Welcome

ABOUT OUR VOE PROGRAM

The Vanderbilt Observational Experience program allows students and working professionals to learn about careers in health care.  This program is strictly observational only, there is no hands-on activity permitted.  No observations with physicians will be scheduled on the evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Applicants may request one observational experience per calendar year, not to exceed eight (8) hours.  Additional hours may be requested based on school program requirements, however, accommodations may not be feasible and are made on a case-by-case basis and only if a preceptor is confirmed in advance.  

Observers are limited in some clinical areas for the safety of patients and observers.  No high school students are permitted in the Operating Rooms, Cath Labs, Emergency Departments, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, or the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.  

The VOE program requires at least a one-step TB  test completed in the past, it doesn't have to be current.  A one-step test is required if you've never had a TB test.​


If on the day of your observation, you are ill (cold symptoms, fever, etc.), please email and/or call (if you've received a phone number) your preceptor and the VOE@vumc.org to let us know and also reschedule for a later date.  If you come to the observation with cold/flu-like symptoms, you will not be able to participate.