Accelerated EMT course - is it worth it for me?

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sevendust717

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I am thinking about taking an accerlerated EMT-B course and would like input based on my specific reasons/situation.

My past medical training:
-WFR with multiple recertifications
- I do not have that much pratical/real life medical practice other than treating minor sprains, blisters, cuts etc. Thankfully I have not had any major medical problems pop up with individuals I was resposible for.

My reasons for taking EMT-B (in order of importance):
- I would really like to learn something new
- I am a wilderness guide and would like more confidence working with medical situations as they come up
- The course will give me opportunities to get some real life experience due to clinical time that is incorporated
- With an EMT-B and a WFR I would have WEMT credentials which will make me more marketable in the guide field
- I looked into a WEMT course and the price difference of a WEMT and an EMT is rediculous
- It would be easier for me to do ride a longs and volunteer in order to have more real life experience so I will have more confidence

My reasons for an accelerated course:
- I have time off this September until end of October
- The time commitment for a semester long course with evening classes after my work would be a lot for me and I would not like it

I have heard that people learn less through the accelerated courses due to the cramming in of information. I would like to do a month long course rather than two weeks long.

Would an accelerated EMT-B course be an appropriate option for me? How much more do you think I would get out of a semester long course if I took that?

Thanks!
 
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Most emt courses have minimal clinical experiences. You can inquire about this with each course.

If your WFR is active and you found it easy and have a good understanding, it is a good basis that would make a compressed EMT course much easier. For your purposes a compressed EMT course might be worth it if you chose a good one. Don't pay out the nose... most guiding ops want a WFR or EMT or OEC and don't specifically seek a WEMT as far as I know.
 
The Accelerated programs offer the same material and the same amount of hours. They are no different than the ones offered only 1 or 2 evenings per week stretched out over a semester. This is like the 6 week summer terms at a college which offer the same classes but at 2x the amount of time spent in class each week. The students still get the same material.

It will depend on you and your study habits for your success at passing the class. EMT has no entry requirements for experience. You also don't have to take the state or NREMT exam immediately after finishing and you can always review online or take a refresher course over a weekend.
 
Summit said:
Most emt courses have minimal clinical experiences. You can inquire about this with each course.

If your WFR is active and you found it easy and have a good understanding, it is a good basis that would make a compressed EMT course much easier. For your purposes a compressed EMT course might be worth it if you chose a good one. Don't pay out the nose... most guiding ops want a WFR or EMT or OEC and don't specifically seek a WEMT as far as I know.
Click to expand...

agree
 
i recently took a 21 day emt course at the warrior school in az. it was a great experience, and i could not imagine taking the same course over a period of months.

my only prior medical experience was combat lifesaver.

you can read about my experience in the "no time for standard school" thread i posted.
 
WEMT is nice to have but completely unnecessary, especially because you already have a WFR. I'm a pro ski patroller and river guide myself. I took EMT-B with a cc and I ride with a volly service between jobs, I would take the class either through a cc or a volly service near you, anything cheapest really.
 
My mountain doesn't care about WEMT, if you have a basic you are gtg I don't even have OEC. My EMT basic also covered the requirements for my guide job. I havn't dealt with anything considered severe in the EMS sense, but definably considered severe by those without advanced medical training. Feel free to ask me anything else, seems like you are in a similar situation I was.
 
While WEMT may not be required it will be something to juice your résumé.

I think you're a good example of where an accelerated course is appropriate provided it fits your learning style. Some can learn in a condensed format and learn well while others may not be able to do it.

It's going to depend on you and how much work you're willing to put into it. A course that fast is going to require a lot of self study on your own time to really be proficient at the content of the course. Much of the things you'll learn in an EMT course won't be applicable to the job you do however nothing is wrong with more knowledge!

Contact TomP on here, he may be of assurance depending on your location.

Remember that just because you have an EMT certification it doesn't mean you can use all the skills you learn without medical direction.

Good luck!
 
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