About the Profession
Critical care paramedics (CCPs) provide advanced emergency medical care to critically ill and injured patients of all ages. CCPs have more advanced knowledge and training than traditional paramedics. They perform complex medical procedures and administer advanced medications. Their focus is acute interfacility transport and air medical response.
About the Program
Vanderbilt's CCP Program provides intensive classroom instruction as well as clinical training in various Vanderbilt critical care settings and intensive care units such as the Cardiovascular ICU, Neuro ICU, Trauma ICU, Medical ICU, and the Cadaver Lab. The CCP Program works in partnership with skilled providers at Vanderbilt LifeFlight.
The Tennessee Board of Emergency Medical Services has approved Vanderbilt's CCP Program. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to sit for the Tennessee exam. They are also eligible for licensure endorsement in Kentucky.
Program Structure
Classes meet once each week for 16 weeks on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 14 weeks of didactic coursework
- 2 weeks of clinical training
Didactic classes meet on the main campus in Light Hall. Clinical training occurs at various Vanderbilt critical care settings and intensive care units.
Tuition and Fees
The CCP Program costs $1,000. This amount covers course fees, uniform, books, scrubs, and parking.
Fees not included:
- State testing fee ($80)
- Tennessee Critical Care Paramedic application fee ($90)
- IdentoGo Fingerprinting/Background Check ($39.15)
Students are also responsible for:
- Liability insurance
- 2-step TB skin test within the prior year, MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, Rubella, Tetanus (titers or labwork)
- Health insurance
Prior to beginning any clinical training at VUMC, you must certify that you are compliant with measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap, and COVID-19 immunizations. If your clinical training is scheduled any day between October 1 and April 1, you must also certify that you are compliant with an annual influenza immunization.
Admission Requirements
- 2 years of advanced practice experience as a paramedic
- Current certification in all of the following:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Trauma course (PHTLS or ITLS)
Application Process
Please note: Applications are currently closed. The next cohort will begin in fall 2025. Specific cohort dates, the application window, and the online application link will be posted on this website once finalized.
A complete application includes the following:
- online application
- letter of recommendation from your employer
Finalists must also complete a critical care entrance exam and an in-person interview. These occur on the same day. Please allow 2 hours for the entrance exam and 1 hour for the interview. Candidates who do not complete these steps will be dismissed from the selection process.
Contact Us
Dana Knueven, MPH, CCPM, I/C
Program Director
Email: dana.mcdonald@vumc.org