CAP

What is CAP?

The Career Advancement Program (CAP) was developed in 1999 by Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Services as a clinical model for advancement.  The goals of the program are to recruit and retain expert clinicians, support Vanderbilt's mission and vision, encourage ongoing learning and skill refinement, promote research involvement, and standardize expectations across all clinics. 

 

Who Can Participate?

The program is for full-time clinical staff in the following disciplines:

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapist Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapists Assistants
  • Exercise Specialists

 

What Are the Levels for CAP Advancement?

  • Level II:
    • Professionals who have at least 1-year of experience and are new to Vanderbilt.
    • The emphasis at this level is to promote practice development and experience at Vanderbilt while preparing the practitioner to move forward within the program if they elect to advance.
  • Level III:
    • A minimum of 3 years of full-time experience; at least 6 months of that experience should be at VUMC prior to submitting to advance. 
    • Practitioners must demonstrate high-level skills, abilities, and qualities in all components of practice.  Skills are demonstrated through activities in clinical practice/expertise, teaching/advocacy, and leadership/facilitation/evidence-based medicine
    • Practitioners must also demonstrate skilled clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and communication
  • Level IV:
    • Must complete 2-years as a Level III practitioner prior to application to advance to Level IV
    • Exemplary skills, abilities, and qualities in all components of advanced practice
    • Expectation to practice clinically at an advanced level or a 'clinical expert'. 
    • Demonstrates experience in a focused practice area/s, holds a specialty certification or has an advanced degree beyond entry-level practice.

         For a full description of each level, see CAP Manual in resources below. 

 

How Do You Advance?

 

Resources: