Anyone have info on becoming an ED tech?

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EMTeastman

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I recently learned about ED Technicians being a good entry into the medical field, although it can be pretty difficult. That's pretty much all I know, so I was wondering if anyone knew how to become an ED Tech or the best ways to go about it. I live in the East Bay in California if that makes a difference. Any advice is welcome! Thanks!

-Tanner
 
ER tech jobs are pretty plentiful in most areas and I think a great first job to have to break into either a Paramedic career or nursing. My first job was working as a ER tech, and eventually into IV therapy while I was in Paramedic school.

Not sure about California, but most places want you to be an EMT-B, or have your CNA, or both. That will pretty much get you in the door at most places. Some hospitals have some on the job training programs they put all new hires through regardless of previous training. I would argue ER or ICU will be of the most benefit and would stray away from places like a Med/Surg floor etc where you job will consist of wiping butts and taking vitals.

Any other questions let me know. Good luck.
 
I used to work as an ER Tech and loved but definitely not where I wanted to be. In New Jersey, you do not need any license to fuction as a tech, since you are functioning off the nurses license. Most hospital require some type of additional training ie EMT/medic, medical assistant, cna, lpn, mst, etc. I do not know of any that do not require CPR but doesnt mean they dont exist.

One local hosptial system actually requires an EMT for ER Techs. The techs also function as EMTs and handle EMS calls when they come and provide CCT (with a RN) as needed. They tech in between runs.
 
It seems like a general thing for ER techs to have EMT cert, phlebotomy cert, and some sort of EKG/12 lead certs.

ER jobs (especially in CA) are hard to get. They are highly sought after due to good pay, good benefits, and tons of opportunities for growth/classes.

The few hospitals in my area do not post about open ER tech jobs. You have to already be working in the hospital or be friends with the right people to even apply for the position.
 
CANMAN said:
ER tech jobs are pretty plentiful in most areas and I think a great first job to have to break into either a Paramedic career or nursing. My first job was working as a ER tech, and eventually into IV therapy while I was in Paramedic school.

Not sure about California, but most places want you to be an EMT-B, or have your CNA, or both. That will pretty much get you in the door at most places. Some hospitals have some on the job training programs they put all new hires through regardless of previous training. I would argue ER or ICU will be of the most benefit and would stray away from places like a Med/Surg floor etc where you job will consist of wiping butts and taking vitals.

Any other questions let me know. Good luck.
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Thanks! That helps a lot. Just a few other questions that arose: Is ER Tech the same as ED Tech? And do you know the average pay? Also, is EMT-B the same as EMT-I? Next semester I'm taking an EMT class where I can then take the national registry. Is the cert I'm going for EMT-B or EMT-I? I'm confused =D
 
Thanks everyone else for the advice! I will do more research into ER jobs in my area and start thinking about the certs and forming connections ;)
 
If you want to become an ER tech, it helps to do one of those short classes to get yourself certified as a Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, and EKG tech. Having that along with EMT got me in as a tech on the first interview.
 
Here here seems to be different levels of techs, depending on where you work. Right now I am working in the ER as an Emergency Care Specialist. At this place we work pretty much up to the majority of a Paramedics scope of practice. The majority of the other hospitals around here use the techs as patient movers and room cleaners.
 
EMTeastman said:
Thanks! That helps a lot. Just a few other questions that arose: Is ER Tech the same as ED Tech? And do you know the average pay? Also, is EMT-B the same as EMT-I? Next semester I'm taking an EMT class where I can then take the national registry. Is the cert I'm going for EMT-B or EMT-I? I'm confused =D
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ED and ER Tech are the same thing. Ie: Emergency Room and Emergency Department Tech.

Pay is going to vary state by state and I wouldn't be able to quote you even a ballpark for Cali, I live on the East Coast.

The class you are looking to take is your EMT-Basic. You must have your basic first before taking say EMT-I (Intermediate) or P (Paramedic).

Check into the requirements on a online job search for Tech positions so you don't waste time and money taking classes/certs you may not need. I know here on the East Coast EMT-B, or CNA will get you in the door. IV starts and blood draws are all on the job training and a phlebotomy class would be a huge waste of you time and money. Same thing with EKG class. As a tech you are not responsible to read the 12 lead, just accurately obtain the 12 lead. That can be taught in a few hours.
 
CANMAN said:
ED and ER Tech are the same thing. Ie: Emergency Room and Emergency Department Tech.

Pay is going to vary state by state and I wouldn't be able to quote you even a ballpark for Cali, I live on the East Coast.

The class you are looking to take is your EMT-Basic. You must have your basic first before taking say EMT-I (Intermediate) or P (Paramedic).

Check into the requirements on a online job search for Tech positions so you don't waste time and money taking classes/certs you may not need. I know here on the East Coast EMT-B, or CNA will get you in the door. IV starts and blood draws are all on the job training and a phlebotomy class would be a huge waste of you time and money. Same thing with EKG class. As a tech you are not responsible to read the 12 lead, just accurately obtain the 12 lead. That can be taught in a few hours.
Click to expand...

Oh okay, thanks! So I did a little research, and California doesn't really use EMT-B or EMT-I, it's just called EMT, and I guess is similar to an EMT-I cert.

I'll do some research on ER tech jobs in my area and see if any certs other than EMT would be helpful, but I've heard it's pretty competitive, so it probably would haha.

Thanks again =)

-Tanner
 
EMTeastman said:
Oh okay, thanks! So I did a little research, and California doesn't really use EMT-B or EMT-I, it's just called EMT, and I guess is similar to an EMT-I cert.

I'll do some research on ER tech jobs in my area and see if any certs other than EMT would be helpful, but I've heard it's pretty competitive, so it probably would haha.

Thanks again =)

-Tanner
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EMT-I like he's talking about is actually EMT-Intermediate. California uses numerals (or did) to designate EMT basic and intermediate (EMT-I and EMT-2 respectively) before most areas of ca started to get rid of intermediates. Out here in nm being an intermediate is almost a requirement to get a job as a tech.
 
I'm working full time as a medical assistant full time, I was able to get hired on at a minor care clinic, I'm learning a lot of cool things, suture removal, giving antibiotic, steroid and vaccine injections, they are even going to send me to a radiography school as we have a X-ray machine there. I still work part time ems as no full time positions were opened. However I'd really love to work in an ER that would let me use some of my EMT-I skills. I have passed the paramedic training and failed both the written and skills the first time. So hopefully I'll have that soon.
 
Most ED tech jobs I have seen (east coaster here) is for the EMT-B for the most part a ED tech is similar to a CNA in other departments.

My one friend works as a ED tech full time his job duties include, Getting patients changed into gowns, gathering vitals, transporting patients to Radiology, or to a floor if they are admitted, and assisting the nurses/ER Docs in day to day operations.

Usually blood draws are done by the lab techs, and IV therapy by the nurses. Now the one trauma center near me has 2 level techs the Tech 1 and Tech 2. the big difference is the Tech 2 has the ability to start IV therapy administer shots and ACLS meds. But you need to be a paramedic to be a tech 2.

Your best bet is to look at the jobs posted and read the requirements if your unsure of what they are looking for call the HR dept. and ask if its a EMT basic or EMT I that they want. The worst that could happen is your get stuck talking to an answering machine.
 
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