APP University: Equipping APPs for Success in Nephrology

Building Confidence and Expertise from Day One

Nephrology is a complex specialty, and onboarding new Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) can be challenging. Many APPs join with minimal prior training in nephrology or dialysis care, and traditional onboarding, typically shadowing physicians and other APPs, can be inconsistent and time intensive. 

To help address this, Panoramic Health has built a broad program of learning, development and support for APPs in its affiliated practices. One key component of the program is APP University, a comprehensive educational program built by nephrologists for APPs. Its goal is simple: provide structured, accessible training that empowers APPs to deliver high-quality care across multiple care settings. 

What is APP University?

APP University consists of two main parts: 

1. ESKD Education – An immersive introduction focused on in-center hemodialysis care, covering dialysis types, access management, medication prescribing, rounding in dialysis units, and more. 
2. Office & Hospital Education – Covers outpatient and hospital nephrology topics, including CKD management, cardiorenal syndrome, hypertension, and comprehensive patient care. 

The program is flexible and designed to meet the needs of APPs with no prior nephrology experience, as well as APPs currently practicing in a nephrology clinic who are looking to expand or refresh their knowledge. The curriculum continues to grow over time, with new topics added to support ongoing learning and development. 

The Benefits of APP University

APP University addresses multiple challenges in APP onboarding and professional development: 

• Faster Onboarding & Productivity
  Dr. Roy Marcus, Chief Medical Officer at Panoramic Health, explains: “Quickly developing deep knowledge of nephrology means better patient care.”
  One APP shared that after completing the program, she became comfortable caring for nephrology patients within just 90 days, noting that APP University was essential for accelerating her knowledge curve.  
• Improved Job Satisfaction & Retention
  Structured training helps APPs feel confident and capable, allowing them to take on a greater variety of clinical responsibilities and gain a stronger sense of professional fulfillment. 
• Enhanced Patient Care
  APPs gain a strong knowledge base in dialysis, office, and hospital care, enabling them to deliver higher-quality, consistent care that meets the needs of this complex patient population.  

Real-World Impact

The benefits of APP University are tangible. APPs report feeling comfortable rounding in dialysis units and handling complex cases in collaboration with physicians after completing the ESKD section. 

Dr. Marcus shares an example: “A very experienced Dialysis Facility Coordinator thought a new APP was an experienced nephrology provider rather than someone who had never cared for a dialysis patient before onboarding just two weeks prior.” 

These stories illustrate how structured education fills knowledge gaps and accelerates APPs’ readiness to contribute meaningfully to patient care. 

Looking Ahead: The Role of APPs in Nephrology

With a growing shortage of nephrologists, APPs will play an increasingly critical role in patient care. APP University is designed to support this evolving role, helping APPs provide high-quality care across dialysis units, hospitals, and office settings. 

Dr. Marcus emphasizes: “Well-trained APPs with low turnover allow patients to benefit from increasingly experienced providers. Our goal is to create an ongoing learning resource that APPs can rely on throughout their careers.” 

As APP University continues to expand its curriculum, it ensures APPs have access to the education and resources they need to meet the demands of modern nephrology practice. 

Empowering APPs and Improving Patient Care

APP University provides structured, flexible learning for APPs at every stage of their careers. By equipping APPs with knowledge, confidence, and clinical expertise, Panoramic Health helps them become highly skilled providers, while supporting better outcomes for patients and stronger, more resilient nephrology teams. 

Disclaimer: Panoramic Health APP University is the name of our internally created training program and is not an accredited education program. 

About Panoramic Health  Panoramic Health is kidney care’s leading integrated provider group, supporting a network of aligned nephrology practices across the U.S. treating hundreds of thousands of patients. Our mission is to slow disease progression and improve quality of life by empowering nephrologists with state-of-the-art clinical, operational, and financial solutions.   Founded by nephrologists, for nephrology providers Panoramic Health has a deep commitment to preserving clinical autonomy while supporting practice growth and reducing administrative burden. Our integrated model is built around the needs of complex kidney patients and enables partner practices to enhance care quality, reduce total cost of care, and access new revenue opportunities.