Nurse Practitioner Residency

The intended audience of this web page includes Veterans and nurse practitioner residency applicants.

Welcome to the Veteran Affairs of Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Residency Program (NPRP) homepage. We are so excited about your interest in our residency programs. VASNHS is proud to offer the first and only primary care and mental health nurse practitioner residencies in Nevada. It is great that you are exploring post-graduate programs to continue the transition to your new role. Residencies are an excellent pathway to build upon your graduate education foundation.   

Built in 2012, VASNHS’s Medical Center is one of the newest medical centers in the country. This healthcare system serves one of the country’s fastest growing Veteran populations for multiple years in a row. Staffing, employment opportunities and staff/veteran services continue to expand.  Residents will have the opportunity to experience working in a large organization where nurse practitioners are highly utilized, and advanced practice nursing is thriving.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) licensed in Nevada have full practice authority, meaning they can practice to the full scope of their license and training. They are not required to enter collaborate agreements with physicians except for the first year of practice if prescribing Scheduled II controlled substances.

The Las Vegas Metro area provides residents with quick access to year-round outdoor activities like hiking and boating as well as countless options for fine dining, shopping, live performances, and cultural experiences unique to Las Vegas. Self-care and work-life balance are emphasized as fundamental components of resident success. The Las Vegas Metro area offers something for everyone to enjoy during their time away from work. 

Design

The VASNHS’ program is a 12-month Post-Graduate training program designed to transition a new graduate nurse practitioner (AGNP, FNP or PMHNP) into experienced novice care providers. Evidence continues to grow in support of residency programs for new nurse practitioners stating these providers have higher self-reported scores pertaining to their competencies and confidence levels in clinical roles and skill sets. Our programs include veteran centric didactics and supervised clinical experiences with opportunities for the residents to grow in areas of interest or need. Early in the program, program faculty assist residents to identify educational needs, professional goals, and potential career paths. 

In addition, residents will receive education covering the organization’s history, culture, and processes to prepare residents to navigate this complex system and provide a foundation for a potential career in Veteran Affairs. There are various didactic experiences available including Grand Rounds, peer education (case studies, educational reviews, treatment maps, evidence based practice projects), chart reviews, reflective journaling, group supervision and an APRN Portfolio. From the residents’ first day, they will be warmly welcomed by the organization and treated as important members of the VA of Southern Nevada Health System team. Primary care and mental health nurse practitioner residents interact extensively to include collaboration on clinical cases and learning activities

The combination of activities fosters improved knowledge, enhanced leadership skills, confidence, and competence. Every aspect of the program is designed to support the residents and propel them towards success. Program faculty are committed to ensuring residents are provided with an optimal learning environment including robust professional supervision and mentorship. The position is designed for nurse practitioner graduates who hope to practice in the Veterans Healthcare System.

These programs include an educational partnership between the VASNHS and University of Nevada in Las Vegas and the University of Nevada in Reno. The Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) provides generous support for the development and administration of VA health professions clinical training programs and oversees the NPR programs in collaboration with the VA’s Office of Nursing Services.

For Trainees (Students and Trainees (va.gov)

Program Values

The VASNHS utilizes the same Core Values of the VA system. Integrity is important with the expectation of acting with high moral principles and standards maintaining trust and confidence of all engaged parties. Commitment is another core value meaning that residents will work diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries, being driven by earnest belief in the mission and fulfilling individual and organizational responsibilities. In the NPR, commitment to the profession of nursing is discussed and promoted. Advocating for the veteran by providing veteran-centric care and considering the veteran and beneficiaries best interest. Respecting all that are served with dignity and working to earn the esteem of those that have served our country is an essential value as well. Excellence or striving for the highest quality and continuous improvement being thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountability of personal actions and being willing to admit mistakes and working with rigor to correct them.  These are necessary values to care for those who are battle borne, their widows and their orphans, in addition to those veterans who did not see battle. These will be practiced throughout the residency. 

