Applications for the North Carolina Division of Public Health Fellowship are open now through February 28th. Apply today!

NC Division of Public Health Fellowship

Purpose

The Division of Public Health (DPH) Fellowship aims to prepare early-career professionals for successful governmental public health careers in North Carolina, with a focus on high vacancy positions, by providing hands-on experience, education, coaching, and peer learning opportunities through the Learning and Performance Program. 

Eligibility

Recent graduates within 3 years of graduating from a related degree program are welcome to apply.

Curriculum

If selected for a Fellowship position at NCDPH posted in our database, you will be enrolled in the Learning & Performance Program, which includes the following:

  • Synchronous Learning (Hybrid Educational Sessions): Required educational sessions once a month (mixture of virtual and in-person) that allow for hands-on practice building tangible and strategic skills needed for public health practice. 

  • Asynchronous Learning (E-Learns): Required e-learns based on the Public Health Services Framework that provide essential and contextual information about public health in NC and incorporate real-world examples, case studies, and knowledge checks. The e-learns complement the learning that takes place in monthly educational sessions and are designed so that content is applicable to staff in various public health roles.  

  • 1:1 Coaching Sessions: 30-minute coaching sessions with a professional coach every month, where fellows can discuss professional goals, program progress, and their skills application project.  

  • Applied Learning Opportunities: 

    • Skills Application Project: A required project to be completed during the fellowship that will be based on the fellow’s area of interest and expertise and allow for self-directed learning. Projects can be included in the professional portfolio and will be presented during the final monthly in-person educational session.  

    • Professional Development Events: The opportunity to attend professional development and networking events identified by the Pathways Program Team. Fellow attendance is strongly encouraged at the North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) Fall Educational Conference and the North Carolina Public Health Leaders Conference each year.

How to Apply

The Pathways Program is committed to creating an environment where participants from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and supported. We strive to provide accessible opportunities and cultivate a culture of collaboration that embraces diverse perspectives and experiences. 

To browse open Fellowship opportunities at NCDPH please visit the DPH Fellowship Opportunities Database. Candidates will be asked to submit a resume and cover letter.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • The DPH Fellowship is 2 years (22 months) in length; each year, fellows will be employed in an 11-month full-time temporary position through the state’s Temporary Solutions program. New cohorts onboard in July, work full-time (40 hours/week) for 11 months until May, and take a mandatory 30-day break in June.  

  • Recent graduates within 3 years of graduating from a related degree program are welcome to apply for open positions listed on the DPH Fellowship Opportunities Database. When applying for an open position, interested candidates should ensure their degree reflects the requirement of the position.  

    NCDPH is looking for candidates that have: 

    • A strong academic record 

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

    • A desire to work collaboratively as part of a team 

    • A genuine interest in advancing public health in North Carolina 

    NCDPH and the Pathways Program welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and encourages those interested in applying to check open positions listed on the DPH Fellowship Opportunities Database.

  • If selected for a DPH Fellowship position, you will be employed in an 11-month full-time temporary position for each year of the program through the state’s Temporary Solutions program. Hourly pay is position dependent. A high-deductible health insurance plan will be available within the first month of onboarding. No other benefits are offered. To learn more about Temporary Employment at NCDPH, please visit their FAQ page.