Vanderbilt Care Partner Academy (VCPA)

Interested in caring for patients but have no prior experience or formal healthcare education?  

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), recognized as a leader in global healthcare and one of Tennessee's largest employers, can help you begin a new career as a Care Partner at our adult or pediatric hospitals.

 

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Vanderbilt Care Partner Academy (VCPA), developed to create confident Care Partners
At VUMC, we want all our employees--including Care Partners--to be successful in their careers.  

We created Vanderbilt Care Partner Academy (VCPA) to train individuals without previous healthcare experience to be comfortable interacting with patients while providing safe and compassionate care in the hospital setting.

Before working with patients directly, participants are hired as Care Partner Trainees and must complete VCPA. After successful completion of the program, Care Partner Trainees will be transferred into a Care Partner role and begin working directly with patients as contributing members of the VUMC healthcare team.

Earn while you learn! VCPA offers paid training (no tuition or fees to participate in the program).  Care Partner Trainees are considered full-time and eligible for benefits (including health, dental, and vision) and additional perks that come with being a Vanderbilt employee, including help with commuter costs.

VCPA is open to current VUMC employees and Non-VUMC employees.

What does VCPA cover?
VCPA is offered monthly (excluding December). 
Weeks 1 through 3 are Monday through Friday, 7am to 3pm, consisting of:
•    2 weeks of classroom instruction, including skills practice on
      mannequins
•    1 week of clinical skill training/practice in a clinical area

After the initial three weeks, additional unit-specific orientation with a preceptor will be provided; the length of orientation and shifts will vary by unit and schedule.

What type of training does VCPA provide?
•    Basics of patient care 
•    Use of commonly used hospital equipment 
•    Functioning as an important member of the nursing team 
•    Communicating with patients and their families
•    Medical terminology 
•    Caring for a diverse patient population with a variety of health issues 
•    Training on VUMC’s Electronic Record Documentation System (E-Star) 
•    Certification in basic life support

Post-Program completion includes: 
•    Coaching
•    Ongoing opportunities to continue to learn and build skills

What are the qualifications/requirements to be considered for VCPA?
•    Open to VUMC Staff and Non-VUMC Staff 
•    No previous healthcare experience required 
•    Non-licensed position; no specialized healthcare degree required 
•    18 years or older 
•    High school graduate or GED 
•    Will need to pass a background check 
•    COVID vaccinated (VUMC can provide at no charge) 

Interview process and acceptance into VCPA
•    One of our talent recruitment specialists will contact you to
     schedule an interview. 
•    Interviews are done either in-person or virtually (via phone
     or computer).
 
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 FAQ's
- VPCA Candidates
- VUMC Managers (login required)


When and how to apply?
Applications as a Care Partner Trainee are accepted on an ongoing basis.  Those hired will be eligible to attend the next available VCPA.  

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Choose your status to apply online:

  • VUMC Staff and Non-VUMC Staff:
    Please visit Work at Vanderbilt Univesity Medical Center;
    Under the "Search Jobs" tab choose either External Applicants or VUMC Staff
    On the "Search Jobs" page type Care Partner Trainee in the keyword search box
    * Please note: the job listing will appear as Nurse Assistant Training

  • VUMC Staff and Non-VUMC Staff:
    Please visit Work for Vanderbilt Health;
    Under the "Search Jobs" tab choose either External Applicants or VUMC Staff
    On the "Search Jobs" page type Care Partner in the keyword search box