In order to manage the complex Veteran population, the OAA VASNHS NPRs also abide by core characteristics including being trustworthy to both veterans and co-workers through everyday actions, being accessible to veterans and their beneficiaries with positive and productive interaction, providing the highest standard of quality care and services and being good stewards of all resources entrusted by the American people. Core characteristics also include encouraging innovation by seeking  continuous improvement and staying on the forefront of knowledge, proficiency, and capability to deliver quality care. It is important to be agile to anticipate and adapt quickly to current challenges and new requirements by continuously assessing the environment to better serve the veterans, other beneficiaries and service members. Finally being integrated as the VA links care and services across the department including other federal, state and local agencies, partners and Veteran Services Organization to provide useful and understandable programs to veterans and other beneficiaries including a unique relationship with the Department of Defense will nurture it for the benefit of Veterans and service members. These are all characteristics supported by the OAA NPR and will be practiced throughout the program to ensure consistency with the VA mission, values and core characteristics. 

• Transition from entry-level novice to advanced beginner APRN, levels defined by Benner’s “Novice to Expert” theory (1984)
• Develop effective communication and decision-making related to knowledge, skills and abilities that promote independent and inter-professional practice
• Meet the complex challenges of translating rapidly expanding knowledge into practice and function in a changing health care environment
• Analyze and apply knowledge of evidenced-based practice into everyday patient-centered care of the Veteran across the health care delivery system
• Strengthen participant commitment to advanced practice nursing as a professional career choice
• Formulate individual career/professional development plans

Program Philosophy

VASNHS's NPR Program philosophy blends Benner’s levels of learning and Watson’s Theory of Caring. Caring and respect is an essential component of all interactions with every resident, colleague, co-worker, and to every client and their support system. This philosophy compels developers and instructors of the NPR to look at every activity of the residency program through lenses colored by caring and respectful attitudes. This philosophy fosters the notion that the professional nurse learns to care for self, as a basis to provide caring for others. The transitional first year of advanced nursing practice is an evolutionary pathway that should instill in the resident a commitment to life-long learning and inspire a passion for respecting and caring for America’s military Veterans. 

Respect and honor for America’s heroes are essential characteristics of the VA nurse practitioner resident. The VA NPR incorporates an understanding of the social, psychological, and economic realities that influence the delivery of care to the military Veteran. Creativity in problem-solving is encouraged, and scientific exploration for evidence to support practice is expected. 

The conceptual framework for the NPR curriculum structure is based on Benner’s Novice to Expert theory that posits, “Expert nurses develop skills and understanding of patient care over time through a sound educational base as well as a multitude of experiences” (Benner, 1984). From the point of onboarding to progressing through a full year of supported transition, nurse practitioner residents are guided by expert advanced practice nurses. 

The program is centered on professionalism that is based on quality patient care, effective communication, and collaboration. Nurse practitioner residents participate in structured classes, precepted clinical practice, and a variety of general and individualized learning experiences to support skill development and enhance the professional role through quality and performance improvement. Residents are provided with rich curriculum that enhances the ability to care for the unique American military Veterans across the lifespan. The residents are enlightened to the diverse culture background characteristics of Veterans through didactics and get to practice their knowledge by working to meet the Veteran’s medical, psychosocial, and mental health need.

Mission Statement

The mission of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) Nurse Practitioner Residency is to develop entry level Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) into prepared, novice providers through didactics and interprofessional clinical experience to improve access to care for Veterans with complex healthcare needs. The Nurse Practitioner Residency program helps fulfill VA mission and vision. The program is set up to provide Veteran centric didactics, in addition to, clinical learning in a supervised practice environment. This allows the new APRNs to have a safe transition into autonomous professional practice as a licensed independent practitioner, thereby providing excellent care to Veterans. 

**The program’s mission statement aligns with the Veteran Health Affairs (VHA) national goal to provide access to care, customer service, accountability and suicide prevention.

