VA Bedford launches Geriatrics Nurse Practitioner Residency for 2026–2027
By Leanna Lynch, Public Affairs Officer
VA Bedford Healthcare System, also called The Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, has received approval to launch a new Geriatrics and Extended Care Nurse Practitioner Residency Program for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The yearlong program expands VA Bedford’s mission to train advanced practice providers to meet the growing needs of aging Veterans.
Led by Program Director Brittany Carey, NP, a geriatrics-focused nurse practitioner with extensive clinical and educational experience at VA Bedford, the residency is designed for newly graduated, board-certified (or board certification pending) nurse practitioners seeking structured post‑graduate training in geriatric care.
A leader in clinical education
VA Bedford HCS is nationally recognized for its leadership in geriatric education and its long-standing commitment to developing future clinicians. The facility already hosts a successful Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program. Adding a Geriatrics NP Residency strengthens this foundation and expands opportunities in a specialty critical to the health and well-being of older Veterans.
The program builds on VA Bedford’s recognition by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the National Collaborative for Improving the Clinical Learning Environment, reflecting its proven capacity to train residents in a collaborative, team‑based environment.
Meeting a growing national need
National workforce data show a continued shortage of clinicians specializing in geriatric care. Fewer than 3% of advanced practice nurses are certified in gerontology, and only about 7% practice exclusively in the field—limiting access to specialty care for older adults who often have complex medical needs.
The residency also aligns with national workforce goals within VHA. VA benchmarks anticipate that at least 70% of NP residency graduates will accept VA employment after completing training, with 70% retained one year after hire. Establishing this program helps strengthen long-term recruitment and retention efforts at VA Bedford and across the New England region.
Comprehensive yearlong curriculum
Residents will complete 12 months of supervised clinical practice supported by structured didactics. Clinical rotations include:
• Community Living Center (long-term care)
• Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit
• Dementia Special Care Unit
• Outpatient Geriatrics Clinic
• Home Based Primary Care
• Hospice and Palliative Care
• Specialty geriatric consultation teams
Weekly educational sessions feature clinical lectures, case discussions, simulation training, journal clubs, and interprofessional workshops. Each resident will also complete a quality improvement project focused on enhancing care for older Veterans, culminating in a presentation to facility leadership.
Applications now open
Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural cohort beginning in September 2026. Eligibility requirements, application instructions, and deadlines are available on the VA Bedford website.
Learn more or apply:
https://www.va.gov/bedford-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fel…
Program contact:
Brittany Carey, NP
Program Director, Geriatrics and Extended Care NP Residency
VA Bedford Healthcare System
Brittany.Carey@va.gov