Applications Open December 2026
Our Mission
CHAS Health’s Nurse Practitioner Residency Program mission is to advance the education of newly graduated Family Nurse Practitioners resulting in increased professional competency, confidence, and understanding of the unique population within the community health center setting. By providing an excellent educational experience, CHAS Health will advance its mission to expand access to quality health care services while retaining exceptional primary health care providers who reflect the various population that we serve.
Our Program
Established in 2017, the CHAS Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program is a 13-month educational program that combines clinical practicum experiences, specialty rotations and didactic education to provide a well-rounded experience for newly graduated Nurse Practitioners. Our program offers an opportunity to work alongside experienced health care providers from a variety of disciplines including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and behavioral health.
Program Structure
View Curriculum, continuity, clinic, didactic sessions, specialty rotation & more
Our Residents
Learn about the types of candidates the NPRP program is looking for
Resident Wellness
Learn how we
support our resident's
wellness
Meet Our Faculty
Meet our
residency faculty
& leadership
Our Facilities
Learn about the NPRP
facility & CHAS Health clinic
locations
Application Process
Applications
for 2026-2027 Cohort
& how to apply
Program Structure
- Four applicants are selected yearly
- The program starts the Tuesday after Labor Day every September and runs for 13 months.
- Three days per week working with experienced Advance Practice Providers or Physicians in a clinical area within the Valley Clinic dedicated to the NP residency training program. Here you will have the opportunity to manage a variety of acute and chronic conditions commonly encountered in community health.
- The clinical curriculum is designed to build on the existing knowledge and skills of the new graduate and provides an intensive but progressive ramp-up of clinical experiences and professional responsibilities. Trainees can anticipate having dedicated preceptor support during continuity clinic, monthly meetings with an assigned mentor, and feedback designed to advance learning and build confidence.
- Specialty Rotations: Our program offers a variety of internal and external specialty rotations designed to provide comprehensive training in key areas. These rotations include:
- Internal Rotations: Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, Women's Health, Street Medicine, and Urgent Care at various CHAS Health clinic sites.
- External Rotations: Conducted in partnership with community organizations, covering a range of specialties.
- Opportunity to select elective rotations that meet your personal learning goals and professional objectives.
- Regularly scheduled didactics: View Didactic Schedule.
- Small group learning sessions such as: how to perform a diabetic foot exam, microscopy, and improving medical decision making. Residents also complete training in Nexplanon insertion and receive an additional 8-hour instruction in family planning and contraceptive management known as “On Your Own Terms” training.
- Weekly case discussions.
- Option to participate in Project ECHO to meet personal and professional learning objectives.
- Each cohort completes a group Quality Improvement or Practice Improvement Project aimed at meeting organizational objectives as identified by our Health Outcomes Team (HOT). This project is led by a team of Quality Improvement Specialists and Coaches from within CHAS Health.
Resident Wellness
- Assigned a monthly mentor to help support your mental well-being while also providing feedback on your progress.
- Informal weekly “touch bases” with faculty preceptors.
- Monthly journaling designed to provide time for reflection and recording of personal and professional growth over the course of the program year.
- Participation in our monthly Balint group designed to explore and better understand the clinician-patient relationship. The group is composed of a facilitator, NP residents, and Behavioral Health Fellows and focuses on enhancing the clinician’s ability to connect with and care for the patient.
Our Facilities
You will be working in a state-of-the-art facility at the CHAS Health Valley Clinic.
Here, we have a clinical area and staff dedicated to the training of our Nurse Practitioner residents, which is unique among programs across the country. The program is accredited through the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers
- Featuring: Dedicated training room, Care Team Pod for easy collaboration with providers, Medical Assistants, Behavioral Health Providers, Clinical Pharmacists, and preceptors with an onsite pharmacy.
Clinics & Locations
CHAS Health is an innovative non-profit organization and the Inland Northwest’s largest community health center in Spokane, Washington. We have 14 primary care clinics, 10 dental clinics, two Urgent Care locations, 5 Student-Based Health Clinics, and two Behavioral Health Centers. CHAS Health has 3 mobile clinics that can bring healthcare to remote communities in the Pacific Northwest!
CHAS Health Primary Care HPSA Score - 19
This attribute represents the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Score developed by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) in determining priorities for the assignment of clinicians. The scores range from 0 to 25 where the higher the score, the greater the priority.
As an NHSC S2S LRP participant, you must work at an NHSC-approved site with a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) score of 14 or higher. CHAS Health has a Primary Care HPSA Score of 19 as of September 2021.
Last year, we served over 122,000 patients! Visit our medical, dental, behavioral health, and urgent care location pages to learn more!
Our Residents
CHAS Health is looking for candidates who possess:
- Interest in gaining experience working in a community health center setting.
