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Becoming a Fellow

By engaging recognized nurse practitioner (NP) leaders who have made outstanding contributions to NP education, policy, clinical practice or research, and developing NP leaders of the future, the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) is furthering the NP role while enhancing the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) mission.

Have you made significant accomplishments and contributions to advancing the NP role? Becoming a Fellow begins with making an impact on the NP role outstanding contributions and significant accomplishments to clinical practice, research, education or policy.

New Fellow Selection Timeline

  • August — Nominations open (by invitation only).
  • October — Nominations close.
  • Late March — Selection notifications.
  • May — New Fellow orientation.
  • June — Induction ceremony at the national conference.

Review the following information and resources to help determine if you are ready to pursue FAANP membership.

  • Criteria

    Eligibility Criteria

    To apply to become a FAANP member, an applicant must:

    • Have at least two years of continuous AANP membership as of Aug. 1 of the application year and maintain membership during the selection process.
    • Secure two current Fellows as sponsors – one sponsor must initiate the nomination (primary sponsor), and a secondary sponsor.
    • Ensure each sponsor addresses a different focus area.
    • Meet the selection criteria of demonstrated exceptional contributions, accomplishments, and outcomes in two of the following focus areas:
    1. Research
    2. Clinical Practice
    3. Education
    4. Policy/Advocacy

    Selection Criteria

    Demonstration of sustained contributions outside of the employment role with quantifiable outcomes are critical in supporting the application.

    Evidence supporting contributions to advancing the NP role in each of the four FAANP membership priority areas may include accomplishments such as (but not limited to) the examples listed below.

    • Research Example
      Investigator led research, translational research and evaluative research with a focus on NPs and their practice. Extensive practice-based outcome research. Accomplishments documented could include the number of grants, awards, publications, and other dissemination activities.
    • Clinical Practice Example
      Development of models to influence population health, establishing community-based programs contributing to local community needs, entrepreneurial activities associated with program development or non-traditional practice sites, and influencing professional evidence-based practice standards.
    • Education Example
      Teaching innovations or presentations and curriculum development, or NP educational strategies influencing outcomes.
    • Policy Example
      Involvement in local, regional, national and international issues, including exemplary service to professional organizations, and interacting with policy or decision-makers that affect health policy.
  • FAQs

    How do I apply?

    Applications and information about the Fellows program are on the website. Please read all pages to become familiar with the requirements. The entire process is online. Emailed or snail-mailed applications will not be accepted.

    Do I need to hold national certification to apply?

    It is a professional responsibility and a quality indicator to maintain national certification as a nurse practitioner (NP). Special circumstances can be discussed with sponsors.

    How do I nominate a colleague for the fellowship?

    Only Fellows may nominate an NP in to the FAANP. The application requires the commitment of two Fellows. One is designated the primary sponsor and the other is the secondary sponsor. The primary sponsor takes the lead from start to finish ensuring all materials are reviewed with the candidate before submission.

    A nomination link will be shared with Fellows upon the launch of the application cycle annually.

    How many NPs can a Fellow nominate each year?

    Each Fellow may only nominate one NP annually as a primary sponsor and one as a secondary sponsor.

    How do I find a sponsor(s)?

    Sponsors need to have firsthand knowledge of the accomplishments of applicants.

    One way to find a potential sponsor is to begin with an FAANP mentorship program, attend the Meet & Greet at National Conference or network with colleagues at your workplace. Many Fellows work with prospective NPs early in their careers and guide them in the leadership learning process.

    Do I need to be a member of AANP to apply for the fellowship?

    You must have at least two years of continuous AANP membership as of Aug. 1 of the application year, and membership must be sustained during the selection process.

    How does the application process work?

    Applying to become a Fellow is a three-step process:

    • Self-assessment: Do a self-assessment to determine if you are ready to meet the stringent criteria for fellowship. Meet and discuss your strengths for application with the two Fellows who wish to sponsor you.
    • Submission: The primary sponsor initiates the invitation and submits your name through the FAANP nominations link. Once notified, a unique web address link will be provided to upload the CV and complete the application online before the deadline. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
    • Review: Members of the selection committee are assigned to review application materials. It is a detailed and lengthy process to vet every applicant. The full committee reviews all applications at the winter meeting. The applicants will be notified after the committee decisions are finalized.

    May a first-year Fellow sponsor an applicant?

    It is advisable to be a Fellow for a minimum of one year prior to sponsoring an applicant.

    What is the responsibility of the applicant?

    It is the responsibility of the applicant to present evidence of excellence in two of the areas selected. The evidence must clearly identify achievements throughout their NP career that exceed the expectations of their positions and job descriptions.

    What is the responsibility of the sponsor?

    The sponsor will present a supporting statement for the applicant that they have invited to apply for the fellowship. The sponsor must be aware firsthand of the applicant’s achievements.

    May I use abbreviations and acronyms in the application since the character count is limited?

    Abbreviations and acronyms may not be universal and can lead to confusion.

    What are considered significant contributions in a focus area?

    Contributions include what you have done to impact the role of NPs, AANP or patient care. It is important to identify the significance and scope of the accomplishments and contributions. (See PowerPoint).

    Do I list my grants and research funding?

    In identifying grants and research, the applicant must write to the scope, significance, outcome and impact of the research and list any related publications.

    Does it matter how far back I go in my career to find examples to use in my focus areas?

    There is no timeline on the number of years of NP experience required to apply for Fellowship; however, the examples must detail only your NP experience, and not RN or other career markers. Examples of your work should meet the criteria you identified and the significant role contributing to your achievements in your career.

    May I reapply if I am not accepted into the fellowship?

    Nominees have many outstanding accomplishments; however, the listed accomplishments may fall short of the goal of describing the significant exemplar achievements for one or both of the focus areas as ranked by the committee members. With your sponsors' input, you may choose to revise and resubmit your application in a subsequent year.

  • Helpful Resources

    Learn more about what it takes to be an AANP Fellow with the following resources and tips.

  • How to Secure a Sponsor

    An NP who believes he or she meets the FAANP membership criteria must be invited to apply by an AANP Fellow who will serve as a Primary Sponsor. To secure an invitation of sponsorship:

    • Research the Fellows Listing & Bios to identify those with similar expertise and/or geographic proximity.
    • Network with Fellows at your worksite or at the Meet & Greet at National Conference.
    • Share your organized, accurate and up-to-date CV and supporting evidence with potential sponsors, with the goal of having an opportunity to explore their potential sponsorship of your application and/or providing recommendations on strengthening your evidence.

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