New to EMT

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Jeff_MN

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Hey all,

I'm new to the site and thought maybe I could get a few opinions. After getting out of the military in 1991, I began doing the corporate thing. Now at 37, I've decided to make a career change to something I would find more interesting and as I've always had an interest in EMT and the medical profession in general, I've determined to become Basic certified and after gaining some experience, work toward advancing.

Here's my question. I live in Minneapolis and have registered for the 3 week course at Hennepin County Medical Center attending 8 to 5 classes for the duration. My other option to become certified was to take a semester of coursework at a community / vocational college here in town which seemed too long compared to the more aggressive schedule HCMC offers. Any opinions on taking the much quicker course at a medical center over a small community college? They both have pro's & con's and perhaps it wouldn't even be an issue. Learning at HCMC means that you are in a large, active medical center in downtown Minneapolis while the community college educates you in a true college setting.

And once the coursework is over, what are some good websites or resources for finding a position? I'm planning on speaking with an uncle who is the county sheriff. Maybe he has some contacts within the hospital. I also volunteered for a couple of years at a local hospital which may help when calling for available opportunities.

Any suggestions?

Thanks much,

Jeff
 
In my opinion, you would probably be better off with a stretched out course, for one you'd be able to absorb the info better, two if you are having trouble in a particular area you'll have more time to get it figured out before tests, thus better chances of higher test scores and last as far as patient contacts in a stretched out course you have a better chance of meeting your required patient contacts and clinical hours and maybe be able to do more than the bare minimum, the more expierience you have as a student under a preceptor, you will come out of the class more confident about dealing with patients than those who got bare minimums.

Good luck in your EMT education and I wish you the best of luck.

-Capn
 
First... Welcome to EMTLife.com!!

Second, I, personally, would prefer the quick course. Sure the extra study time would be nice, but the intense class time would be a plus for me.

If you have nothing else going on (work, other time consuming thing) then I would pick the 8-5 class.

Chimp
 
I took the intense course and wouldn't do it any other way. I tried doing it the long way and it just didn't work for me. I took an academy style class at a local community college. Out of the 20 or so students that started the basic course, only one or two didn't pass.

Usually I'd study an hour before class, go to class from 9-5, then come home and study for a couple hours, then start over again. I took the national registry exam a month later and did well.

If you can take a month or two off from whatever your doing, I think it's the way to go. I would compare the intensity of my EMT course to learning a language or taking a biology class. There is lots to learn but it's not going to kill ya :)

During the class you'll hear lots of gossip of whos hiring and where you can work. During your internships and ride-alongs you'll also hear about the different services.

Good luck and keep us updated!
 
The quick route is good because it will get you certified faster, but the slow route is good because you have more opprotunity for patient contact.

If you can afford it, and don't think the course material will be a problem, then I'd go with the quick route. As far as getting a job when you're done, find out who provides medical services in your area and go to their website. Don't forget that you may have better luck going outside the metropolin area to one of the outying communities.

Oh, yeah, welcome to our own little corner of dysfunction.
 
:D :D :D Welcome!!! :D :D :D

You know some programs are good and some aren't, it all depends on the school and how much the instructor knows. If you can, meet with the instructors for each program and see which one you're comfortable with and which seems to be the most knowledgable. If your schedule allows you to choose which class you want to take, then I would definitely go that route.
 
Welcome!!!!!!!!!

I am new too...

Just took my NR exam 2 weeks ago.... waiting to see if I am legite now... ;)
 
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