APP Post-Grad Training Program 2026

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE MAY OR NOVEMBER 2026 COHORTS.
***FOR NEW GRADUATES - You must take your PANCE/APRN exam by January 1, 2026 to qualify for the May cohort, or July 1, 2026 for the November cohort. This assures ample time for licensure and credentialing.***

THE PROGRAM
An exciting opportunity to receive additional training and experience in the emergency department with a leading emergency medicine group. This is in an effort to prepare for a career in emergency medicine. Individuals can expect to receive comprehensive education and training, participating in residency events, APP conferences, simulation labs, advanced clinical rotations, and more.

THE PROCESS
There are multiple steps to complete in order to be considered. Please review this process prior to submitting your application to ensure you have ample time and the appropriate items to submit in a timely manner.

1. Primary Application - Complete the online application for review by our team. Consider the following information for choosing your preferred cohort:
   • Deadline for each cohort is as follows (information in steps 1-4 must be completed before the deadline of your chosen cohort):
     • May Cohort: December 1, 2025
     • November Cohort: June 1, 2026​​
2. Initial Review - Our team reviews your initial application, assuring you have the appropriate credentials for the program.
3. Secondary Application - We will move you to the next step where we request you submit your personal statement, two (2) letters of recommendation - 1 of which is required from your program director, and rotation reviews (recommended).
   • Place high importance on any reviews or references that come from your experiences thus far in EM.
4. Application Complete - once we obtain all this information and review it for completeness, we will hold your application for the upcoming cohort/cohort of choice. During this time, you are welcome to connect with us and our team to ask questions or discuss any other matters.
5. Application Deadline - the period for new applications and submitting materials is closed. Anyone in the process who has completed their application is sent to the Program Director and ECS team for review. This review process takes roughly 2-3 weeks to complete.
6. Interviews - Top candidates are chosen for interviews, and they are notified via email to set up an interview with the clinical team overseeing the program. These take place within a 2–3-week period after the review as schedules allow.
7. Selection - The interview team deliberates top candidates and selects individuals to extend the offer to join the upcoming cohort. The Program Director and HR will provide verbal and/or written offers. Candidates are requested to provide a decision within 1-2 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Recent or upcoming graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program or Nurse Practitioner program with emergency medicine certification.
  • NP applicants must have FNP w/ emergency medicine graduate certificate and/or compelling ED experience or PNP w/ compelling ED experience.
  • We are unable to accept applicants with either the AGACNP or PNP-AC certification only due to the inability to complete patient encounters of all ages (newborn to elderly). If both are obtained, this is acceptable.
• Current licensure and/or registration, or the ability to become licensed/registered, with the State of Michigan. (licensed at least 3-4 months prior to the start of the program)
• DEA licensure and ACLS certification.
• Must be able to reliably commute/relocate to the greater Grand Rapids, MI region.
• Motivated individuals who wish to continue their learning and experience.
• Initiative, confidence, strong interpersonal and communication skills.

ABOUT US
Emergency Care Specialists (ECS) is a privately held, physician-owned organization that provides healthcare services and solutions within the Western Michigan area and beyond. ECS is an equal-opportunity employer.

Enjoy that every day on the job is different and have the ability to stretch your knowledge and expertise to new situations in the emergency department. APPs will be working as part of a team with nationally recognized physicians. Grow as a professional with the many opportunities ECS provides for CME, professional development, and more!