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Thank you for your interest!

Please review all of the information below before starting your application. 

Contact Darrian Piper at darrian.piper@elrio.org with any questions or requests for additional information.

Application FAQs

Application Process
  • Applications for the Spring 2027-2028 program is now open. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting September 21st. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered. Interviews will be held November 5-6, 2026.

  • Complete an electronic application including a personal statement, curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation.

  • Applications will be reviewed by the Application Review Committee. If a candidate meets all application requirements, a phone screen will be conducted.

  • Following the phone screen, selected candidates will be scheduled for a virtual interview with our Selection Committee.

  • Candidates will be notified if they have been selected for the El Rio APRN Residency Program November 9th.
  • Newly graduated Family Nurse Practitioners (within18 months from the start of the program).

  • Eligible for Arizona APRN License, DEA license, and Board Certification at time of application. Licenses and certifications are required to start the program.
  • Desire to provide care to medically underserved populations in Arizona.

  • Desire to practice as a primary care provider in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) upon completion of the residency.

  • Bilingual preferred but not required.

Additional FAQs

What is the commitment to complete the residency program?
  • The APRN Residency is a 12-month, full-time educational and clinical training program. The schedule is 40 hours per week and includes a 4-week comprehensive orientation, precepted family practice clinics, specialty clinic rotations, a pediatric intensive, didactic sessions, wellness curriculum, quality improvement seminars and leadership training, Residents must participate in all the experiences to successfully complete the program.
  • The Spring class of 2028 starts March 22, 2027.
  • Strong applications go beyond meeting the minimum qualifications. Highlight your genuine commitment to community health and underserved populations, along with your motivations to complete the El Rio APRN Residency Program. Include leadership examples, initiatives and/or goals.
  • No, you do not need to be licensed at the time of application, however you will need to be fully licensed in Arizona including DEA no later than January 1, 2027 to start the program. We recommend taking your Board certification exam within a few weeks after graduation and applying for license as soon as possible to meet credentialing timelines.
  • You do not need to be Board Certified at the time of application, however you will need to be Board Certified and fully licensed in Arizona including DEA to start the program. We recommend taking your Board certification exam within a few weeks after graduation to meet credentialing timelines.
  • Yes, APRN Residents receive the same comprehensive benefits as all El Rio employees. Benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, CME reimbursement, and more! The position is salaried. Salary specifics will be provided during the phone screening.
  • Residents can defer loan repayment during the residency year. NHSC and Nurse Corps scholars may apply during the residency year to be eligible for loan repayment during the post residency year commitment. Residents are not eligible for loan repayment during the residency year as it is a formal training program.
  • Yes. The residency is specifically designed for NPs who desire to work in the complex FQHC setting. After the residency program year, residents are required to complete a two-year employment commitment. Our team will work with residents during the program year to identify a mutually agreeable site for the post-residency commitment.
  • The residency schedules are Monday – Friday. The typical hours are 8am-5pm. Occasionally, alternative hours may be necessary to accommodate a specialty rotation.

El Rio Health is a diverse and inclusive organization. We employ over 1,900 individuals. We are invested in helping you and your family Create Tomorrow. El Rio Health is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to view our non-discrimination policy.