I live in Washington state and one of the prerequisites of certification is affiliation. I am looking into beginning the EMT-B course, but I cannot find any information on affiliation (what it is, how to get it) and I would like to know exactly what it is before I begin. Thanks in advance.
Affiliation?
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NomadicMedic
I know a guy who knows a guy.
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That's correct. You can successfully complete an EMT-B course in Washington State, but if you are not affiliated with an EMS organization, you will NOT be granted a Washington State EMT certificate. You can still take the class you will have to take the National Registry, but that really only comes in handy if you plan to move to another state.
Affiliation comes from a job with an Ambulance Company or Fire Department or a volunteer position with Fire, Rescue, and in some cases, Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue. Also worth noting, it may take upwards of 6 weeks to obtain your cert once you are granted affiliation by an organization.
Where in Washington are you? Hopefully not Western Washington, as the outlook for employment for potential EMT-Bs here is dismal, at best.
Affiliation comes from a job with an Ambulance Company or Fire Department or a volunteer position with Fire, Rescue, and in some cases, Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue. Also worth noting, it may take upwards of 6 weeks to obtain your cert once you are granted affiliation by an organization.
Where in Washington are you? Hopefully not Western Washington, as the outlook for employment for potential EMT-Bs here is dismal, at best.
lightsandsirens5
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Where are you taking the class? If it is through an agency you should ask them about it.
Do not be surprised how long it will take to get your cert. I was already under an agency and it took 9 weeks fot me to get my card. WA DOH could use some major improvements.....
Do not be surprised how long it will take to get your cert. I was already under an agency and it took 9 weeks fot me to get my card. WA DOH could use some major improvements.....
I actually do live in Western Washington... How difficult is it to get a job or get affiliation around here? I'm in a program for medical assisting right now and I was hoping that extra certification would help. Is it just going to be impossible to find work? (By the way, I planned to take the course at the Fort Lewis Pierce College program)
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Level1pedstech
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You could try Thurston County fire district one if your looking for a volunteer department in your region. Last time I checked they had no residency requirements and schedule their duty shifts in 12 and 24 hour blocks,allowing you to work shifts in when your schedule allows you the time. Departments that allow their volunteers to shift with their paid staff as an engine company member or on a medic unit are going to give you the best bang for your buck. They used to have separate fire and medical crews so even if you have no interest in fire you can get some great first in 911 experience. Also you might want to try firehouse.com,there are several forums over there that might help you in your search. Good luck!