TPATC Course: Overview and FAQ
The Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC) is a specialized training program designed for medical professionals involved in the care of trauma patients during transport, such as paramedics and flight nurses. This course trains medical workers in advanced skills like airway management and resuscitation, ensuring they’re ready to handle emergencies and safely transport patients pre-hospital or between facilities.
Want to become a leading transport care professional? This guide walks you through this specialized course — what it covers, who it’s for, and how to get started.
TPATC Course: Snapshot
- Eligibility: The course is open to all transport care professionals (ground or air), and 6 months of experience is recommended.
- Course curriculum: It covers essential topics relevant to transport care, including mechanical ventilation and musculoskeletal trauma.
- Application process: Create an online account, select an accredited course from the provider list, click register, and submit the enrollment form.
- Exam: The course includes a final exam to assess your knowledge.
- Cost: The course fee is $695.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew every 4 years.
What Is a TPATC Certification Course?
TPATC, which stands for Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course, is a specialized credential for transport care professionals. These are the first responders who arrive after 911 calls, provide on-the-spot stabilization, and transfer patients to hospitals. Because they operate in a critical phase of care outside the hospital, with limited access to life-saving resources, these professionals require advanced training, which this course provides.
The training program is developed by the Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), an organization dedicated to advancing transport nursing and improving patient care. The course curriculum covers key topics related to the trauma care during transport, including the following:
- Airway and mechanical ventilation
- Transport physiology
- Disaster and mass casualty incidents
- Shocks and burns
- Trauma in pregnancy
- Neurologic trauma
- Musculoskeletal trauma
- Legal considerations
TPATC Course Requirements
Ready to begin the course? Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps to advancing your expertise through this training.
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
If you’re a healthcare professional working in transport care — like a registered nurse or emergency technician — you’re eligible for this course. First, you’ll need to provide proof of your license and education. Certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may also be required, as they’re standard in medical settings.
The ASTNA Education Committee recommends having a solid foundation in critical care transport medicine and good critical thinking skills before committing to this course. To gain this valuable experience, consider working in the following settings:
- Intensive care units
- Emergency departments
- Critical care units
- Progressive care
- Urgent care centers
- Trauma units
Additionally, it’s recommended to have at least six months of hands-on transport care experience (ground or air) before you begin. You might consider working with a preceptor to get comfortable with the work environment and prepare for the course exam.
2. Enroll in the Program
Next, create an online ASTNA account by selecting a member or nonmember education-only account. Once registered, browse the available courses and choose the one you want to enroll in. Then, complete the enrollment application and pay the course fee.
3. Pay the Course Fee
Fees for the course may vary depending on your membership in certain organizations. Here‘s the fee breakdown for the hybrid course:
| Organization | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nonmember | $695 |
| ASTNA and International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP) members | $555 |
| American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and Air Medical Physician Association (AMPA) members | $575 |
If you decide to take the course online, you’ll pay $425 as a nonmember or $299 as an ASTNA/IAFCCP member.
4. Complete the Course
You can select from two course formats — online or hybrid. Here’s a breakdown of what each offers:
| Feature | TPATC Online | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Course format | 17.4 hours of content, broken into online modules | Combination of online courses and in-person practical sessions |
| Course duration | 90-day window from starting the first module | 2-day in-person component and completion of online modules |
| Study materials | TPATC Study Guide and Advanced Skills Guide mailed upon registration | Educational materials given during the course |
| Hands-on skills | Hands-on skills must be performed within your own program to meet Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) requirements | Includes practical skills stations (e.g., invasive procedures, airway management, patient assessments) during in-person sessions |
5. Pass the TPATC Test
Your course will end with an exam assessing your knowledge and skills. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll answer 50 questions based on the lecture content.
- You’ll have 90 minutes to answer the test questions.
- You’ll complete a practical component of the exam if you’re taking the hybrid course.
After completing the online course, you’ll get a card confirming you finished the didactic content and exam. Hybrid course participants will receive a card showing they completed both the online and in-person components.
6. Maintain Your Credential
To keep your credential active, you’ll need to retake the course every four years. Keep in mind that ASTNA does not certify individuals to perform the skills or procedures taught in the course like professional licensure and certifications do. Your card simply confirms that you completed the course.
Frequently Asked Questions: TPATC Course
What is the typical salary for transport care professionals?
Your salary as a transport care worker will vary depending on your job title, level of education, and years of experience. Below are examples of annual salaries in the U.S. for different roles within the transport care team:
- Paramedic salary: $51,000
- Flight nurse salary: $97,000
Additionally, where you work has a big impact on your salary. For instance, registered nurses often earn higher wages in the following states:
How hard is the exam?
The exam is challenging, but with solid preparation and a good understanding of the material, you’ll be set up for success. If you don’t hit the TPATC passing score on your first try, don’t worry — you can contact the ASTNA office to schedule a retest. You’re allowed two attempts in total.
TPATC vs. TNCC: What’s the difference?
The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is a foundational course designed for nurses, focusing on trauma care in hospital or emergency settings. In contrast, TPATC focuses on trauma care during patient transport.
What are the benefits of taking the course?
The course equips you with key skills in airway management, hemorrhage control, and resuscitation, preparing you to handle emergencies and enhance patient outcomes. Other benefits include:
- Enhance job prospects: This certification strengthens your nursing resume, making your job applications stand out to potential employers.
- Boost confidence: It’ll uplevel your skills to handle complex trauma cases during transport with greater confidence.
- Facilitate career growth: It may open the door to higher-paying positions in trauma care and emergency transport.
Related Certifications
Thinking about boosting your career with more certifications? These additional credentials could be a great fit:
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Want to Upgrade Your Career?
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