About the Profession
Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs) are health care professionals whose primary focus is to respond, assess, and triage ill and injured patients and provide medical care and transport. AEMTs began as licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) but furthered their education in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). They learned how to function as part of a comprehensive EMS response system using advanced clinical protocols and practices. AEMTs work in a variety of environments such as ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, urgent care facilities, and industrial settings. Some choose to further their education and pursue licensure as 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) AEMT Program is a full-time, on-site, 15-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 as well as local EMS organizations. Our program offers comprehensive education and training in the field of EMS 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 AEMT certification exam.
Program Structure
- Class size is limited to 12 students.
- 15 weeks 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
- Must possess a current TN Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License
Application Process
Please note: All upcoming cohorts have been filled. The 2026 cohort schedule and application information will be posted on this website once finalized.
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