Program through EMS service or Com. College?

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AndreaS

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Hey everyone!

So I know this may have been answered somewhere on here before, but I was wondering if I should take my EMT- Basic class through the community college here or through a cheaper class at a local Ambulance service?
The price difference is around $700.

Does it matter where you get your EMT-B? I am planning on getting that done and then going on to Paramedic classes at a seperate college. Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks!
Andrea
 
My gut reaction is that the one at the community college will be better. Tend to have instructors more qualified to teach.

It's hard to say though. There's a huge variety between programs. Check out the number of hours, clinical sites, experience and education of the instructors, etc.

Also if you get your medic at a college, they're more likely to transfer credits or at least look favorably upon an EMT-B from another college.
 
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I'd say CC. Some medic programs require class credit for EMT-B programs.
 
Just realized you live in Fort Collins. FYI - Front Range has a top-notch program from what I've heard. I know people who got their EMT from there and a couple of instructors there.

Which ambulance service is offering a course?
 
LucidResq said:
Just realized you live in Fort Collins. FYI - Front Range has a top-notch program from what I've heard. I know people who got their EMT from there and a couple of instructors there.

Which ambulance service is offering a course?
Click to expand...

I personally know Budd Riggs. He just had a couple strokes so I am not sure if he is teaching any of it. My mom has known Todd Sheaman for a very long time. I have met him through a class I took in high school. Seems like a very nice guy.

The only thing with Front Range that I am really questioning is that they don't have much "career placement" type help. I am not sure if any college/class offers that but the advisor I met with told me they have little to no help in finding a job later.

Thompson (sp) Valley EMS. I called a lady about that this afternoon and they are supposed to get back to me.

Also, does anyone know if I need to have my CPR for Healthcare Professionals before I take the EMT-B program or before I take the exam?
 
I don't know either of those instructors but they sound familiar by name. But hell everyone's name sounds familiar by now.

TVEMS is a very very good ambulance service. I wonder if they would actually offer you a job, however, fresh out of EMT school. A lot of people want to work there, so they have the pick of the cream of the crop. They don't have a lot of turnover at all either since they treat their employees so well compared to all of the other services out here.

I don't know anything about how they operate their EMT courses. Again, although they likely have good medics or EMTs teaching the courses, those instructors likely do not have education as far as adult education, and at the CC you're more likely to find that (but not always). It's an overlooked component of most EMS education programs. A good EMT in the field does not always make a good instructor in the classroom.

Not to knock TVEMS at all. Honestly, they are an excellent service and probably put on a good EMT course. Just don't expect to be hired by them if you go through their class. I've been watching their site for a couple of years for openings and haven't seen any.
 
Yes, you do need your BLS prior to class. Some classes include this in the beginning of the course, but most have it as a pre-req and offer some classes for it prior to the start of the EMT program.
 
Yeah, I was wondering if they would hire you after the course.

I did a little bit of looking at the AIMS for the medic part of the schooling I want and it doesn't seem like you need a certain amount of previous credits to get in there.

I wonder whenever (if) Todd at FRCC gets back to me if I ask him if it matters where I get the EMT-B if he will give me a good honest answer or just want me to go to FRCC? lol that might be stretching it. Either way I am def going to get my EMT-B this summer and hopefully find some sort of job.

If I have to bite the bullet like many newbies I will volunteer.

Have you had any luck in jobs?
 
I kinda got lucky after EMT class. As a student at UCD, I landed a student job at a University clinic doing patient care. The EMT definitely helped, but it's not an EMT job per se.

I worked at Elitch's over the summer. Having worked at the clinic helped, but they also hire people fresh out of school. I'll be working there again this summer and if you can still get in there, I'd highly recommend it.

I now also work down at Sky Ridge in their ambulatory surgery center PACU as a patient care tech. The EMT and experience from the clinic landed me that job.

If you're 21+ you'll have better luck. I can't really work for an ambulance service due to insurance regulations as I'm under 21. I'm not complaining, though. My jobs have treated me better and paid better than a private ambulance company would.
 
And honestly, if you're looking at TVEMS vs. Front Range the difference isn't going to be big at all. I don't know how TVEMS runs their EMT program but I can't imagine that such an excellent, progressive EMS agency would host a shoddy program.
 
I'll be 24 after the class this summer. Now that I know that that ambulance service is so highly looked upon.... the class through them is calling my name. You think future employers look at where you got your EMT-B at?

I will do even more research to make sure it doesn't bugger up my chances at medic school. After the class this summer (regardless of where I do it) I'm still going to go to FRCC for my A&P and other pre-req's
 
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