Considering EMT training. Need advice

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RayCiannello

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Hey guys

I'm 26 years old and have no college experience. I have been considering a career in EMS for a while but never went for it. My local community college in the Bay Area CA offers a 16 week course. My plan would be to do this for a while and possibly move on to become a paramedic or firefighter afterwards. I really don't think I'm cut out for traditional college, along with the fact that I really have no clue about what else to do. I also work full time and need something where I can study at night. I want a fulfilling career that I can be proud of where I can help people. I've considered other paths but I always come back to this. Classes at the cc start at the beginning of August and it's not too late for me to sign up. And I'm planning on singing up and dedicating everything I have. I know getting certified is only half the battle and finding a job after may be difficult. But I know the CC help you find a job afterwards and their fire protection program is highly touted.

Any tips/advice/encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I just want to know what to expect during the entire process. Thank you very much for your time
 
I am also a student(in the process of an EMT-B) and to be honest, if you pay attention do your work, and ask if your confused you will be fine, it will not interfere with work. I have essentially one of the most ridiculous schedules working as a P.O for NYS, and i still make it work. If you are going to do it though, just help yourself out before the class even starts, take a peek at some basic anatomy, things that will alleviate some stress later. I cannot vouch for the whole saving peoples lives thing, for i am a student, but EMS is not just about saving lives either, from what i can gather only 25% of your job is physically doing something to somebody, the rest is calming them down to talking to them ect ect. You can expect a fast paced, but FAIR learning environment. If you have any more specific questions you can feel free to ask them. Hope i helped :D
 
Getting your EMT-B done isn't a bad way to test the waters and see if you actually want to go further. You might like it, you might hate it.

Overall, the class for EMT-B isn't hard. A bit time consuming with reading, but not particularly difficult by any stretch. I wouldn't worry too much about studying a lot before taking a class. Hit some basic anatomy and that's about it.

Just be realistic about your expectations of what you will actually do. Sure, I get plenty of people who genuinely need to call 911 (motorcycles are crashing like crazy right now) and I love it when I can help those who actually need it, but I get even more people who do not need 911. They need their primary doctor (or an urgent care), to quit *****ing, or to quit abusing the system.
 
I went back to start college for the first time when I was 28. I did EMT and Paramedic in between there, and I'm in my 30's and still in college. I also thought that "college would never be right for me", but I realized that college is actually pretty easy if you are mature and take it seriously. I've gotten an A in almost every single class for the last 5 years, simply because I followed directions. That was about all that was necessary. Show up, take it seriously, open your mind and follow directions.

If you are like me, you will find that your age and life experiences will give you a huge benefit over the rest of the students, and you might just realize that college may not have been right for you in the past, but it might be right for you now.

I would do EMT school. Worst case scenario, if you don't decide to go into EMS...you have fun and have something on your resume that makes every future employer feel a little bit safer when you're around the team. It will, most likely, expand your confidence about what you can accomplish, and be a springboard for the future of your life.
 
A bit of advice on college in general and an EMS course at a CC specifically.
College is adult education and EMS providers are expected to think critically and independently.
Be prepared to be responsible and accountable for your education. The faculty and instructors expect students to pay attention and be aware of requirements, deadlines, etc. as well as know the resources for information about the class like syllabi and handbooks.
 
you will be fine I currently work three jobs and doing emt training but I attend class two days a week from 6-10 and we leave early most of the time it's a cool laid back class and everyone helps each other I would say if you plan on becoming paramedic take all you can get A&P pharm learn everything you need to know you will rock that out in no time Great career choice ....Emt Basic class ROCK!
 
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