Apply to Join NPATHS

Applications for the next cohort will open in early January 2026.

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Who Should Apply?

Eligible candidates include U.S.-based individuals eager to enhance research skills in health outcomes research.

Career stages include:

  • Graduate health professional students

  • Registered and advanced practice nurses

  • Postdoctoral fellows, residents, or fellows

  • Early-career faculty (≤5 years post-terminal degree)

Application Components

All applications should be submitted via the application link at the bottom of this page. At the time of submission, please have your cover letter and CV in PDF format. 

You can access our cover letter and essay response templates below. Responses to essay questions should be no more than 2 pages, single-spaced. 

Google Doc Template

Application Requirements

  • Demographic Survey

  • Curriculum Vitae or NIH Biosketch

  • Cover Letter with Responses to (3) Essay Questions

  1. What do you hope to achieve by participating in NPATHS? How would you apply the knowledge and skills gained from participation in this program over the next three years?

  2. What is a research question or topic that captivates your interest, and how do you believe research in this area can lead to transformative change in healthcare for all patients?

  3. How does your background shape your perspective and approach to conducting research on health outcomes? Provide specific examples of how your background informs your research interests, methodology, and commitment to improving population health.

What happens after I apply?

After submission, the NPATHS leadership team will review applications. Our goal is to identify scholars from across the United States with unique backgrounds and at different career stages to foster collaborative learning. 

All applicants will be notified via email in mid-April regarding selection decisions. If selected for the NPATHS program, participants will be asked to confirm their availability and participation. 

FAQs

Program-Related FAQs

  • The Nurse Program for Advancing Training in Health and Social Determinants (NPATHS) is a 9-month research training program designed to equip nurse scientists and allied health professionals with the skills to conduct research addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) and health equity.

  • The program consists of three main components:

    1. A 4-day in-person intensive to foster community and foundational learning.

    2. Monthly online learning modules and webinars (both asynchronous and synchronous).

    3. Mentorship and mentored-research experiences tailored to participants' interests and career goals.

  • The program aims to:

    1. Enhance participants' knowledge of SDoH frameworks and methodologies.

    2. Strengthen their capacity to design, analyze, and disseminate research on health equity.

    3. Increase the volume and quality of nurse-led research focused on addressing SDOH.

  • The in-person intensive will be hosted at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan. The intensive agenda includes 3 full days (T, W, TH) and a half day on Friday to accommodate afternoon travel plans.

  • The end-of-program celebration will be hosted at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, in April 2026.

  • The program is a collaboration between Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University College of Nursing, leveraging their combined expertise in research, education, and healthcare.

  • The curriculum includes topics such as SDOH fundamentals, structural racism, health equity interventions, housing and food insecurity, healthcare access, and translating research into policy and practice.

Applicant-Related FAQs

  • The program is designed for individuals with a nursing degree (BSN, MSN, PhD, DNP) or related health science degrees. Priority will be given to nurse scientists, but professionals from allied fields such as medicine, social work, psychology, public health, and education may also apply if their interests align with the program's objectives.

  • The program will accept 10-12 participants per cohort.

  • Applicants must submit:

    1. A curriculum vitae (CV) or NIH Biosketch.

    2. A cover letter with essay responses to 3 questions (that can be found on the application page of the website) There is also a cover letter template available for modification.

  • Applications will close in February 2025. Check the program website here for exact dates.

  • All applicants will be notified of their application status in April 2025.

  • There are no costs associated with program participation, other than your time. Travel and accommodation for the in-person intensive and end-of-program celebration will be covered by program funding for non-local participants. Local participants are those who live within an hour's drive of Henry Ford Health (e.g., Ann-Arbor, Detroit-metro region) 

    All course materials and recommended readings will also be provided. Contact the program team at with any questions.

  • While prior research experience is not required, applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in SDoH and health equity research and have a clear motivation for participating in the program.

  • Complete the online application form and detailed instructions. All applications will be submitted online.

  • Participants will receive mentorship from experienced program faculty, access to a robust curriculum, and opportunities to develop and disseminate a deliverable, such as a conference abstract, IRB proposal, or manuscript.

Apply to become an NPATHS Scholar

Applications will open for the next cohort in early 2026.

You will be redirected to a RedCap Survey Portal to complete your program application.