6 Reasons to Take the Plunge into an APP Fellowship

After years of sleep deprivation, no free time, and tight budgets, it might be tempting to enter the workforce right after graduation as a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. We understand – the draw of a full-time salary and regular work hours is alluring. However, the benefits of participating in a fellowship program are certainly worth the trade and could possibly pay big dividends in the long run!

Benefit 1: A Strong Support System

“The first year as a new provider can be overwhelming. The supportive environment of my fellowship took away that stress and allowed me to focus on expanding my knowledge and perfecting my skills; therefore, my transition from fellow to APP on my new team was seamless,” according to Caitlin C., a past APGAP Fellow. 

Benefit 2: An Easy, Seamless Transition

“Personally, I had struggled with this transition. I was beyond comfortable in my role as an ICU nurse. I was so dang good at it! I served as a leader in my profession and in my field. And I was terrified because I knew that once I went back to school, things were going to change - my role, my responsibilities, my scope of practice, and along with it, my sense of security. My critical care fellowship was the support I needed to personally evolve into a capable, independent NP,” says past APGAP Fellow Laura J. 

Benefit 3: A Hands-On Learning Experience

“I felt like my PA school education was not in depth enough to walk right into an heme/onc job without more education,” states Savannah W., a past APGAP fellow.

If you’re like Savannah and you’re more of a hands-on learner, you might find that a fellowship is the best place for you to learn advanced-care practices in a practical manner that will make it easy for you to provide the best possible care to your future patients. 

Benefit 4: Advanced, Specialized Training 

“I felt the program launched me to be the best new provider I could be by exposing me to all intensive care units. No matter what field you are in, patients are complex. Therefore, a well-rounded understanding of how each body system works is imperative. As a fellow I received focused training for two months in each discipline of critical care. With this training, no matter what type of patients with various comorbidities roll into my unit, I am equipped to manage their care,” said Caitlin C. 

Benefit 5: The Opportunity to Make it in Your Dream Field and Build a Professional Network

“I think it’s difficult for a new APP to enter into the hematology/oncology world in general, but I think it’s sometimes a little bit harder for PAs to enter because there are so many NPs who were great former oncology nurses, and it’s difficult to compete with that because they have the experience. So, I felt like I needed to find a doorway into the profession where I could learn and gain that experience,” said Savannah W. 

Fellows also find that during their fellowship year they are able to build professional relationships with those they meet, opening the doors to future career opportunities immediately and in the future.

Benefit 6: It’s a Privilege 

“Fellowship is an absolute privilege. Programs like mine give us the opportunity to take part in formal training which not only provides protected learning in the clinical setting (thereby making us safer providers), but also allow us to develop the confidence and competence that are pivotal when transitioning to the role of an advanced practice provider.” Laura continued, “My critical care fellowship was the support I needed to personally evolve into a capable, independent NP. It was a long, tiresome year in which I didn’t make a whole lot of money, but I hit the jackpot because it was filled with experiences and opportunities that one just can’t get otherwise.”

Whether you’re looking to gain more practical knowledge, learn the specifics of a new area of care, find a supportive environment in which to grow into a confident and capable advanced practitioner, or all three, completing a fellowship is the perfect opportunity for you. Our healthcare world is always changing and full of surprises. APGAP and fellowship programs give you the tools you need to be prepared as best as possible for all of the unique patients you will care for.

Why do you think completing a post-graduate fellowship was a great decision? Engage with us on social media or comment below to share your own experience with us.