NURSE-OC

Applications for the 2026–2027 program open in early February 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and close on March 1, 2026. Interview invitations will be sent via email from nurseocprogram@hs.uci.edu, please check your inbox and spam folder regularly. Invitations for interviews will be sent for interviews beginning March 1st, with interviews scheduled mid-March through March 31st, 2026. Decisions will be released by April 31st, 2026.

• Complete an electronic application and provide required supplemental materials.
• Applications will be reviewed by the Application Review Committee.
• Candidates under consideration will be scheduled for formal virtual interviews with our Selection Committee.
• Candidates will be notified if they have been selected for the FNP Residency Program after interviews are completed.

Interviews: Mid- March-March 31st
Decisions and Alternates Deadline: Applicants will be notified of residency decision by April 31th
Boards and Certification Deadline: August 1st

Applicants must:

• Be board certified and licensed to practice in California OR provide proof of pending application to sit for board certification prior to Aug 1st, 2026
• Apply for California furnishing, NPI and DEA license immediately upon the notification of acceptance into the residency if not already complete
• Have graduated from an accredited DNP program within the past 24 months, with no prior employment as a nurse practitioner
• Not be concurrently enrolled in any academic program during the residency period
• Demonstrate commitment to serving medically underserved populations
• Possess a strong interest in practicing as a mental health care provider in Orange County at a CalOptima-contracted facility

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual

Required supplemental documents for the NURSE-OC Application include:

• Personal statement
• CV
• One letter of recommendation from 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

Both the Nurse-OC Application and the AP recruit job posting must be completed to be considered

No applications will be reviewed after March 1st, 2026

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.

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 supervision. 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.

Yes! For questions, please contact nurseocprogram@hs.uci.edu.