Vanderbilt Observational Experience (VOE)

First Step: What Type of VU Undergrad are You?

Start by selecting which type of VU undergraduate student you are.

VU Undergraduate - I have a VOE Preceptor

What does "I have a VOE Preceptor" mean?

This means that you are Vanderbilt University Undergraduate student who has already secured a VUMC healthcare professional (e.g., physician, PA, nurse, physical therapist, etc.) who has agreed to let you observe / shadow their work at a Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) affiliated site. If you have a VOE Preceptor, please see the steps below for guidance.

Steps & What To Expect: I have a VOE Preceptor

Step 1: VOE Overview & Purpose
- The Vanderbilt Observational Experience program gives Vanderbilt University undergraduates the chance to explore and learn about healthcare careers through observation only at a Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)-affiliated healthcare site.
- No hands‑on involvement is allowed during the experience.
- Follow the steps below to learn more.
- Review the FAQ's section below for common questions to assist you.
Step 2: Things To Know - Before You Apply
- Secure a Preceptor First. You must have a confirmed VUMC healthcare preceptor in advance before you can apply at VUMC-VOE.
- Preview the required VUMC-VOE documents. Anticipate what documents and steps you need to collect and provide to VUMC-VOE, once you have secured your own preceptor. 
- Please DO NOT submit or start your VUMC-VOE application or required documentation uploads until you have secured a preceptor (with documentation ready from the provider).
- No exceptions. Applications submitted without confirmed preceptor documentation will not be considered. If this occurs, your application may be withdrawn and you may lose the opportunity of our application and consideration by VUME-VOE to participate.
- Remember, it is a privilege, not a right to be accepted by a clinic / hospital (and provider) to observe / shadow in any healthcare facility, including all VUMC-VOE affiliated sites.
- Anticipate at least 30 days for VUMC-VOE application approval processing, once your entire VUMC-VOE application and all required documentation are submitted to VUMC-VOE.
Step 3: When You Apply
- Reminder: All Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Students must have their own VOE preceptor before you can start or submit the VUMC-VOE application process.
- VUMC-VOE is not responsible, nor will be able to arrange a preceptor on your behalf if you do not have one already. No exceptions.
- There is no application fee required. However, anticipate that you will be asked to pay for your criminal background check (typically $36+) once VUMC-VOE contacts you to complete this step.
- Important: DO NOT reach out to VUMC-VOE or another private company to request or start a criminal background check early. VUMC-VOE will reach out to you directly with their own pre-approved VUMC-VOE criminal background check company.
Steps To Apply With A Secured Preceptor:
1. Fully review all instructions on the VUMC-VOE Program Welcome page.
2. Next, select “Application Process” and select the appropriate option as a “Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Student – (with an identified Preceptor)."
3. Complete all steps to apply and provide all required documents needed on the VUMC-VOE website to complete the VOE application.
  Friendly Reminder: Please do not start to fill out the VUMC-VOE application until you have all of your documents ready to include/upload on the application.
  Why? The application does not allow you to save your progress. Once you start, you must complete and submit it in one sitting. Any partially completed application work will be lost.
Step 4: After You Apply
- Anticipate at least 30 days for VUMC-VOE application approval processing, once your entire VUMC-VOE application and all required documentation are submitted to VUMC-VOE.
- VUMC-VOE will reach out for next steps, once this has been fully reviewed.
- Please do not contact VUMC-VOE to inquire about the status of your application. Reaching out will not expedite the required administrative review. This process is essential for ensuring compliance with VUMC protocols that protect both patient safety and healthcare facility standards.

VU Undergraduate - I Need a VOE Preceptor

What does "I need a VOE Preceptor" mean?

This means that you are Vanderbilt University Undergraduate student who has not secured a VUMC healthcare professional (e.g., physician, PA, nurse, physical therapist, etc.) that has agreed to let you observe / shadow their work at a Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) affiliated site. If you need a VOE Preceptor, please see the steps below for guidance.

Steps & What to Expect: I need a VOE Preceptor

Step 1: VOE Overview & Purpose
- The Vanderbilt Observational Experience program gives Vanderbilt University undergraduates the chance to explore and learn about healthcare careers through observation only at a Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)-affiliated healthcare site.
- No hands‑on involvement is allowed during the experience.
- Follow the steps below to learn more.
- Review the FAQ's section below for common questions to assist you.
Step 2: Options to Seek a Preceptor
If you are seeking to secure a VUMC affiliated site preceptor, you have some options.
Option 1 - Some Vanderbilt University undergraduate student organizations offer, at certain times during the academic year, an opportunity to be considered for and request a VUMC affiliated site preceptor through their own match system.
VU Student Organizations Offering a VUMC-Affiliated Site Preceptor Match Process:
- Vanderbilt Pre-Medical Society (VPS) - The VPS VUMC (Physician) Preceptor Match Process provides VU undergraduate students with the opportunity be considered for a match with a VUMC-affiliated site (physician) preceptor. This process is offered only twice per year (fall/spring) and requires submission of a VPS - VUMC (Physician) Preceptor Match Process Application. No exceptions.
  - VPS - VUMC (Physician) Preceptor Match Process: Application & Timeline
    Fall Application (Click Here To Open/Access): Opens 1st Monday of Fall semester at VU and remains open for two weeks (last day - closes 11:59pm CST).
    Spring Application: Opens 1st Monday of Spring semester at VU and remains open for two weeks (last day - closes 11:59pm CST).
    Note: Application links will appear above only during the active application periods. Once an application window closes, it will not reopen until the next eligible semester.
    Please DO NOT contact HPAO, VUMC-VOE or VPS after submitting your application regarding confirmation of receipt, application status or timeline of follow-up communication.
    Please wait to be contacted via email by VPS (typically 10 business days after the application deadline closes), if selected.
Option 2 - You are welcome to reach out to healthcare providers to ask to observe / shadow on your own at any time of the year. However, we highly recommend you start with the Resources section in the "Observation / "Shadowing" & Informational Interviewing" for best practices, guides and templates to assist you to secure your own preceptor.
Step 3: What if I don't secure a Preceptor?
If you do not secure a preceptor as a Vanderbilt University undergraduate student, that is okay. There are many ways as a Vanderbilt Pre-Health/Pre-Med student to explore, learn and gain exposure towards the healthcare industry.
Consider all options:
- Conduct Informational Interviewing with healthcare providers.
- Join/get involved with a Vanderbilt University Pre-Health/Pre-Med related student organization that aligns with your interests.
- Utilize our Pre-Health/Pre-Med Resource Library. Engage with other VU Pre-Health/Pre-Med peers in active reading, discussion groups and reflective journaling to build skills, insight to enhance your preparedness for future experiences in community and healthcare settings.
- Take steps to learn, train and get hired (work or volunteer) to serve in direct, hands-on patient care experience roles and community environments.
- Explore research or laboratory service opportunities.
- Apply for a Pre-Health/Pre-Med summer program that fits your goals.
Support resources for each of these options are found in the Healthcare Industry Exposure Resources and Healthcare Industry Experience sections of the HPAO website.
Step 4: Once You Have Secured A Preceptor

