Top 5 Nursing Fellowships in the U.S.

Nursing fellowships in the United States are highly sought after by both local and international nurses who want to specialize, advance their careers, and gain exposure to world-class healthcare systems. Unlike entry-level training or basic nursing education, fellowships provide structured professional development, specialized clinical training, and leadership opportunities in prestigious institutions.

For nurses from countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, and Sri Lanka, U.S. nursing fellowships offer a gateway to advanced practice, research, and global healthcare leadership. Below is a comprehensive guide to the top five nursing fellowships in the United States, detailing their focus areas, benefits, and eligibility requirements.

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Why Nursing Fellowships in the U.S. Matter

• Specialized expertise – Gain advanced training in fields like oncology, critical care, pediatrics, and mental health.

• Career progression – Fellowships often lead to leadership positions in nursing education, research, and hospital administration.

• Global exposure – Work alongside leading U.S. healthcare professionals in highly advanced medical environments.

• Research opportunities – Many fellowships integrate clinical practice with nursing research.

• Pathways for international nurses – Completing a U.S. fellowship enhances employability worldwide.

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1) Johns Hopkins Hospital Nursing Fellowship

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Focus areas:

• Oncology nursing

• Critical care and surgical nursing

• Pediatric nursing

• Evidence-based practice and leadership

Why it stands out:

Johns Hopkins is internationally recognized for excellence in healthcare and research. The fellowship combines hands-on clinical training with academic learning. Nurses are mentored by top clinicians and researchers, giving them exposure to cutting-edge healthcare practices.

Best suited for: Nurses aiming to become leaders in oncology, pediatrics, or advanced critical care.

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2) Mayo Clinic Nursing Fellowship

Location: Rochester, Minnesota (and other Mayo sites)

Focus areas:

• Advanced clinical practice

• Leadership and management training

• Multidisciplinary team-based care

• Patient-centered research

Why it stands out:

The Mayo Clinic fellowship emphasizes personalized care and interprofessional collaboration. Nurses gain exposure to some of the most complex patient cases and innovative treatment methods in the world.

Best suited for: Nurses seeking training in integrated care systems and multidisciplinary environments.

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3) Cleveland Clinic Nurse Fellowship Program

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Focus areas:

• Cardiovascular nursing

• Neurological nursing

• Surgical and transplant nursing

• Nursing research and education

Why it stands out:

Cleveland Clinic is ranked among the top hospitals globally for cardiology and surgery. Its nurse fellowship is designed to enhance specialized skills while developing leadership in evidence-based practice.

Best suited for: Nurses interested in cardiology, neurology, or surgical specialties with opportunities to train in one of the world's best cardiac care centers.

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4) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Oncology Nursing Fellowship

Location: New York City, New York

Focus areas:

• Oncology nursing practice

• Cancer treatment and palliative care

• Patient-centered care for chronic illness

• Research in cancer nursing

Why it stands out:

This fellowship is globally respected for oncology training. Nurses gain experience in treating complex cancer patients, participating in research studies, and learning holistic patient care approaches.

Best suited for: Nurses pursuing a career in oncology, cancer research, and palliative care.

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5) Massachusetts General Hospital Nursing Fellowship

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Focus areas:

• Acute and critical care

• Pediatric nursing

• Mental health and psychiatric nursing

• Clinical research integration

Why it stands out:

As one of the oldest and most respected hospitals in the U.S., Massachusetts General offers a fellowship that blends clinical excellence with academic rigor. Nurses benefit from access to Harvard Medical School's resources and multidisciplinary teams.

Best suited for: Nurses aiming to specialize in mental health, pediatrics, or advanced acute care while engaging in research-driven practice.

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Eligibility and Application Essentials

While each fellowship sets its own requirements, typical criteria include:

• Registered Nurse (RN) license in the U.S. (international nurses must pursue licensing exams like NCLEX-RN).

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher.

• Relevant clinical experience (usually 1–2 years minimum).

• Strong academic background and professional references.

• English proficiency for international applicants.

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Benefits of U.S. Nursing Fellowships

• Professional growth: Advanced clinical skills and leadership exposure.

• Networking: Connections with top U.S. healthcare professionals and researchers.

• Research opportunities: Access to clinical trials and evidence-based practice projects.

• Career opportunities: Increased employability in the U.S. and globally.

• Competitive compensation: Many fellowships include stipends or salary during training.

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How International Nurses Can Prepare

1. Licensing: Begin the process of taking the NCLEX-RN and securing state licensing early.

2. Documentation: Prepare transcripts, certifications, and professional references.

3. Language proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores are often required.

4. Work experience: Gain experience in hospitals or specialized units before applying.

5. Statement of purpose: Clearly express career goals and how the fellowship will help achieve them.

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Long-Term Value of Completing a U.S. Nursing Fellowship

• Opens doors to advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

• Provides eligibility for global healthcare leadership positions.

• Enhances earning potential and career security.

• Enables nurses to contribute advanced skills to their home country's healthcare systems.

The top five nursing fellowships in the U.S.—at Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Massachusetts General Hospital—offer unmatched opportunities for professional development. They combine advanced clinical training, research exposure, and leadership preparation in some of the most respected healthcare institutions in the world.

For both U.S. nurses and international professionals from countries like Canada, UK, Australia, and Sri Lanka, these fellowships represent a transformative step toward global nursing excellence. With careful preparation and a clear vision for career growth, securing a U.S. fellowship can be the gateway to a lifelong impact in nursing.