Short (independent) programs

[giraphelant]

Hello, I've been looking for programs to become an EMT and the only ones near me are independent programs taught by EMT's, and community colleges. The couple of indie programs are ranging from 1.5 months - 3.5 months depending on the schedule you choose. The community college programs are regular semester schedules (spring, summer, fall etc.)

I just wanted to know if these two options are good enough to get the knowledge needed for a beginning emt? I've been reading other posts and a lot of people have taken on 2+ years of training. So that makes me hesitant on signing up for a 2-4 month program. The next nearest offerings are pretty far from me and I'm not making enough money these days to make the long drives back an fourth. I'm just not sure if signing up for one of my two options would be worth it.

Any advice on schooling/programs would help! Thanks.

ps. I live in the inland empire in SoCal. (it's very dull here :sad: )

 

[DesertMedic66]

EMT programs are normally 3 months long if they are offered at CCs. There are "accelerated" programs with are maybe a month long.

The posts you have seen about 2+ years are normally posts made by posters not in the US.

Paramedic programs are roughly around a year long (10-18 months depending on the program).

The EMT level is pretty basic and the 3 month program gives you all the information needed (although EMT knowledge should be much greater).

Welcome to SoCal the land where everyone is an EMT and our skills are very limited.