Advanced practice provider (APP) urology fellowships have emerged in response to the growing demand for APPs with specialized training in urology. These fellowships provide APPs (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of urology, helping to meet the increasing need for urological care. The APP urological fellowships are optional postgraduate programs for APPs to gain additional training and expertise in urology. They are not mandatory for practicing urology but can enhance skills and knowledge.

Most fellowships are 12 months in length. The fellowships provide a comprehensive and intensive training experience, including clinical exposure to a wide range of urological conditions, surgeries, and procedures. During the fellowship, APPs receive mentorship from experienced urologists and APPs. The curriculum may include didactic sessions, conferences, procedural training, and research opportunities, and some offer hands-on training in the operating room. The APP fellowships offer a stipend or salary to cover living expenses during the fellowship period. The amount of compensation can vary depending on the fellowship program, location, and other factors. While the pay may not be as favorable as a job contract, it affords the candidate an additional year of practical experience akin to that of an “on-the-job” training program, unencumbered by the typical duties of a regular job. This experience can be leveraged to attain a head start in one’s future professional endeavors.

There are several prestigious institutions offering APP urology fellowships, including Mayo Clinic, University of Virginia, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, and Emory University Hospital. These programs are highly competitive and offer a unique opportunity for APPs to gain the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of urology.

In 2021, I successfully completed the 12-month comprehensive Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences APP Urology Fellowship in Rochester, Minnesota. The clinical experiences included general urology, endourology, oncology, urogynecology, neurourology, men’s health, reconstructive urology, and pediatric urology. There were opportunities to shadow in radiology, radiation oncology, pelvic floor physical therapy, and sexual health counseling. The supplementary observations offered an extensive and balanced learning opportunity. The procedural training opportunities encompassed a range of procedures such as cystoscopies, ureteral stent removal, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, catheter exchanges, and prostate ultrasounds. The program featured specialized training that surpasses what is typically offered in graduate studies. The fellowship fostered a supportive and empowering atmosphere for personal development.

An APP urology fellowship can elevate a job application by demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth, as well as providing valuable hands-on experience in urology. The skills, knowledge, and networks the applicant gains from the fellowship can make them a more attractive candidate for relevant job opportunities. Upon completing the APP urology fellowship, I was confident in my ability to deliver safe and effective urological care.

Following a year of exposure to advanced medical therapies and pioneering research, I decided to advance my professional path at Mayo Clinic. The fellowship allowed me to specialize in urology and demonstrate my initiative, leadership skills, and teamwork abilities. I am now a nurse practitioner in the Urology Department at Mayo Clinic.

In conclusion, APP urology fellowships provide a unique opportunity for APPs to gain specialized knowledge and hands-on training in the field of urology. This training can help advance their careers and prepare them for leadership positions in the field. An APP urology fellowship enhances one’s clinical skills and knowledge, provides comprehensive and intensive training in urology, and fosters a highly competent and confident provider. APP fellowship programs provide hands-on experience and exposure to a wide range of urological conditions, equipping the provider with the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage complex cases, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.