- MSN or DNP graduate from a CCNE or ACEN accredited Family Nurse Practitioner program within 24 months prior to start of program year. Please note we Do Not accept applications from Adult-Gero or Pediatrics prepared graduates.
- Must be licensed in Washington and credentialed by program start date. The program starts the Tuesday after Labor Day every September.
- Self-directed and enthusiastic learners who desire feedback to advance their practice.
- Desire further learning and understanding in basic and advanced family practice care topics.
Our Faculty & Leadership
Todd Smith, ARNP
NPRP Clinical Program Director & Faculty Preceptor
- State University of New York at Cortland, BA Sociology
- University of Rochester, BSN Nursing
- University of Washington, MSN
Todd Smith started out working as an EMT and then a nursing assistant while completing his BSN degree at the University of Rochester. He then worked in trauma/surgical ICU before transitioning to work as a staff nurse in the Emergency Department. Todd completed his MN at the University of Washington in 2002 and has worked in a variety of clinical settings including urban and rural community clinics as well as urgent care and the emergency department.
He has almost 15 years of experience working in FQHC’s and the bulk of his professional career as an NP has been working with underserved populations. During this time, he has served as a preceptor for NP as well as PA students and notes that teaching helps him to remain current with clinical guidelines and provides for ongoing evaluation of his own practice. In 2018 Todd became Clinical Program Director of the CHAS Health NPRP. He is adjunct faculty at the Washington State University College of Nursing, active with the National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium as well as with the Northwest Consortium of Advanced Practice Education.
Dr. Wilfred “Wilkie” Madarang, MD
NPRP Clinical Faculty Preceptor & Chief Clinical Officer
- Ateneo de Manila University, BS Psychology
- St. Lukes College of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
- Penn State Hershey, Residency in Family Practice
Dr. Madarang completed medical school in the Philippines in 2003 and spent several years practicing medicine before moving to the States. He trained and worked in family medicine at Penn State for three years and was the chief resident in his third year.
After joining CHAS Health in 2011, Dr. Madarang began instructing NP and medical students and later became interested in teaching residents as well. Shortly thereafter, a position opened up at the Valley and NPRC clinic making this possible. In 2018, he received his Fellowship degree in Family Medicine and currently has a special interest in obesity medicine.
Kathryn “Kate” Garrison, ARNP
NPRP Lead Provider & Faculty Preceptor
- Western Washington University, BA Psychology
- Pacific Lutheran University, RN, MSN
Kate Garrison has been a nurse practitioner for over 9 years. Her work began as a psychiatric nurse while in school completing her MSN program. Kate worked in pain management for a short time and has spent the majority of her career working in dermatology in Mississippi and urgent care with CHAS.
She has always been passionate about education and teaching, working with students frequently in urgent care. In 2021, she was thrilled to join the NPRP team and return to family practice. She has a special interest in women’s health and pediatrics.
Brandie Tilch-Bryant, DNP, ARNP
Clinical Faculty Preceptor
- Gonzaga University, BSN
- Washington State University, DNP, FNP
Brandie Tilch-Bryant is a seasoned healthcare professional with a passion for advancing the Nurse Practitioner profession and education. With over 12 years of experience, she has developed a deep understanding of patient care and the importance of providing high-quality, accessible health services.
Brandie worked as an Emergency Department Nurse, for 7 years. Her commitment to the field was further solidified when she decided to become a Nurse Practitioner. For the past 5 years, Brandie has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for CHAS Health, primarily in the Urgent Care setting. Her role has allowed her to provide comprehensive care to patients in need, helping to improve their health and wellbeing. Her dedication and commitment to patient care have not gone unnoticed, and she has become a well-respected member of the CHAS health team.
Brandie's passion for nursing and commitment to advancing the field has led her to her newest opportunity, working in the Residency program and family Practice, where she can continue to share her knowledge and expertise with others. She also currently works in partnership with the Washington State University College of Nursing, in the Nurse Practitioner Family Practice Program.
Brandie is a firm believer in the power of education, and she is eager to use her new role to help educate the next generation of Nurse Practitioners. She is committed to advancing the field and ensuring that the standards of care for patients are maintained at the highest level.
Dr. Yvette Rosser, MD
Adjunct Preceptor - Pediatrics
- University of Washington, Medical School
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, Pediatrics Residency
Dr. Rosser is a general pediatrician. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine and then went onto complete her three-year residency in pediatrics in Los Angeles, at UCLA. Dr. Rosser was drawn to pediatrics because of the unique opportunity to make genuine connections with both patients and their families, something she takes pride in doing. She believes in empowering the family unit, takes care to provide understandable information and loves working with all ages of pediatric patients. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She is very passionate about teaching and serves as a preceptor for both NP and pediatric residents. Outside of work, Dr. Rosser enjoys spending time with her daughter as well as exercising, traveling and reading.
