About the Profession
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) assess injuries and illnesses and provide emergency medical care. They may also transport patients to medical facilities. EMTs work in a variety of environments including hospitals, fire departments, EMS services, urgent care facilities, and industrial settings. Some choose to further their education to pursue licensure as an Advanced EMT or a Paramedic. For more details about the profession, please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About the Program
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) EMT Program is an on-site, 12-week program that combines classroom, lab, and clinical training. Coursework focuses on the most up-to-date pre-hospital patient care. Clinical rotations occur at sites across the VUMC enterprise and at local EMS organizations. Our program offers a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for entry into the field of emergency medical services and is approved by the Tennessee Department of Health Board of Emergency Medical Services. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam.
Watch our brief video to learn more!
Program Structure
All class sizes are limited to 12 students.
The program consists of
- Coursework, lab, and clinical rotations
- Licensure test preparation
Admission Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
Additional Programs
If you are already a licensed EMT, you may be interested in our AEMT Program.
If you are already a licensed Paramedic, you may be interested in our CCP Program.
We are launching a 10-week RN-to-EMT bridge program that begins on January 29, 2026. For more information, please email the Program Director (contact information below).
Application Process
EMT/AEMT Application
Applications for the 2026 combined EMT/AEMT cohort are now open and will close on November 24, 2025. This will be a tuition-paying cohort with a total cost of $4500. Please use this application link.
RN-to-EMT Application
Applications for the 2026 RN-to-EMT cohort are now open and will close on November 24, 2025. This is a tuition-paying program with a total cost of $2180. Please use this application link.
Contact Us
To request information about upcoming classes, please use this link.
Dana McDonald, MPH, CCPM, I/C
Program Director
Email: dana.mcdonald@vumc.org