Nurse Training Programs at UCSF and Project Firstline

As a premier academic medical center, UCSF Health is dedicated to supporting new nurses who are entering practice as well as experienced nurses who are changing specialty areas. Throughout the year we offer programs specially designed for these transitions. The Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, in conjunction with participating units and Human Resources, provides several training programs to facilitate nursing professional development.

UCSF Health Nurse Training Programs Overview

Here we offer information pertaining to UCSF Health's yearly nurse training programs, including program requirements and dates. A variety of teaching methods are used to enhance the learning experience. These include didactic instruction, group discussions, skills laboratories, simulation, precepted clinical experiences, competency-based orientation, and online learning. Positions for the programs will be posted on our Careers website.

New Nurse Residency Training Program (NNRTP)

The New Nurse Residency Training Program (NNRTP) is designed for newly and soon to be graduated RNs with an ASN, BSN or MSN degree. The NNRTP is the only pathway for new graduate RNs to join the organization. Candidates selected for the NNRTP will be classified as a Clinical Nurse 1 and must have less than six months of RN employment experience at the time of the program start date. You will be expected to commit to at least two years of full-time employment on the hiring unit after the completion of training. All applicants must have a nursing degree conferred (either an associate's, bachelor's, or master's) no more than 18 months prior to the start of the program. Applicants must also have an active CA RN license four weeks prior to the start of the program. All participants in the NNRTP are expected to be present and be actively engaged in all program events which include 40 hours/week for the first eight weeks. The following six weeks will include a time commitment of 36-40 hours/week of precepted shifts, didactic learning, and skill validation. Due to the rapid pace of the program, make-up sessions are not available and the candidate may be asked to defer their participation to the next available cohort offering.

NNRTP Program Status

• Updated May 2025: UCSF will not be having a Fall 2025 or a Spring 2026 cohort.
• Please check back periodically for any additional updates.

Career Development Training Program (CDTP)

The Career Development Training Program (CDTP) is designed to facilitate professional growth and new career opportunities for UCSF Health registered nurses who desire to transition to another practice area. Our overall goal is to provide a structure that will support our internal UCSF nurses and provide them with additional career mobility. We are currently not accepting applications for the CDTP. Please check back periodically for any additional updates.

Project Firstline: Infection Prevention and Control Training

Up-to-date IPC training is essential for your safety and the safety of your patients. As a nurse, having trustworthy, accurate information is vital during healthcare crises like COVID-19. Complete our free, comprehensive online curriculum to expand your knowledge of IPC guidelines, COVID-19 precautions, and best practices. Learn more about the science behind these guidelines and earn CNE credit. Courses cover a wide range of topics across all roles and settings so you and your team can apply best practices wherever you work.

About Project Firstline

The Project Firstline program is a national training collaborative led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with ANA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. Project Firstline is a national collaborative led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide infection control training and education to frontline health care workers and public health personnel. These official CDC training materials are created by IPC experts for healthcare professionals. Learn PPE safety tips, infectious disease guidelines, how to speak to coworkers and patients about infection prevention, and more. Sign up today to learn how you can stop the spread.

ANA is proud to partner with Project Firstline, as supported through Cooperative Agreement CDC-RFA-OT18-1802. As a key partner in this initiative, ANA is pleased to help bring critical training opportunities and resources to better equip all nurses with the tools necessary to provide optimal patient care in a safe environment.

Contact [email protected] if you want to learn more about Project Firstline.