview 

• In the virtual interview,  candidates will be speaking with program directors, current advanced practice registered nurses, human resources and current fellows. 
• Final virtual interview date is non-negotiable.
• Out-of-state candidates who are successfully accepted for the final virtual interview must have a Texas RN license and provide tentative date of certification exam.

Notification of Acceptance to APRN Fellowship Cohort 2024-2025 - Early April 

• Candidates accepted into the APRN fellowship must have a Texas APRN license prior to September 1, 2024.  
• Candidates without a Texas APRN license prior to September 1, 2024 will be disqualified.