WOAH!!! Here goes my street cred
, but I figure you should know my story.
I went to TEEX and was in one of their first classes. Monday thru Friday, 8-5 for 4 months. Then I returned to the frigid north and did their required ride time. I had been a full mod intermediate for 4 years and was fairly well versed in EMS having been doing ACLS care for various ambulance services, as well as an ACLS and PALS instructor.
I was able to EASILY breeze through the course, no problems. I sat for the NREMT-P and passed with a fairly high score for an initial sitting (88% or something like that).
Once I returned to Wyoming, I had to complete another YEAR of classroom time and 1600 hours of ride time just to meet the Wyoming requirements.
I like to tell people I have a Bachelor's in Paramedicine
Because I went to TEEX, It took almost 4 years to do what I should have been able to do in 2. I could have cut my losses and stayed closer to home.
During my class, I met a number of great folks. But sadly, FEW of my classmates passed their NREMT or state tests. They did not have my background and were OVERWHELMED. I have a friend from class I keep in touch with. We are working on 10 years since class and she has been unable to pass her NREMT-P. Sad really.
Since class I have busted my butt to play catchup. I went on to get my CCEMT-P and have worked countless hours in a fairly busy call area. I consider myself a good medic NOW and feel I have earned the respect of my coworkers and supervisors.
A couple of things:
1.I was EXTREMELY self driven and wanted to get my medic. I spent countless hours studying and reading on my own as well as attending numerous extra classes. IF you are not VERY motivated for self study, don't take a class like this.
2.I came in with a decent amount of knowledge. Coming from Wyoming (where there are fewer than 50 working paramedics) I was a "full Mod" EMT-I which meant I could do everything a medic could do except RSI, or hang dopamine. If you are not already very confident in your ACLS and patient care, then don't take a class like this. This is not something a green EMT-B (their only pre-req) can overcome.
That is the bulk of my story. I freely admit it *gulp* :sad: I like my life the way it is and would not go back (at this point), but I wish I had gone to a more traditional school and saved my self a LOT of extra work. So at this point, I cannot recommend TEEX. Amazingly enough, I hear they have shortened the class and now are getting folks through in 240 hours
If you want to be a good medic, either go to traditional school, or expect to have to go above and beyond once you are outta Teex.
You can now bring on the chastising B)
WM
