APP Oncology Fellowship Program

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Oncology Fellowship Program at Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a 12-month structured postgraduate education to prepare clinical nurse specialists*, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with the expertise necessary to provide high-quality medical care in the complex environment of adult oncology.

The innovative curriculum covers the spectrum of cancer care, from prevention to end-of-life care. During the course of the fellowship, APP oncology fellows are full-time employees of UT Southwestern Medical Center who receive benefits that include paid time off, continuing education funds, and low-cost comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Fellows receive a competitive annual salary of $95,000. There are no tuition fees. Relocation support may be provided.

*with prescriptive authority

• Important Dates

  • January: Online application opens
  • March: Online application closes
  • April: Fellowship interviews conducted
  • May: Final two candidates for the year selected and offers extended
  • October: APP Oncology Fellowship Program year starts

• Eligibility

  Program admission is open to new graduates or experienced clinical nurse specialists*, nurse practitioners (acute care, adult, adult gerontology primary care, adult gerontology acute care, family nurse practitioner), or physician assistants who meet program eligibility requirements.

  • Education – Minimum of a master’s degree in nursing as a clinical nurse specialist* or nurse practitioner (acute care, adult, adult gerontology primary care, adult gerontology acute care, family nurse practitioner) from an accredited advanced practice education program OR graduate of a physician assistant master’s program accredited by ARC-PA at least three months prior to program start date is required. 
  • Certification − National board certification as a clinical nurse specialist*, nurse practitioner (acute care, adult, adult gerontology primary care, adult gerontology acute care, family nurse practitioner), or physician assistant completed at least two months prior to program start date is required. 
  • Licensure − Licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse by the Texas State Board of Nursing OR licensure as a physician assistant by the Texas Medical Board at least two months prior to program start date is required.

  *with prescriptive authority 

• Curriculum

  The APP Oncology Fellowship curriculum provides didactic and clinical experiences within various adult oncology specialties, incorporating the multidisciplinary teams of medical, surgical, and radiation oncology within each specialty. The curriculum includes learning opportunities in the outpatient, inpatient, and community oncology settings. The comprehensive curriculum includes:

  Didactics
  • Program Orientation
  • Oncology Didactic Lectures
  • Simulation Lab Training Sessions
  • Case Presentations
  • Fellowship Project
  • Institutional Conferences
  • National Oncology Conference

  Core Clinical Rotations
  • Breast Oncology
  • Gastroenterology Oncology
  • Genitourinary Oncology
  • Gynecology Oncology
  • Head and Neck Oncology
  • Hematologic Malignancies/Transplant and Cellular Therapies
  • Melanoma
  • Neuro-Oncology
  • Sarcoma
  • Thoracic Oncology

  Adjunct Rotations
  • Acute Care Clinic
  • Cancer Genetics
  • Cancer Research
  • Cardio-Oncology
  • Community Oncology
  • Inpatient Medical Oncology
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Palliative Care
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

  Career Transition Rotation
  At the completion of the core clinical rotations and adjunct rotations, the fellow will complete a rotation block in an area of career interest.

• FAQs

  What is the purpose of the UTSW Simmons Cancer Center APP Oncology Fellowship?
  This fellowship is intended to provide a structured postgraduate education in adult oncology to advanced practice providers (clinical nurse specialists*, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants). New graduates and experienced APPs who meet eligibility criteria are considered.

  *with prescriptive authority 

  What is the structure of the program?
  This is a 12-month program that includes didactic and clinical experiences with rotations through various oncology specialties, with each specialty incorporating a multidisciplinary team approach.

  What salary and benefits are offered?
  APP oncology fellows are provided a competitive annual salary of $95,000 and full UTSW employee benefits during the course of the fellowship.

  How many positions are available?
  Two fellows are accepted per program year.

  What is the program timeline?
  This is a 12-month program starting in October of each year.

apponcologyfellowship@utsouthwestern.edu APP Oncology Fellowship Program with additional questions. Learn more through the brochure.