Nurse Practitioner Residency Programs
The mission of the NPR program is to develop novice Nurse Practitioners to demonstrate provider confidence, clinical competence, and integrative practice collaboration to care for the complex needs of the Veteran population.
The Joseph M. Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center offers a Nurse Practitioner Residency Program with three post graduate tracks: Geriatric Extended Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Primary Car. The residency program is an academic partnership with Emory University - Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and Georgia State University - Byridine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions. The Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) provides generous support for the development and administration of all VA Health professional training programs.
Programs Goals
The overarching goal of the Residency Programs is to equip newly graduated, licensed, and board-certified advanced practice nurses [APNs] with a strong foundation of scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and professionalism to enhance their practice. Moreover, the program aims to attract, educate, and retain NPs passionate about improving the quality of healthcare services and accessibility for Veterans.
Programs objectives
- Integrate evidence-based knowledge, ethical principles, and clinical excellence in advanced practice nursing while caring for the Veteran population within the AVAMC.
- Develop the role of independent advance practice nurses with commitment to excellence and quality outcomes.
- Utilize research and evidence to assist in the development and validation of advance practice and clinical competence.
- Participate in the process of health policy development for continued improvement of the VA health care systems.
- Engage in lifelong learning and the professional development of self and others.
- Develop collaborative skills through interprofessional relationships and team-based care approaches.
- Integrate quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness while supporting awareness of the complex health care delivery system.
- Advance the health and wellbeing of Veterans and their families.
- Develop Veteran-centric care that is compassionate, valued, and effective in promoting whole health and preventing illness.
Curriculum overview
Atlanta VA is committed to improving the healthcare of the nation's Veterans and is investing in innovative programs to enhance healthcare provider training. The overall goal of the Residency Programs is to enhance optimal care for our Veterans by offering educational training and care that are robust, evidence-based, and likely to result in successful outcomes. The Atlanta VA offers three NP residency tracks: Geriatric Extended Care, Mental Health, and Primary Care.
Program eligibility
- U.S. Citizen
- Graduate of an accredited Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Program | Family Nurse Practitioner Program | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program within the past 12 months
- Never have worked as a Nurse Practitioner in the requested specialty
- Hold national credentialing according to your graduate degree
- Licensure: Current, complete, active, and unrestricted registration as a registered nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia.
- Proficient in written and spoken English,
- Pass a background/security investigation as required by the Veterans Health Administration,
- Random drug testing may be required.
Application Requirements
Curriculum vitae
Official transcripts
Application for Health Professions Trainees VA form 10-2850D
Three (3) letters of recommendation: one from an academic instructor, one from a preceptor, and one from a place of employment.
For more information, please get contact the respective Program Director:
Geriatric Extended Care Nurse Practitioner Residency
Contact: Michelle Bush, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Phone: 404.315.4100 x373160
Email: michelle.bush3@va.gov
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Residency
Contact: Theresa Goodman, PhD., MSN, FNP-C
Phone: 404.316.5820
Email: theresa.goodman@va.gov
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency
Contact: Bridget Mullen, MS, BSN, APRN, FNP‑C, PMHNP‑BC
Phone: 404‑315‑4100 x 373181 or 404‑312‑2465
Email: VHAATGNursePMHNPResidency@va.gov
We are pleased to share that the next application cycle for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program at the Atlanta VA Health Care System will open on August 3, 2026, for the Spring 2027 cohort (March 2027–March 2028). We look forward to receiving applications from dedicated and passionate PMHNPs.
Applications will not be accepted prior to August 3, 2026. Please review the website for program goals, objectives, curriculum, and eligibility.
Additional details about the application process will be provided as the submission period approaches.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Atlanta VA Health Care System’s Nurse Practitioner Residency Program demonstrates our unwavering commitment to equipping novice nurse practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in patient care.
