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Department of Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry
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  4. Applying for the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Fellowship

Applying for the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Fellowship

Our application cycle for October 2026 -  October 2027 is now closed.

Fellowship Requirements

  • PMHNP certifications from an accredited program earned within the 12 months preceding the start date.
  • Current AHA (or equivalent) CPR certification
  • Demonstrated excellence in scholarship, communication, leadership, problem resolution, and teaching.

Before Hire

  • Graduation from an accredited program in the previous 12 months prior to the start date
  • Current RN and NP licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing
  • California furnishing license upon start
  • ANCC certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner upon hire
  • DEA license upon start

Administrative Requirements

Any employment offer with UC San Diego is contingent on the following:

  • Masters or doctoral degree in nursing (current or pending) from an accredited program earned within the 12 months preceding the start date.
  • Successful background check
  • A health clearance through UCSD Occupational Health department
  • A negative substance abuse screening test
  • Verification of any documents required for the position
  • Verification of identity and eligibility to work in the USA
  • The completion of the new hire process, including all required paperwork
  • Credentialing process via the UCSD Medical Staff Services Office

Application Cycle

Information Sessions

Information sessions for the 2027-2028 cycle coming soon. Please check back in December 2026 for more information.

Come Meet Us at APNA!

We will be exhibiting at the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) 40th Annual Conference, taking place October 28–31, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. If you'll be attending, please stop by our booth—we'd love the opportunity to meet you and say hello!

apna 2

How To Apply

  1. Complete the PMHNP Fellowship Application.
  2. Include the following documentation with your application:
    • Resume or CV
    • Cover letter or personal statement
    • Academic Transcript (unofficial is fine)
    • Three (3) letters of professional recommendation, one from each of the following:
      • A professor
      • A preceptor
      • A former/current supervisor
  3. Please submit your application and supporting documents to pmhnpfellowship@health.ucsd.edu as a single PDF document (including letters of recommendation).

A select number of applicants will be invited for a personal interview.