Administrative Fellowship Program
Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and NCAF
The Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons is invested in creating successful leadership pipelines for graduate students interested in the healthcare field and has been a member of the National Council on Administrative Fellowships (NCAF), a collaboration of leading administrative fellowship sites and graduate health management programs, since 2017. NAFCAS is the inaugural centralized application services for administrative fellowships. In order to create a fair and equitable application experience, we have agreed to comply with the Code of Good Practice application dates set by the National Council on Administrative Fellowships (NCAF).
The application process begins on June 9th, 2024 and closes on September 27th, 2024.
Information Sessions
Please attend one of our upcoming Informational Sessions to learn more about the Administrative Fellowship.
- August 8, 2024 at 4 pm EST
- August 27, 2024 at 5 pm EST
- September 10, 2024 at 12 pm EST
- September 20, 2024 at 4 pm EST – Q&A session
Objectives
The Administrative Fellowship Program is a 12-month program designed for individuals seeking to prepare for a career in healthcare management and to assume leadership positions in the healthcare delivery system. The program is open to students who have successfully completed a CAHME or CEPH accredited Master's Program with a focus on health administration and/or management within 12 months prior to the program’s start date. Individuals who have completed the didactic portion of their degree and are required to complete a residency or fellowship prior to degree conferral may also apply. The purpose of the fellowship program is to provide an introduction to the daily activities of the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons from the perspective of top management.
The fellowship is structured to provide experiential learning in an academic medical center environment through rotations within the areas of clinical operations, financial management, research administration, and human resources for a period of 12 months.
The objectives of the Administrative Fellowship Program include the following:
- Observe and study the role, function, and style of top management individuals
- Understand the goals and planning process of the organization and how they are determined, and understand the priorities of the organization and how and why they were selected
- Analyze the decision-making process at different levels of the organization
- Understand the dynamics of relationships between various stakeholders
- Obtain an understanding of the operational effectiveness of the organization
- Enhance the student's understanding of the healthcare industry, the organization's strategy, and distinctive competencies
- Provide an environment to enhance their understanding of, and the controlled application and testing of, skills, theories, and concepts presented during the academic year
- Strengthen the student's judgment, decisiveness, and related administrative skills in a healthcare environment
- Provide a basis for developing a code of ethics, philosophy, and a dedication to high ideals and standards of healthcare management
- Provide an opportunity to evaluate the student in relation to his/her needs for professional development and potential for a career in healthcare management
Structure of the Fellowship
1. Orientation
The Administrative Fellow will begin with a comprehensive orientation to the organization focusing on the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the school. Each Fellow will work with a Department Administrator or more senior leader who will act as their preceptor for the duration of the fellowship.
2. Projects & Rotations
A major component of the Fellowship will be assigned rotations and projects. Fellows will have the opportunity to work with a number of varying Departments during the program period. Fellows may be given detailed projects designed to give practical experience at various administrative levels. These projects may include assisting in the preparation of the annual budget, the collection of data to analyze problems of high organizational priority, or participation in strategic planning efforts. The structure of rotations and/or projects is dependent on the departments participating in a given year and their need. We highly encourage applicants to discuss this with current fellows and department representatives throughout their application process.
Assigned rotations and projects are based on the needs of the Department and vary from year to year, below is a sample:
- July: Introduction to CUIMC & Department, training on appropriate systems (Finance, HR, etc.).
- July-August: People and Organization Development
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Strategic planning: Learning and development program planning, training and resource content creation, workflow optimization
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- September – October: Office of the Vice Dean of Administration
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Human Resources: Position requests, onboarding activities, hiring process, employee relations, corrective action, labor law
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- November-December: Faculty Practice Organization
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Revenue cycle: Billing systems, EMR, process from the call to charge capture to the transmission of payment to appeal, fee schedules, office vs facility billing, and attendant complications
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- January-February: Orthopedic Surgery
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Clinical operations: Operations day-to-day, physician interaction, reception, clinical responsibilities, patient flow, filling in for staff, process redesign. customer service, patient, and staff satisfaction.
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- March-April: Pathology
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Finance: Upcoming year budget, reporting, accounting
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- May-June: Neurology
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Research: Project management, grants, population health, and patient-generated data analysis
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3. Meetings and Evaluation
Regular meetings will be scheduled with the Department Administrator to discuss independent projects concurrent with the above rotations. Fellows will be evaluated periodically to ensure consistent feedback and mentorship.
4. Timeline
The Fellowship is expected to run for 12 months from July 1st, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Arrangements for the yearlong schedule will be developed between the Dean’s Office within the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and the participating Departments.
5. Participating Departments
Examples of Departments that have participated in the past include the Vice Dean of Administration, Medicine, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Faculty Practice Organization (ColumbiaDoctors), and the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons Human Resources and Faculty Affairs.
Financial Arrangements
Administrative Fellows will be paid at the minimum rate of the Administrative Officer grade 104 twice monthly, once on the 15th of each month and again on the last day of the month for the duration of the program. In addition to compensation, Administrative Fellows will be eligible for a comprehensive benefit package.
How to Apply
Individuals who have successfully completed a CAHME or CEPH accredited Master's program with a focus in health administration or management within 12 months prior to the program's start date are eligible to apply. Applications from individuals in an ineligible program will not have their application considered and NAFCAS will not be able to refund the application fee. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, please reach out to us via the contact information in the FAQ. Individuals who have completed the didactic portion of their degree and are required to complete a residency or fellowship prior to degree conferral may also apply.
