• Student in a CAHME Accredited Program. 
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• Second year graduate in a health administration or related field graduate program, who will graduate by June prior to the fellowship start date, July 1.
• Must be able to work in the Oakbrook Terrace, IL office, near Chicago. 

Checklist: 

• Interested students in CAHME Accredited programs review fellowship requirements and activities. Students apply online and submit the following:
  • Resume
  • Nomination Essay Responses (4 questions)
  • Program Director Letter of Recommendation. (While the program director is preferred, other faculty may submit the letter with the approval of the program director.) *
  • Professional Letter of Recommendation
  • Transcript

Timeline:

• Online application must be submitted by Friday, October 16, 2026.
• Application reviewed by Joint Commission by November 2026.  
• Finalist Interview scheduled for November/December 2026. 
• Fellow notified and acknowledged in media vehicles December 2026. 
• Fellow honored at CAHME reception held prior to the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Congress on March 21, 2027. 
• Fellowship begins July 1, 2027.  

1. If you were asked to improve a specific aspect of healthcare quality within the next 12 months, what issue would you focus on, why did you select it, and what measurable outcomes would you use to determine whether your improvement effort was successful? Please describe your proposed approach and how you would evaluate its effectiveness.
2. What sparked your interest in healthcare leadership and what attracted you to the Joint Commission Fellowship specifically?
3. How have you demonstrated a commitment to healthcare quality, safety and process improvement in your academic, professional or personal life?
4. Describe a project, team experience, or leadership role where you helped improve a process, solve a challenge, or achieve a goal. What was your contribution and what was the outcome?

• Within the CAHME Awards Application, the student will enter the name of the Program Director or faculty member that will be providing the Letter of Recommendation. The system will then reach out to the Program Director or faculty member and request the Letter of Recommendation. No further action is needed by the student. The student may inform the Program Director or faculty member of their request.

Fellowship Location and Dates:

• This fellowship provides a hybrid work environment, working onsite at Joint Commission Corporate office in Oakbrook Terrace, IL a minimum of two to three days a week.  
• Begins July 1, 2027, and concludes June 30, 2028. 

Fellowship Compensation:

• Full-time, exempt position
• $65,000 internship stipend (plus benefits)

Fellowship Activities and Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations, as well as leaders and subject matter experts across the organization, to gain a comprehensive, immersive experience in healthcare quality, accreditation, policy, and leadership. 
• Engage with federal and state healthcare policy initiatives by analyzing legislative and regulatory issues, supporting advocacy efforts, and gaining insight into how public policy influences healthcare quality, patient safety, and accreditation.
• Develop an understanding of healthcare delivery systems, organizational leadership, operational excellence, and performance improvement. Fellows gain exposure to the operational challenges and strategic decision-making processes within healthcare organizations.
• Contribute to the research, evaluation, and refinement of accreditation standards that support safe, effective, and high-quality patient care. Fellows gain insight into the evidence-based processes used to develop nationally recognized healthcare standards.
• Strengthen written, verbal, and executive communication skills through presentations, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional writing. Fellows learn to communicate complex healthcare issues effectively to diverse audiences.
• Explore global healthcare systems, accreditation models, and international quality initiatives. Fellows engage with international partners to understand best practices and emerging trends in healthcare quality and patient safety worldwide.
• Examine the intersection of environmental sustainability, healthcare operations, and organizational resilience. Fellows explore strategies that promote environmentally responsible practices while maintaining high standards of patient care and operational effectiveness.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of Joint Commission’s mission, accreditation process, and role in advancing healthcare quality and patient safety. Fellows learn how accreditation supports continuous performance improvement across healthcare settings.
• Understand the components of Joint Commission accreditation surveys and certification reviews; observe one accreditation survey and one certification review. 
• Support the growth and visibility of the CAHME/Joint Commission Fellowship in Healthcare Quality Leadership by contributing to outreach efforts, stakeholder engagement, and program development initiatives.
• Complete other duties as assigned. 

• Appear on CAHME and Joint Commission website and social media.
• Honored at a CAHME reception preceding ACHE Congress and receive registration and travel.
• Featured in joint press release.
• Opportunity to be featured in additional media vehicles, including but not limited to CAHME communications, CAHME website, CAHME Connection Blog, LinkedIn, etc.