Frequently Asked Questions
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:
- Executive Leadership
- Operations
- Clinic/Outpatient Services
- Process Improvement
- 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 before 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 program's start date (July 1st, 2025). Individuals who have completed the didactic portion of their degree and are required to complete a residency or fellowship before degree conferral may also apply. Individuals who will obtain their degree after the program's 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 auxiliary 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, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
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 or search 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.