Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellowship

The MetroHealth System

Cleveland, Ohio

Excellence. Innovation. Impact.
The Department of Neurology and Critical Care at The MetroHealth System proudly offers the nations first Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellowship, launched in 2019. This highly selective 12-month post-graduate program is designed for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) who seek to elevate their expertise in neurocritical care and clinical neuroscience.

Based at MetroHealths flagship campus in Cleveland, Ohiohome to a Comprehensive Stroke Center and the regions largest Level I Adult Trauma Centerthe fellowship provides immersive, hands-on experience across the spectrum of neuroscience and critical care.

Program Overview

The fellowship blends intensive didactic education with mentored clinical training under the guidance of nationally recognized neurocritical care physicians and experienced APPs. While the core emphasis is on neurocritical care, the curriculum is intentionally flexible, preparing fellows for diverse inpatient neuroscience roles.

During the program, fellows will:
- Perform advanced neurological and critical care assessments
- Interpret neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG)
- Perform and interpret bedside ultrasound
- Execute common ICU procedures including endotracheal intubation, arterial line and central venous catheter placement, and lumbar puncture

Clinical Rotations

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the continuum of neuroscience care, fellows gain exposure to the following specialties:

• Neurocritical Care
• Neurosurgery
• Neuroradiology
• Epilepsy
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Medical Intensive Care
• Hospital Neurology & Stroke
• Infectious Disease
• Outpatient Neurology

While Neurocritical Care is the central focus, the curriculum is customized to each fellows background and career goals, offering individualized learning pathways.

Educational and Professional Development

Fellows actively participate in:
- Journal clubs, case conferences, and morbidity & mortality reviews
- Quality improvement and research initiatives
- Multidisciplinary collaboration with nurses, therapists, social workers, chaplains, residents, and attending physicians

Work schedules vary to reflect real-world practice and include day/night rotations and weekends. Fellows adhere to ACGME duty hour standards, averaging 40-60 hours per week.

Eligibility & Application Process

The MetroHealth Neurocritical Care APP Fellowship accepts one fellow per year on a highly competitive basis. Candidates are evaluated on:
- Academic performance (graduate school transcripts)
- Clinical experience and leadership potential
- Personal statement and professional goals
- Interview performance

Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduation from an accredited NP or PA program
- Board certification in specialty area
- State of Ohio licensure as an APRN or PA (or eligibility for licensure)
- Acute Care certification required for APRN candidates

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- At least one Letter of Recommendation

Please send application materials to:

Eloy Vazquez, Sr. 

evazquez@metrohealth.org