Theo Orchard, PA-C
Adjunct Preceptor
- Brigham Young University, BS Biology
- Duke University, Master of Health Science
Theo Orchard is an enthusiastic addition to the NPRP faculty, bringing over a decade of experience in both medical practice and education. His journey commenced in family medicine at a rural FQHC in western Oregon, where he honed his skills in full-spectrum primary care. Theo's practice emphasis encompassed mental health, chronic pain, and substance use.
Theo's passion for medical education led him to transition to Spokane, where he joined the faculty at the University of Washington's Medex PA Program on the Gonzaga campus. Here, he served as Clinical Coordinator and Site Director of the Spokane Campus while maintaining a weekly practice at Providence Urgent Care.
In the summer of 2023, Theo became a valuable addition to CHAS, also continuing as part-time faculty with the Medex PA Program. Central to Theo's educational mission is advocating for the training of rural primary care providers, enabling them to practice at the highest level within medically underserved settings that often face limited access to healthcare resources.
Dr. Andrew Gardner
Clinical Faculty Preceptor
- Gonzaga University, BS Biology
- University of Michigan Medical School, Doctor of Medicine
- University of California San Francisco, Internal Medicine Residency
Andrew Gardner is an Internal Medicine physician. He has worked with clinics in Madagascar, Malawi, Uganda, and Ghana in addition to creating a free clinic in Michigan. These experiences cultivated a passion to provide quality accessible care for all patients.
Areas of interest include: partnering with patients to achieve their health goals, managing patients with medical complex conditions, HIV care, and working with patients who have substance use.
Dr. Gardner joined the NPRP team in 2023. He thoroughly enjoys discussing medicine with others and engaging in the learning process.
Tyler Pagliarulo
NPRP Program Coordinator
- Arizona State University – Bachelors Of Science in Healthcare administration with a minor in Project Management
Tyler Pagliarulo has been with CHAS Health since 2025. He joined CHAS as a Staffing Coordinator, which led him to his current role as Nurse Practitioner Residency Program Coordinator. Prior to joining CHAS Health, Tyler worked in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an EMT and later served as a Research Coordinator at Arizona State University, supporting EMS-focused research initiatives.
Tyler has a passion for connecting people, supporting professional growth, and creating systems that foster learning and collaboration. With experience in clinical, research, and administrative settings, he is capable of handling a wide range of responsibilities. He is known for his approachable demeanor, organization, and willingness to help others. He enjoys building relationships, improving processes, and contributing to a positive learning environment for residents, faculty, and staff.
Our Application Process
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting graduates from Family Nurse Practitioner Programs only.
- Graduated from FNP program in the last 24 months.
- Licensed in the state of Washington by the start of the residency program.
- A complete application must be sent in before the closing date.
Important Dates
- Applications open: TBD
- Closing date: TBD
- Offers for the 2026-2027 cohort will go out on 3/3/2026
- The program starts the Tuesday after Labor Day every September.
As an active member of the NWCAPE, our program follows a quasi-match system unique to the Pacific Northwest. This means that our application opening and closing dates as well as offer date aligns with other participating programs.
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (upload with the application of employment)
- Personal Statement (upload with the application of employment)
- Discuss your vision, short and long-term goals, and what you are looking to accomplish during residency.
- What interests you about completing a residency program at a Federally Qualified Health Center, such as CHAS Health?
- Three Letters of Recommendation (upload with the application of employment or email to nprp@chas.org)
- Letters of recommendation must come from each of the following individuals:
- Academic program director or faculty member
- Clinical Preceptor
- Current or previous supervisor
- Letters of recommendation must come from each of the following individuals:
Application Process
- Apply by clicking on the Apply Today button placed on this webpage when the application period is open.
- Please submit application requirements.
- Applicants will be notified by CHAS Health when their application is received and verified as complete. Applicants may revoke their application at any time in the process by contacting work@chas.org. After an initial review of application materials, selected applicants will be invited for interviews.
- After the initial interview, potential residents will be selected for a second interview and then a final interview will be conducted by CHAS Health leadership.
- After this interview process offers will be extended.
- Potential Residents will be required to pass a complete background check prior to hire.
- Applicants who are offered one of the Residency slots are expected to commit to the full appointment length (approximately 1 year).
Applications Open December 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Graduate Testimonials
“The CHAS NP residency program was absolutely fundamental in my growth and development as a primary care provider. Through mentorship, clinical experience, specialty rotations, and didactics, I learned how to practice independently and at the top of my license. CHAS as an organization is very supportive of residents, and there are many opportunities to learn from and collaborate with pharmacists, behavioral health providers, and other clinicians within the organization that provide specialty care. You’ll work hard, but you’ll have a lot of fun, too!”
