Skip to Main Content
CalOptima Health Home
Welcome to CalOptima Health's new website. Try our improved Find a Doctor tool.
A Health Care Administrator in a soft pink blouse stands confidently, holding a black folder, against a bright, modern office backdrop

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 2025, 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
Woman smiling at the camera in a meeting room while three colleagues discuss with a laptop and notepads

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:

Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Enrollment in Harvard Business School online courses
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Access to educational conferences and seminars
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Engagement with cross-functional teams to execute high-impact projects
Two women engage in a discussion while one holds a tablet, surrounded by an office setting with natural light and modern furnishings.
Two women engage in a business discussion at a modern office table, with laptops and papers scattered around them.

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:

Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Project Development
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Executive Presence
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Strategic Implementation
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Data Analytics
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Operations Management
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Value-Based Care
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Process Improvement
Icon of a light blue circle with a dark blue border.
Health Plan Dynamics

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.

Application Process

A person reviewing a resume with a pen in hand
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)
A person wearing glasses and a striped shirt types on a laptop at a desk in a bright room
WHERE TO APPLY

Apply at jobs.caloptima.org

The application for 2025 has closed. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain hands-on experience in health care administration. Applications for 2026 will open in the new year.

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
A group of healthcare professionals and leaders hold a large check for $5 million addressed to Chapman University from CalOptima Health, celebrating a grant.

Why CalOptima Health?

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.

Get Adobe Reader
Materials available on this website in PDF format may require the free Adobe Reader to view. Download Adobe Reader for free from the Adobe website.