Program Objective

By the end of the APRN residency program, the Nurse Practitioner Residents will:

1. Integrate evidence-based knowledge, ethical principles, and clinical excellence in advanced practice nursing while caring for the Veteran population 

2. Develop the role of the independent advanced practice nurse with a commitment to excellence and quality outcomes 

3. Develop collaborative skills through interprofessional relationships and team-based care approaches 

4. Integrate quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness while supporting awareness of the complex health care delivery system 

5. Develop an in depth, breadth, volume, and intensity of clinical training necessary to serve as primary and mental health care providers in the VA 

6. Understand and practice a model of Veteran-centric care that is compassionate, valued, and effective in promoting health and preventing illness 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System firmly believes that Diversity is Power and Inclusion is Strength. We serve all those who served, a diverse group of Veterans from different walks of life. We strive to acknowledge, respect, and accept the many identities our Veteran’s hold. We seek trainees who are willing to create an environment of inclusivity, who are open to the ever-evolving journey of multicultural competence. Train with us and together we can work toward a more equal, equitable, creative, diverse, and inclusive Veteran and employee experience.

Additional information about the VA’s commitment to diversity can be found at www.diversity.va.gov

Design

The VASNHS’ program is a 12-month Post-Graduate training program designed to transition a new graduate nurse practitioner (AGNP, FNP or PMHNP) into experienced novice care providers. Evidence continues to grow in support of residency programs for new nurse practitioners stating these providers have higher self-reported scores pertaining to their competencies and confidence levels in clinical roles and skill sets. Our programs include veteran centric didactics and supervised clinical experiences with opportunities for the residents to grow in areas of interest or need. Early in the program, program faculty assist residents to identify educational needs, professional goals, and potential career paths. 

In addition, residents will receive education covering the organization’s history, culture, and processes to prepare residents to navigate this complex system and provide a foundation for a potential career in Veteran Affairs. There are various didactic experiences available including Grand Rounds, peer education (case studies, educational reviews, treatment maps, evidence based practice projects), chart reviews, reflective journaling, group supervision and an APRN Portfolio. From the residents’ first day, they will be warmly welcomed by the organization and treated as important members of the VA of Southern Nevada Health System team. Primary care and mental health nurse practitioner residents interact extensively to include collaboration on clinical cases and learning activities

The combination of activities fosters improved knowledge, enhanced leadership skills, confidence, and competence. Every aspect of the program is designed to support the residents and propel them towards success. Program faculty are committed to ensuring residents are provided with an optimal learning environment including robust professional supervision and mentorship. The position is designed for nurse practitioner graduates who hope to practice in the Veterans Healthcare System.

These programs include an educational partnership between the VASNHS and University of Nevada in Las Vegas and the University of Nevada in Reno. The Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) provides generous support for the development and administration of VA health professions clinical training programs and oversees the NPR programs in collaboration with the VA’s Office of Nursing Services.

For more information for Trainees (Students and Trainees (va.gov)

Program Values

The VASNHS utilizes the same Core Values of the VA system. Integrity is important with the expectation of acting with high moral principles and standards maintaining trust and confidence of all engaged parties. Commitment is another core value meaning that residents will work diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries, being driven by earnest belief in the mission and fulfilling individual and organizational responsibilities. In the NPR, commitment to the profession of nursing is discussed and promoted. Advocating for the veteran by providing veteran-centric care and considering the veteran and beneficiaries best interest. Respecting all that are served with dignity and working to earn the esteem of those that have served our country is an essential value as well. Excellence or striving for the highest quality and continuous improvement being thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountability of personal actions and being willing to admit mistakes and working with rigor to correct them.  These are necessary values to care for those who are battle borne, their widows and their orphans, in addition to those veterans who did not see battle. These will be practiced throughout the residency. 

In order to manage the complex Veteran population, the OAA VASNHS NPRs also abide by core characteristics including being trustworthy to both veterans and co-workers through everyday actions, being accessible to veterans and their beneficiaries with positive and productive interaction, providing the highest standard of quality care and services and being good stewards of all resources entrusted by the American people. Core characteristics also include encouraging innovation by seeking  continuous improvement and staying on the forefront of knowledge, proficiency, and capability to deliver quality care. It is important to be agile to anticipate and adapt quickly to current challenges and new requirements by continuously assessing the environment to better serve the veterans, other beneficiaries and service members. Finally being integrated as the VA links care and services across the department including other federal, state and local agencies, partners and Veteran Services Organization to provide useful and understandable programs to veterans and other beneficiaries including a unique relationship with the Department of Defense will nurture it for the benefit of Veterans and service members. These are all characteristics supported by the OAA NPR and will be practiced throughout the program to ensure consistency with the VA mission, values and core characteristics. 

