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Meggers599

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I'm considering taking classes to get certified as an EMT or A-EMT. I'm a little bit nervous about committing to a career so soon in my life as opposed to taking the traditional college route. Being an EMT had always fascinated me and seemed like something I'd love to do and be able to do well. Can anyone give me a description as to what to expect day to day and what characteristics I should have in order to do a good job? As well as schools, what to expect education wise, how long it would take to get certified, cost, etc. I've thought about going to my local fire department and interviewing the EMTs there, or Is that a tad creepy?
I want to go to nursing school eventually. But would like to save some money first.
 
Also...

I'm planning on doing all my schooling (in any area) around MTSU (Murfreesboro Tzn)
 
EMT class will cost around 1500 bucks, takes 3 months. As far as work you might find a private company and more than likely you will do inter facility transports. Your local college might provide the class, so look into that. As far as making money? You wont. Hours can be long but as long as you know what youre getting into and are willing to move up in education youll be fine..
 
I took my EMT-Basic course at a local community college over the course of six weeks over summer. Many programs also offer evening classes over the course of a semester.

I found that the best medics I worked with had strong interpersonal skills in addition to a strong technical knowledge of pre-hospital emergency medicine. Most of the job, especially at the BLS level, is customer service.

Tennessee Tech charges $1245.00 for their EMT-Basic/IV course.

If I were you I'd spend some time Googling, and absolutely stop by your local station.

Though this site is for EMS, and I'm an advocate for EMS, I'd encourage you to pursue EMS while you're working on a traditional degree/RN per-requisites.

Good luck!
 
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MMiz said:
Though this site is for EMS, and I'm an advocate for EMS, I'd encourage you to pursue EMS while you're always working on a traditional degree/RN per-requisites.
Click to expand...

This is the first time I have seen a positive EMS related comment on this forum. Sorry for changing topic, but I can not distinguish between honesty or trolling.
 
titmouse said:
This is the first time I have seen a positive EMS related comment on this forum. Sorry for changing topic, but I can not distinguish between honesty or trolling.
Click to expand...
Though I'd argue there is little value in many college degrees today, I see tremendous value in the college experience. Many of my favorite college courses weren't in my major or minor.

Unfortunately most EMT programs only require the EMS-related courses. I learned so much in Sociology, Psychology, and Biology. Not so much in Spanish.

If you're not sure what you want to do, I'd suggest taking a broad spectrum of classes while also pursuing your EMT-Basic certification.
 
I say go for it. It's the best thing I've ever done and I LOVE my job. I wish that rescue was something I'd gone ahead and pursued when I was young. I know that it depends a lot on where you find work, but it IS possible to find make a career out of it while you're pursuing more education.

good luck!
 
Speaking as a dad and grandfather and former firefighter and EMT...

I say go to college. Your potential is greatly expanded with an education, not training in one field of technical skills.

That said, also get the EMT. You can blow that much money on data plans to screw around with an iPhone, going out getting drunk, etc. Even a computer (esp if you are a gamer). Why not get the certificate, see if medicine is a field for you, maybe earn some money, have some adventures, but forgoshsakes keep aiming higher than the disposable-worker field prehospital EMS is in the USA.
 
Meggers599 said:
I'm considering taking classes to get certified as an EMT or A-EMT. I'm a little bit nervous about committing to a career so soon in my life as opposed to taking the traditional college route. Being an EMT had always fascinated me and seemed like something I'd love to do and be able to do well. Can anyone give me a description as to what to expect day to day and what characteristics I should have in order to do a good job? As well as schools, what to expect education wise, how long it would take to get certified, cost, etc. I've thought about going to my local fire department and interviewing the EMTs there, or Is that a tad creepy?
I want to go to nursing school eventually. But would like to save some money first.
Click to expand...

You can easily do college and EMT curriculum (it is unfortunate that you're in TN, as apparently your EMS classes are 10 times what they are in NC!). EMT takes roughly a semester, usually taught in less time though.

Call your local stations, see about a ride-a-long, although that isn't always the most accurate way to see EMS :)
 
My class costs $1058 not including the physical, or uniforms, but does include a kit of a BP Cuff, Stethoscope, Light and scissors.
My class is Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-1 PM.

Academic wise, we have at least 1 quiz, or exam due per class which is done online. Since it is only a semester long and there is so much information to learn I have found it is a lot of reading and studying but if you keep up with the workbook, and take notes you should do fine (But then again my brain is extremely absorbant), however I have found a new love for caffeine since starting this course.
 
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Self-medication. A good sign if ever I've seen one.:wacko:
 
Do both..i have my b.s. along with being a basic. In NYS it is worth 9 credits, plus it was free as my vfd paid for it.
 
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