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Health Care Administrative Fellowship

CalOptima Health’s Administrative Fellowship is a paid, full-time, 12-month postgraduate program designed to provide hands-on experience in health care administration. Beginning in July 2026, the program includes an additional transition period to support fellows in acclimating to their roles. The program gives recent graduates with a Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a related health care degree the opportunity to work alongside senior leaders. Fellows gain real-world experience, mentorship and leadership training, preparing them for future roles at CalOptima Health and beyond.

Mentorship and Health Care Leadership Training

Fellows receive direct mentorship from senior leaders, gaining personalized feedback, career guidance and support on key projects. Participants rotate through key departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of managed care operations. Rotations include:

Behavioral Health
Case Management
Claims Administration
Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)
Equity and Community Health
Financial Analysis
Grievance and Appeals
Information Technology Services
Medical Management
Population Health
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Quality Assurance
Quality Improvement
Special Programs
Utilization Management

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Project Leadership and Professional Development

Leading impactful projects that support CalOptima Health’s strategic goals, fellows collaborate with key administrative personnel to develop management skills and contribute meaningfully to health care initiatives. This full-time fellowship includes a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and vacation time.

Additionally, fellows participate in professional development opportunities, such as:

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Enrollment in Harvard Business School online courses

Access to educational conferences and seminars

Engagement with cross-functional teams to execute high-impact projects

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Project Work Guide

Under the guidance of their preceptor and program manager, fellows begin working on projects shortly after joining CalOptima Health. They will be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to support project teams and make significant contributions. By the end of their fellowship, fellows are expected to lead cross-functional teams in completing impactful projects within key areas of our business practices. Fellows will work on projects that enhance their professional development and meet key health care competencies, including:

Project Development

Executive Presence

Strategic Implementation

Data Analytics

Operations Management

Value-Based Care

Process Improvement

Health Plan Dynamics

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Eligibility and Qualifications

CalOptima Health welcomes highly motivated individuals passionate about health care administration. Applicants must have obtained a master’s degree within the last 24 months in a relevant field. This is a postgraduate fellowship and cannot serve as a residency placement. CalOptima Health does not sponsor work visas. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

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Application Process

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WHAT TO INCLUDE

Necessary Materials

To apply, please gather the following materials:

Completed application with responses to supplemental questions
Resume highlighting relevant experience and skills
Statement of interest (maximum two pages) explaining why you’re interested in this fellowship
A writing sample from school or work (maximum two pages)
Two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional)

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WHERE TO APPLY

Apply at jobs.caloptima.org

Applications for the 2026–2027 Administrative Fellowship Program are now closed. Applications for the 2027–2028 cycle will open in Fall 2026. Please reach out to marisol.romero@caloptima.org for more information.

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Previously Completed Projects by Fellows

JIVA (Care Management Application) Training Program
Transitions of Care Conflict Resolution Plan
Provider Workforce Development Initiative
Quality Improvement Grant Program
Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program
Digital Transformation Through Systemwide Salesforce Implementation
Process Improvement for HEDIS Quality Measures
Grievance and Appeals Training Program
PACE ACS Expansion Project
Comprehensive Cancer Screening and Support Program

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Cohort of Health Care Administrative Fellows

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Why CalOptima Health?

About Us

As one of California’s top-rated Medi-Cal health plans, CalOptima Health serves children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County. As a fellow, you’ll play an active role in our mission to provide equitable, high-quality care while developing leadership and management skills in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.