ABOUT THE PROFESSION
Paramedics are highly trained emergency medical professionals who provide advanced pre-hospital care to patients in urgent and life-threatening situations. They respond to emergency calls, assess patients’ conditions, and deliver critical treatments such as administering medications, performing CPR, managing airways, and using equipment like defibrillators. Paramedics work in fast-paced environments, often in ambulances, at accident scenes, or in patients’ homes—and must make quick, informed decisions to stabilize individuals before transporting them to medical facilities. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential aspects of the role.
Paramedic careers offer steady growth and strong job security. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates overall employment of paramedics to grow faster than average at 5% (from 2024 to 2034). Consistent demand is driven by rising healthcare needs and an aging population, providing reliable long-term career opportunities in emergency medical services.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Experience the Difference. Learn Where Medicine Happens. Our program combines rigorous, evidence-based instruction with immersive clinical education in real healthcare environments. Guided by experienced EMS professionals, physicians, nurses, and allied health experts, students develop essential skills in patient assessment, cardiology, pharmacology, airway management, trauma, and advanced medical emergencies. Through rotations in emergency departments, intensive care units, operating rooms, specialty areas, and advanced life support EMS systems, graduates gain the confidence, clinical judgment, and hands-on experience needed to deliver compassionate, high-quality care and lead in emergency medical services. Learn in an academic medical center. Train in real clinical environments. Graduate prepared to lead in emergency medical services.
The program is approximately one year long and follows the semester calendar. Each cohort will complete a fall, spring, and summer semester. The final semester serves mainly as a capstone internship.
Our curriculum is built upon National EMS Education Standards developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Individuals who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply and sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Exam.
Core subject areas include:
- Preparatory (roles, safety, professionalism)
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Airway management and ventilation
- Patient assessment
- Medical emergencies and trauma care
- Special populations (e.g.. pediatrics, geriatrics)
- EMS operations and scene management
Clinical field sites include Vanderbilt Health ambulance services, emergency departments (adult and pediatric), labor and delivery, ICU, OR, and psychiatric services. Students will cumulatively receive well over 1000 hours of classroom, clinical, and field internship experience.
Students will cumulatively receive well over 1000 hours of classroom, clinical, and field internship experience.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum high school diploma or GED
- Hold an active an unrestricted Tennessee AEMT license
- Maintain current healthcare provider BLS/CPR certification
- Provide proof of immunization
- Complete a background check and drug screening
- Complete an admission interview and knowledge exam
APPLICATION PROCESS
Online applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please use this link to apply.
TUITION AND FEES
| Tuition | $7,000 |
| Student Activity Fee | $1,260 |
| Drug Screen | $100 |
| Technology Fee | $200 |
| Lifetime Transcript Fee | $30 |
| Background Check | $45 |
| Professional Liability Insurance | $200 |
| Uniforms | $90 |
| Graduation Fee | $75 |
| Total | $9,000 |
CONTACT US
Dana Knueven, MPH, PM-CC, I/C
Program Director
Email: dana.mcdonald@vumc.org