Predoctoral Fellowship Training Program

The Predoctoral Fellowship Program provides advanced training in outcomes research to nurses enrolled in a qualifying doctoral program at the University of Pennsylvania​.

Predoctoral Fellows, Aleigha Mason (left) and Kathy Sliwinski (right) celebrating the culmination of years of study and dedication: proud... Predoctoral Fellows, Aleigha Mason (left) and Kathy Sliwinski (right) celebrating the culmination of years of study and dedication: proud scholars immediately following their successful dissertation defense!

The CHOPR Predoctoral Fellowship is intended for U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents only. The program places a high priority on having diversity in background.

Lisa Quinn, PhD, RN, AOCN
Associate Professor of Nursing, Columbia University School of Nursing

“It literally changed my life on many fronts, providing me with support and mentorship ‘to grow up’ as a researcher, and so much more.”

Admission Prerequisites

  • Fellows are selected from among those admitted to the Penn Nursing PhD Program through its centralized application process.
  • Our funding for fellows is from the National Institutes of Nursing Research and thus only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible. Funding includes support of tuition and fees, limited research and travel expenses, and health insurance.
  • Our program requires full time, on site study, and completion of the PhD in three years whether from the starting point of the BSN or MSN. We encourage applications from BSNs who will proceed seamlessly through PhD.

Admission Requirements 

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited nursing program with an average at the Master’s level of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

  • Recommendations from at least three individuals who have known the applicant in a professional capacity that address the applicant’s research potential

  • An essay written by the applicant discussing her/his motivation for doctoral study. The essay should also address the applicant’s career goals, research interests, strengths, and views concerning major issues in contemporary health care. It should reflect an understanding of professional issues and insights related to their resolution.

Recent Graduates

Kathy Sliwinski (center left) and Aleigha Mason (center right) alongside their dissertation chairs, Dr. Eileen Lake (right) and Dr. Karen... Kathy Sliwinski (center left) and Aleigha Mason (center right) alongside their dissertation chairs, Dr. Eileen Lake (right) and Dr. Karen Lasater (left), during Penn's Commencement in May.

Congratulations to Kathy Sliwinski and Aleigha Mason, our newest CHOPR PhD graduates from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Sliwinski is headed to Northwestern University and Dr. Mason to Columbia University, both continuing their research as postdoctoral fellows.