NURSE-OC Postgraduate Nurse Practitioner Residency Program
General Program Information FAQs
The NP Residency program is a structured, full-time postgraduate training program designed to support newly graduated nurse practitioners in transitioning to clinical practice. The program emphasizes advanced clinical decision-making in a safety-net setting, with a strong focus on caring for underserved populations and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration .
The residency is intended for recent NP graduates (within 24 months) who are board-certified and licensed, and who are passionate about providing high-quality care in underserved clinics.
- Support the successful transition of new NPs into clinical practice
- Improve clinical confidence and competence
- Promote retention and professional satisfaction
- Improve patient outcomes through high-quality, evidence-based care
Eligibility & Application
Applicants must:
- Be board certified and licensed to practice in California
- Have graduated from an accredited NP program within the past 24 months, with no prior employment as a nurse practitioner
- Be a U.S. citizen and not currently enrolled in any academic program during the residency period
- Have demonstrated commitment to serving medically underserved populations
- Have a strong interest in practicing as a primary care provider in Orange County at a CalOptima-contracted facility
The program begins the first week of October and runs for 24 months.
How To Apply
All applicants are required to complete both the Nurse-OC Family Nurse Practitioner Residency Application and the job posting in AP Recruit.
Required documents for The NURSE-OC Application include:
- Personal statement
- CV
- One letter of recommendation from UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing faculty
- Proof of licensure and board certification
- Personal statement
Required documents for AP Recruit job posting include:
- A teaching statement
- Three letters of recommendation that cannot be written by current or former UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing Faculty
Applicants are chosen on a rolling basis and early submission is encouraged. Applications will not be reviewed after September 4, 2025.
Yes, residents receive a salary, including health insurance, paid time off, and access to UCI Health employee resources. After completion of the first year, the resident must commit to working at a CalOptima Health-contracted agency in Orange County, California.
Program Structure
In the first year, residents immerse themselves in full-time training through patient care in a variety of clinical settings. Training will include precepted sessions, where a dedicated clinical preceptor provides exclusive attention, offering consultation, teaching, and direct patient assessment throughout each clinic visit. This approach allows residents to gradually build their skills and confidence, working towards full capacity over the course of the two years. Residents will also engage in mentored patient-care sessions, learning to navigate complex healthcare delivery systems with supportive oversight. Throughout the first year, they may rotate among various clinic sites and specialty clinics, gaining exposure to a wide range of conditions commonly encountered in Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) patient populations.
Yes, residents participate in weekly didactic sessions, case reviews, and quality improvement projects. Weekly didactic sessions will complement practical experience, deepening theoretical knowledge.
Other Questions
Yes! For questions, please contact nurseocprogram@hs.uci.edu.