- Lydia Marsalli, 2020
“The Nurse Practitioner Residency Program provided me the opportunity as a new graduate to continue to expand my skills and grow as a provider under the supervision and guidance of veteran clinicians. It allowed for a smooth transition from student to provider while building my self-confidence and providing the foundation for a successful career as a family nurse practitioner at CHAS.”
– Lauren Williams, 2018
"I am incredibly grateful for the CHAS NP residency program, which helped me transition from student to autonomous clinician. Throughout the 13-month program, I strengthened my educational foundation through weekly didactics, refined my care plans through excellent preceptorship from seasoned primary care providers, expanded my network of interprofessional resources through specialty rotations, and expanded my confidence in procedural skills through hands-on experiences. The CHAS NP residency program is an unparalleled opportunity that will positively impact the rest of my career as a nurse practitioner. "
- Alyssa Egland, 2021
"I chose the residency program at CHAS because I heard from fellow colleagues about the program’s reputation for rigor and quality. I also wanted to continue learning in a supportive environment for my first year as a Nurse Practitioner. The residency program pushed me far outside of my comfort zone as a new provider. Looking back, I am grateful for this experience. It challenged me just enough while giving me the confidence in my decisions and abilities. One of our mentors likened the program to “drinking from a fire hydrant”, but you truly are given a mountain of resources and colleagues who are invested in your success. The residency at CHAS truly made me a strong provider, helped me realize what I want out of a work culture, and what my priorities are in life outside of practice."
- Austin Brekke, 2023
"This residency was instrumental in preparing me for independent practice. The preceptors and lecturers are well-versed in their areas of expertise and are invested in your success. This experience has made me a more resilient, diverse and knowledgeable clinician."
- Nicholas Johnson, 2023
"I can't imagine having entered primary care as a new grad without the guidance and mentorship provided at the NPRP. CHAS sets up new NPs for success by providing a gradual ramp-up of patient visits, weekly didactics, chart reviews, and specialty rotations. In my schooling, I had minimal exposure to lab and imaging follow-up as well as patient communications (messaging or calls), and having guidance to learn how to interpret and manage this was invaluable. I also believe practicing at an FQHC provides insight into working with a variety of populations, as well as collaborating with other providers (behavioral health, pharmacists, specialists). The program challenged me in many ways and helped me to foster growth as a provider and develop confidence and competence. I feel so fortunate to have participated in CHAS' nurse practitioner residency program."
- Rachel Rudder, 2021
"The CHAS NP residency program was an amazing experience that I would highly recommend to all new graduate NPs. I chose the CHAS Health NPRP because I believe in the CHAS mission to serve those in need. The NP residency provides a great deal of support, and you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with other disciplines in the organization. The didactic courses, specialty rotations, clinical experience, and mentorship have made a profound impact on me as a new graduate nurse practitioner. Not only have I gained a significant amount of knowledge and experience during the program, but I've also gained lifelong friendships with my fellow residents and mentors. The residency is challenging but very rewarding. I'm now continuing my NP career with CHAS Health and very happy and proud to be a part of this organization.”
– Julia Platt, 2024
“The CHAS Health NP residency was an amazing experience and invaluable opportunity. I chose this path to grow my knowledge, confidence, and overall experience as a primary care provider, and the program exceeded my expectations. The dedication and expertise of the preceptors were instrumental to my growth throughout the program.
Participating in this program requires significant commitment, but the experience was immensely rewarding. The rigorous training prepared me thoroughly for the challenges of primary care practice, and I now enter my second year with a solid foundation and excited to continuing my career in primary care.”
– Jade Graff, 2024
"Engaging in the residency program was the single most positively influential decision of my professional career. Without a doubt, the hands-on experience and mentorship that I received in the residency has made me a better provider and allowed me to achieve a level of growth that would not have been possible without it. If I could go back and do it all again, I would in a heartbeat. I will cherish the experience that I had, the friends that I made, and the professional networking opportunities that came from the residency for the rest of my career. I could not have asked for a better setting to enter into my practice as a provider and I am forever grateful. Thank you!"
- Courtney Polimeni, 2025
"The NP Residency program at CHAS has truly transformed the trajectory of my career. The first three months and then the rest of the ramp up was a perfect transition to practice, with incredible support and education to enable me to be the best clinician I can be. I was able through specialty rotations to not only gain invaluable clinical experience, but discover the types of practice I am most passionate about and want to dedicate my career towards. Applying to this program was truly one of the best choices of my career."
- Emily Christie, 2025
Accredited
Our program is accredited through the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers Learn more about the rigorous standards of the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers.
Visitors to our site are encouraged to provide public comments as part of our accreditation process. Please visit the Accreditation Status and Public Comment Website.
Please Note: Email is not a secure form of communication. Do not send sensitive personal, medical, or financial information by email. If you have questions about your health or need assistance, please call us at 509.444.8200 or 208.848.8300.