Program Philosophy

VASNHS's NPR Program philosophy blends Benner’s levels of learning and Watson’s Theory of Caring. Caring and respect is an essential component of all interactions with every resident, colleague, co-worker, and to every client and their support system. This philosophy compels developers and instructors of the NPR to look at every activity of the residency program through lenses colored by caring and respectful attitudes. This philosophy fosters the notion that the professional nurse learns to care for self, as a basis to provide caring for others. The transitional first year of advanced nursing practice is an evolutionary pathway that should instill in the resident a commitment to life-long learning and inspire a passion for respecting and caring for America’s military Veterans. 

Respect and honor for America’s heroes are essential characteristics of the VA nurse practitioner resident. The VA NPR incorporates an understanding of the social, psychological, and economic realities that influence the delivery of care to the military Veteran. Creativity in problem-solving is encouraged, and scientific exploration for evidence to support practice is expected. 

The conceptual framework for the NPR curriculum structure is based on Benner’s Novice to Expert theory that posits, “Expert nurses develop skills and understanding of patient care over time through a sound educational base as well as a multitude of experiences” (Benner, 1984). From the point of onboarding to progressing through a full year of supported transition, nurse practitioner residents are guided by expert advanced practice nurses. 

The program is centered on professionalism that is based on quality patient care, effective communication, and collaboration. Nurse practitioner residents participate in structured classes, precepted clinical practice, and a variety of general and individualized learning experiences to support skill development and enhance the professional role through quality and performance improvement. Residents are provided with rich curriculum that enhances the ability to care for the unique American military Veterans across the lifespan. The residents are enlightened to the diverse culture background characteristics of Veterans through didactics and get to practice their knowledge by working to meet the Veteran’s medical, psychosocial, and mental health need 

Mission Statement

The mission of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) Nurse Practitioner Residency is to develop entry level Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) into prepared, novice providers through didactics and inteprofessional clinical experience to improve access to care for Veterans with complex healthcare needs. The Nurse Practitioner Residency program helps fulfill VA mission and vision. The program is set up to provide Veteran centric didactics, in addition to, clinical learning in a supervised practice environment. This allows the new APRNs to have a safe transition into autonomous professional practice as a licensed independent practitioner, thereby providing excellent care to Veterans. 

**The program’s mission statement aligns with the Veteran Health Affairs (VHA) national goal to provide access to care, customer service, accountability and suicide prevention.

Program Objectives

By the end of the APRN residency program, the Nurse Practitioner Residents will:

1. Integrate evidence-based knowledge, ethical principles, and clinical excellence in advanced practice nursing while caring for the Veteran population 

2. Develop the role of the independent advanced practice nurse with a commitment to excellence and quality outcomes 

3. Develop collaborative skills through inter-professional relationships and team-based care approaches 

4. Integrate quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness while supporting awareness of the complex health care delivery system 

5. Develop an in depth, breadth, volume, and intensity of clinical training necessary to serve as primary and mental health care providers in the VA 

6. Understand and practice a model of Veteran-centric care that is compassionate, valued, and effective in promoting health and preventing illness 

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System firmly believes that Diversity is Power and Inclusion is Strength. We serve all those who served, a diverse group of Veterans from different walks of life. We strive to acknowledge, respect, and accept the many identities our Veteran’s hold. We seek trainees who are willing to create an environment of inclusivity, who are open to the ever-evolving journey of multicultural competence. Train with us and together we can work toward a more equal, equitable, creative, diverse, and inclusive Veteran and employee experience.