To apply, please submit your application to two sites (Careers at Columbia and NAFCAS) by September 27, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Complete the following steps:
1. Complete the Careers at Columbia Application
Complete the Careers at Columbia application by Clicking Here to Apply or by searching for the Requisition Number: 545418
*ONLY submit your Resume (disregard all other document uploads)
2. Complete the NAFCAS Application
Complete the NAFCAS application by Clicking Here to Apply and searching for "Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Administrative Fellowship".
In our Documents section, please submit:
- One-page Cover Letter answering the following prompt: Tell us why you hope to pursue an Administrative Fellowship at Columbia VP&S. Please include how the position and institution align with your goals and personal interests.
- Personal Statement
- Current Resume
- Unofficial Undergraduate Transcripts
Through the NAFCAS portal, please submit three (3) signed Letters of Recommendation (in "Supporting Information"). We strongly recommend letters are from the following individuals:
- One from a program director/advisor
- One from a graduate school professor
- One from a professional contact
3. Mail your Transcripts
Have your Official Graduate School Transcripts mailed to NAFCAS (in "Academic History").
To be considered, all applicants must apply through both sites. Please ensure NAFCAS has adequate time to review and verify your application. All requirements must be completed/received by Friday, September 27th, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Application Timeline
Our expected recruitment timeline is as follows (subject to change):
- Friday, September 27th, 2024 11:59 pm – Application must be submitted to Careers at Columbia and NAFCAS
- Thursday, October 10th – Final offers extended
Advancement
Our application process is primarily virtual but may include some in-person events depending on the application year.
The number of applicants selected is dependent on the participating Departments in a given year. If you have any questions regarding application requirements, please refer to our frequently asked questions and contact information sections below.
FAQ
Why should I choose an Administrative Fellowship over a traditional job position?
Fellowships serve as an important opportunity used to prepare early careerists for leadership focused careers in the healthcare sector. Fellowships emphasize structured learning and leadership development combined with real-world project work. Fellowships provide access to mentorship relationships with senior leaders as well as development of vital skills sets.
Past VP&S fellows reported that they worked in the following areas throughout their fellowship:
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Executive Leadership
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Operations
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Clinic/Outpatient Services
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Process Improvement
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Strategic Planning
I am not able to provide one letter of recommendation from an employer, what can I do?
If you are not able to provide one letter of recommendation from an employer, please submit another letter of recommendation from a graduate school professor.
Can I submit a copy of my transcript or print a copy of my unofficial transcript?
You may upload a copy of your Undergraduate transcripts through NAFCAS. Your official Graduate School Transcripts must be requested through your school’s Registrar Office and mailed to NAFCAS.
Can samples of application documents be provided?
Application documents cannot be provided to applicants during the application process. All submitted documents should be unique and original to the candidate.
How can I confirm the delivery of my documents?
The NAFCAS site will notify you when your application has been submitted. Please allow for adequate time for NAFCAS to verify your application information. Refer to the NAFCAS website for more information.
How much will I get paid as an Administrative Fellow?
The Administrative Fellow will be paid at the minimum rate of the Administrative Officer grade 104. The Fellow’s annual salary will be $70,000 paid on a semi-monthly basis.
What if I obtain my Master’s Degree more than 12 months prior to the program’s start date?
Only applicants who have successfully completed their Master’s Degree in Health Administration, Business Administration or Public Health less than 12 months prior to the program’s start date (July 1st 2025) are eligible to apply. Applications from individuals in an ineligible program will not have their application considered and NAFCAS will not be able to refund the application fee. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, please reach out to us via the contact information below.
I expect to obtain my Master’s Degree after the program start date… Can I still apply?
Candidates should have completed their Master’s Degree before the programs start date (July 1st 2025). Individuals who have completed the didactic portion of their degree and are required to complete a residency or fellowship prior to degree conferral may also apply. Individuals who will obtain their degree after the programs start date should apply for the next year’s Administrative Fellowship.
Where will the fellowship take place? Where is the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons?
The Administrative Fellowship Program is part of the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Although Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital are affiliated, they are two separate organizations. The Administrative Fellowship rotations will take place within the Clinical Outpatient Departments / Group Practices or Basic Science Departments and Institutes within the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. Some departments may ask fellows to report to auxillary locations for different projects or rotations. If details of where you would be reporting are a concern, please discuss this with current fellows and department representatives throughout the application process.
The Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons is located at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center Campus, at 630 West 168th Street New York, NY 10032.
*Fellowship positions may be a hybrid of on-site work and remote work. Some may be fully on- site, but none will be fully remote.
What is the work day/week schedule like for the fellowship?
The standard schedule for the Administrative Fellow is 35 hours a week, Monday- Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
Where can I find the application and upload supporting documentation?
Applicants must complete the Careers at Columbia application as well as on the NAFCAS application.
Complete the Careers at Columbia application by Clicking Here to Apply or by searching for the Requisition Number: 545418
*ONLY submit your Resume (disregard all other document uploads)
I am unsure if my degree program is eligible. How do I confirm that my application will be reviewed?
Applications from individuals in an ineligible program will not have their application considered and NAFCAS will not be able to refund the application fee. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, please reach out to us via the contact information below.
Are international applicants eligible for consideration?
The College of Physicians & Surgeons will consider complete applications from all qualified applicants. If you are an international applicant, please be aware that it will be your responsibility to complete all required documentation for an international visa if selected for the Fellowship position. Although we are not able to sponsor an employment visa for the fellowship position, candidates who have OPT (Optional Practical Training) are eligible to apply.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need more information, please contact us by email at vps.admin.fellow-res@cumc.columbia.edu.