Once you have secured a VUMC-affiliated site preceptor, you can proceed to the "VU Undergraduate - I have a VOE Preceptor" section of this website for steps and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vanderbilt University Health Professions Advisory Office (HPAO) part of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)?

No. The HPAO is part of Vanderbilt University, not Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We support Vanderbilt pre-health/pre-med students across all career interests, (A-Z: Pre-Athletic Training to Pre-Veterinary Medicine) by providing resources, guidance, and holistic advising on career exploration, preparation, and the application process overall.
What are common acronyms used at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center?

HPAO = Health Professions Advisory Office
VU = Vanderbilt University
VUMC = Vanderbilt University Medical Center
VUMC-VOE = Vanderbilt University Medical Center-Vanderbilt Observational Experience
Vanderbilt Health = The patient-facing network of VUMC, which includes seven hospitals and more than 200 clinics across the Southeast, serving both adult and pediatric patients.
What does “preceptor” mean at VUMC-VOE?

A preceptor is a licensed healthcare professional (e.g., physician, PA, nurse, physical therapist, etc.) who agrees to let you observe / shadow their work. They serve as your on-site VUMC site mentor—guiding you, explaining procedures, and ensuring your observational / shadowing experience follows VUMC’s-site rules and ethical standards.
What qualifies as a Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)-affiliated site under the VOE program?

A VUMC-affiliated site is any healthcare location within the Vanderbilt University Medical Center network where you may be approved to shadow or observe a healthcare provider (e.g., physician, PA, nurse, physical therapist, etc.).
Unsure whether your preceptor is working at a VUMC-affiliated site location?
Locations and Directions | Vanderbilt Health Nashville, TN
Find a Doctor | Vanderbilt Health Nashville, TN
Important: The VA Medical Center is not affiliated with VUMC. These locations in the Nashville area are not considered a VUMC-VOE site or organization.
If I've already secured a VUMC affiliated site preceptor on my own, can I apply for the VUMC-VOE at any time of the year?

Yes. If you have already secured a VUMC affiliated site preceptor on your own, you may apply at any time. Proceed to the "VU Undergraduate - I have a VOE Preceptor" section for steps and what to expect.
If I want to observe / shadow a healthcare provider (preceptor) at a non–VUMC-affiliated site, do I still need to go through this process?
No. If you have already secured (or are in the process of securing) a preceptor at a healthcare facility that is a non-VUMC affiliated site on your own, you do not need to complete this process with VUMC-VOE.
Please Note:
- Each hospital / clinic has its own policies and procedures for allowing observations / shadowing. Please review the clinic’s / hospital’s official website for any specific instructions, pre-eligibility and overall requirements.
- It is not guaranteed that a hospital/clinic will allow or consider requests to observe / shadow a provider or automatically match you with a provider (preceptor) as a VU Undergraduate Pre-Health/Pre-Medical student.
- Always remember that it is a privilege, not a right to be accepted by a clinic / hospital (and provider) to observe / shadow in any healthcare facility.
I am an incoming Vanderbilt University undergraduate student. Can I participate in VUMC VOE?

No, not yet. You are not officially a Vanderbilt University undergraduate student until the first day of classes in your first semester. If you are a new or incoming Vanderbilt University undergraduate student, you may apply to the VUMC VOE program with a secured preceptor only after that date.
If I have already volunteered at VUMC and completed all requirements (paperwork, volunteer orientation, HIPAA training, background check), do I still need follow this entire process if I am seeking opportunities at VUMC to observe / shadow?

Yes. Even if you are a current or former volunteer at a VUMC affiliated site, you must still follow these same steps and guidelines.
I am currently a Vanderbilt University professional school student (e.g., already in a medical, nursing, or other health professions program/school). Do I need to use the VUMC-VOE application process to observe / shadow?

No. This process is only for Vanderbilt University Undergraduate pre-health/pre-med students. Professional school students should contact their program advisor for full guidance on their school’s process for arranging observations at VUMC-affiliated sites. Please do not contact HPAO or VUMC-VOE directly for this process or request.
Additional VUMC-VOE FAQs

Additional VUMC-VOE Frequently Asked Questions are found at:
https://www.vumc.org/observational-services/faqs