Additional information about the VA’s commitment to diversity can be found at www.diversity.va.gov

More Information on the Application Process

Eligibility requirements:  

Application Process Forms: 

• Resources for Health Professions Trainees Coming to VA | Eligibility and Forms - Office of Academic Affiliations

1. U.S. citizenship. VA is unable to consider applications from anyone who is not currently a U.S. citizen. Verification of citizenship is required following selection. All interns and fellows must complete a Certification of Citizenship in the United States prior to beginning VA training.
2. All applicants must have a US social security number (SSN) prior to beginning the VA pre-employment, on boarding process.
3. A male applicant born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the draft by age 26 to be eligible for any US government employment, including selection as a paid VA trainee. Male applicants must sign a pre-appointment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration before they can be processed into a training program. Exceptions can be granted only by the US Office of Personnel Management; exceptions are very rarely granted.
   Selective Service System - It’s Your Country. Protect it. : Selective Service System (sss.gov)
4. Onboarding requires two source identification documents (IDs) to prove identity Documents must be unexpired and names on both documents must match. For more information visit:
   https://www.osp.va.gov/How_To_Get_A_VA_ID_Badge.asp
   States have begun issuing Secure Driver’s Licenses. Be sure yours will be accepted as a Real ID:  https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
5. Applicants who are currently licenses, or who previously held a license in the same or a different discipline, must be screened again the NPDB. Visit the site to perform a self-query and confirm you are eligible for VA appointment.
    https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov
6. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General has compiled a list of individuals excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other Federal Healthcare programs. Visit the site to confirm you are NOT on this list.
   https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/
   Information about the exclusion program is located at:
   Exclusions | Office of Inspector General | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)
7. VA conducts drug screening exams on randomly selected personnel as well as new employees. Interns and Fellows are not required to be tested prior to beginning work, but once on staff they are subject to random selection for testing as are other employees. 
   VA Drug-Free Workplace Program Guide for Veterans Health Administration Health Professions Trainees 
8. As a condition of appointment, applicants must furnish evidence of satisfactory physical condition based on a physical examination in the past 12 months, have up-to-date vaccinations for healthcare workers as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
   Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers | CDC
   and have undergone baseline tuberculosis (TB) screening and testing per CDC health care personnel guidelines:
   TB Screening and Testing of Health Care Personnel | TB | CDC
   (for direct hire VA-paid Trainees, this means within 90-days of hire).
9. Fingerprint Screening and Background Investigation. HPTs will be fingerprinted and undergo screenings and background investigations. A VA Human Resources Security Specialist will determine suitability. Additional details can be found here:
   Executive Orders | National Archives
10. Additional pre-employment forms include the: See Downloadable information below for documents.
11. Health Professions Trainees (HPTs) are appointed as temporary employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As such, HPTs are subject to laws, policies, and guidelines posted for VA staff members.  There are infrequent times in which this guidance can change during a training year which may create new requirements or responsibilities for HPTs. If employment requirements change during the course of a training year, HPTs will be notified of the change and impact as soon as possible and options provided. The Training Director will provide you with the information you need to understand the requirement and reasons for the requirement in timely manner

Additional Program Requirements

• Official Transcripts from an accredited PMHNP, ANP, AGNP, FNP Program, Completed within the last 12 months
• National Certification through AANP/ANCC (deadline by 7/28/2025-preferred) as a PMHNP, ANP, AGNP, FNP 
• State Nurse Practitioner Licensure (Nevada preferred but other states accepted) 
• State Pharmacy License  (Nevada Preferred but other states accepted)
• VASNHS Trainee Application (VA 10-2850D) 
• 500 Word Essay per prompt of each program
• 3 letters of reference per specifics of each program
• Curriculum Vitae versus Resume
• BLS (Basic Life Support)/CPR current American Heart Certificate required
• No previous Nurse Practitioner experience
• 3 years of RN experience (highly preferred)

If You Meet Eligibility and Other Qualifications, What is Next?

• Be willing to commit to a 12-month program that includes didactics and clinical work experience
• DEA-recommended prior to program completion
• Pass background check
• Pass drug test
• Participate in a comprehensive interview process
• Provide all other required information necessary per OAA and VASNHS
• Fill out and return all required paperwork for the on-boarding process
• Attend a 2-week comprehensive orientation

TIMELINE: 2025-2026 (Mental Health NPR Only-Spring Cohort )

• Program Start Date March 24th, 2025
• End date March 13th, 2026

TIMELINE: 2025-2026 (Mental Health NPR Only-Spring Cohort) 

• August 27th, 2024 through November 4th, 2024 Accept Application & Other Required Documents- All required documents must be submitted at the same time (except for official transcripts) and must be in pdf format including Letters of Recommendation or the application will not be accepted. 
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable if still attending NP program.
• Interviews will be on November 12th, 2024 Mental Health Only
• 2025-2026 Program start date: March 24th, 2025, end date is March 20th, 2026 

TIMELINE: 2025-2026 (Mental Health and Primary Care-Fall Cohort)

• November 11th, 2024 through February 14th, 2025 Accept Application & Other Required Documents- All required documents must be submitted at the same time (except for official transcripts) and must be in pdf format including Letters of Recommendation or the application will not be accepted. 
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable if still attending NP program.
• Interviews will start March 4th, 2025 Primary Care and March 11th, 2025 Mental Health
• 2025-2026 Program start date: July 28th, 2025, end date is July 24th, 2026 

TIMELINE: 2026-2027

• November 10th, 2025 through February 13th, 2026 Accept Application & Other Required Documents- All required documents must be submitted at the same time (except for official transcripts) and must be in pdf format including Letters of Recommendation or the application will not be accepted. 
• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable if still attending NP program.
• Interviews will start March 3rd, 2026 Primary Care and March 10th, 2026 Mental Health
• 2026-2027 Program start date: July 13th, 2026, end date is July 9th , 2027

1. U.S. citizenship. VA is unable to consider applications from anyone who is not currently a U.S. citizen. Verification of citizenship is required following selection. All interns and fellows must complete a Certification of Citizenship in the United States prior to beginning VA training.
2. All applicants must have a US social security number (SSN) prior to beginning the VA pre-employment, on boarding process.
3. A male applicant born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the draft by age 26 to be eligible for any US government employment, including selection as a paid VA trainee. Male applicants must sign a pre-appointment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration before they can be processed into a training program. Exceptions can be granted only by the US Office of Personnel Management; exceptions are very rarely granted.
   Selective Service System - It’s Your Country. Protect it. : Selective Service System (sss.gov)
4. Onboarding requires two source identification documents (IDs) to prove identity Documents must be unexpired and names on both documents must match. For more information visit:
   https://www.osp.va.gov/How_To_Get_A_VA_ID_Badge.asp
   States have begun issuing Secure Driver’s Licenses. Be sure yours will be accepted as a Real ID:  https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
5. Applicants who are currently licenses, or who previously held a license in the same or a different discipline, must be screened again the NPDB. Visit the site to perform a self-query and confirm you are eligible for VA appointment.
    https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov
6. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General has compiled a list of individuals excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other Federal Healthcare programs. Visit the site to confirm you are NOT on this list.
   https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/
   Information about the exclusion program is located at:
   Exclusions | Office of Inspector General | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)
7. VA conducts drug screening exams on randomly selected personnel as well as new employees. Interns and Fellows are not required to be tested prior to beginning work, but once on staff they are subject to random selection for testing as are other employees. 
   VA Drug-Free Workplace Program Guide for Veterans Health Administration Health Professions Trainees 
8. As a condition of appointment, applicants must furnish evidence of satisfactory physical condition based on a physical examination in the past 12 months, have up-to-date vaccinations for healthcare workers as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
   Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers | CDC
   and have undergone baseline tuberculosis (TB) screening and testing per CDC health care personnel guidelines:
   TB Screening and Testing of Health Care Personnel | TB | CDC
   (for direct hire VA-paid Trainees, this means within 90-days of hire).
9. Fingerprint Screening and Background Investigation. HPTs will be fingerprinted and undergo screenings and background investigations. A VA Human Resources Security Specialist will determine suitability. Additional details can be found here:
   Executive Orders | National Archives
10. Additional pre-employment forms include the: See Downloadable information below for documents.
11. Health Professions Trainees (HPTs) are appointed as temporary employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As such, HPTs are subject to laws, policies, and guidelines posted for VA staff members.  There are infrequent times in which this guidance can change during a training year which may create new requirements or responsibilities for HPTs. If employment requirements change during the course of a training year, HPTs will be notified of the change and impact as soon as possible and options provided. The Training Director will provide you with the information you need to understand the requirement and reasons for the requirement in timely manner

Downloadable Information