Where to start, and how to prepare for my education?

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Kenyon

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Hello everyone, my name is Kenyon. I am independently studying, with straight A's, and starting high school next year, and had some questions about how I should start my education to become an EMT. I understand that the job is very demanding, and that there is a high bar of standards, but I am really drawn to the job, and I feel that this is what I want to do with my life.

Before I dive right into my questions, I would like to share a bit about myself. I am thirteen years old, a solid 5' 11" (still growing), very fit, and have been involved in the BSA and Scouting for almost nine years now, excelling in many subjects such as emergency preparedness, first aid, and others. I am currently holding a very important leadership position in my troop, which takes a very large amount of dedication and responsibility, and am close to graduating the BSA as the youngest Scout in my Troop to attain the Eagle Award.

I live out in a somewhat small town about 40 minutes away from LAX in California. I have always admired paramedics and their work, and want to work as one. Since I am independently studying, I do not actually attend a school five days a week, and am enrolled and have taken several community college classes at GCC.

My first questions is, what can I do now to prepare myself for EMT training. Are there any classes that would be useful that I could take at my community college? Also, what are the requirements to start EMT training?

Secondly, what is EMT-B training like? Is it one class, or do you take several classes that are required before you take and a test and recieve your certificate? Any information on this would be useful.

My last question, what would be desirable if you were looking to hire an EMT? I am working on becoming trilingual, studying Spanish and French, combined with my efforts in my e-prep and leadership training in Scouting.
I am trying to prepare myself as much as I can, by having as many desirable traits as I can, so I can offer the most in every situation.

Looking forward to learning as much as I can, and thank you very much,
Kenyon
 
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Well, you're rather long minded for a 8th/9th grader.

CA won't let you take an EMT-I class unless you are 18 by the end. You should know that most ambulance services won't let you drive if under 21; this may also preclude employment.

You've 4 years of highschool that mostly involve being a highschooler, but plan your high school classes to end up taking:
AP Biology
AP Psychology
AP English
AP Spanish
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics
Anatomy and Physiology if offered (or at the CC)
Sociology
Speech
Philosophy
Physics (preferably AP)

After school, intern at a hospital. Try to get in the ER. Make a good impression and do this for years. You can build the links you need to be an ER technician there once you get your EMT. Do this in the summer too. Expect to start out as a coffee or filing :censored::censored::censored::censored::censored:.

Get your lifeguarding certification and work that job in the summers.

If you are of age, take your EMT-I during your senior year of highschool. Otherwise, take it after highschool.

Doing the above will put you way ahead background, education, and timewise when you graduate highschool. Great! Now it is time to go to *try* to get an EMT job (maybe at that hospital you interned at, they like you now, right?) so that you can get the required field experience to go to paramedic school. Once you have met that requirement, enroll in a community college paramedic school and earn your associates degree in paramedicine. This will take you 1.5-2 years and you can work as an EMT somewhere (hopefully) in the meantime (maybe at that hospital you interned at). Congratulations. Now you have an AAS and are freshly minted medic about 21 years old with a better than average educational background and more experience than most have at that age.
 
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Hello everyone, my name is Kenyon. I am independently studying, with straight A's, and starting high school next year, and had some questions about how I should start my education to become an EMT. I understand that the job is very demanding, and that there is a high bar of standards, but I am really drawn to the job, and I feel that this is what I want to do with my life.
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Congrats! EMS can be a very rewarding and exciting career!

Before I dive right into my questions, I would like to share a bit about myself. I am thirteen years old, a solid 5' 11" (still growing), very fit, and have been involved in the BSA and Scouting for almost nine years now, excelling in many subjects such as emergency preparedness, first aid, and others. I am currently holding a very important leadership position in my troop, which takes a very large amount of dedication and responsibility, and am close to graduating the BSA as the youngest Scout in my Troop to attain the Eagle Award.
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There are very few achievements that universally impress people like an Eagle Scout. I hope that you continue to be active in your troop.

I live out in a somewhat small town about 40 minutes away from LAX in California. I have always admired paramedics and their work, and want to work as one. Since I am independently studying, I do not actually attend a school five days a week, and am enrolled and have taken several community college classes at GCC.

My first questions is, what can I do now to prepare myself for EMT training. Are there any classes that would be useful that I could take at my community college? Also, what are the requirements to start EMT training?
Click to expand...
Go to college! As the job market becomes more challenging, a college education is critical. Even though most Paramedic programs don't require a college degree, get one!

In High School I'd take four years of each of your core classes (Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies). College level Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, and Sociology, are all good courses. If you really want to have a leg up, take Spanish and American Sign Language.

Secondly, what is EMT-B training like? Is it one class, or do you take several classes that are required before you take and a test and recieve your certificate? Any information on this would be useful.
Click to expand...
This really depends on the program, so I'd look online to see what programs in your area offer. There are three nationally recognized levels of EMS:
1. EMT-Basic - 110-300+ hours of training
2. EMT-Intermediate - Additional 100+ hours of training
3. EMT-Paramedic - Additional year or two of training

The courses/certifications build, so generally in order to be an EMT-Paramedic you would need to obtain the first two certifications.

Usually you take x amount of classes (usually 110-300+ hours), and then take both a written and practical test. The written test is a traditional test of knowledge and content, while the practical test evaluates your knowledge and application of EMS skills.

My last question, what would be desirable if you were looking to hire an EMT? I am working on becoming trilingual, studying Spanish and French, combined with my efforts in my e-prep and leadership training in Scouting.
I am trying to prepare myself as much as I can, by having as many desirable traits as I can, so I can offer the most in every situation.
Click to expand...
I'd look for someone that has a strong content knowledge, has a good work ethic, and someone who shows dedication to the profession and community. Being a team player is vital, and you should always want to better yourself through additional education or experiences.

Lastly, I think that many EMTs come out of school with all of the content knowledge in the world, but have a hard time relating to people. You need to be a "people person" that can relate to your patients and colleagues.

I hope that helps. Good luck!
 
Continue doing well in high school. There will be many distractions, but keep sight of your end goal (which honestly, will probably change for you). One of the goals of your time in high school should be to get into a good college. Then, take a good dose of life sciences along with your other general education classes (social sciences, art, math).

EMT might be something you can take during the summer after high school graduation, then work part-time in the field during college if the EMS services in the area of wherever you go to school higher young. ER jobs are options, too.

You're top priorities are high school and college, though. Don't let anything distract you from that.
 
Wow! You're only thirteen? I almost choked on my beer when I read that :p Sorry. Anyway, I'm impressed. You're so young and already so far along in working towards achieving your goals. Your spelling and grammar are excellent for someone so young. You've been a member of the Scouts, so you're obviously engaged in community service. Having a passion for serving the community and for helping others is extremely important if you are to enter into this field. I'm a newbie myself, but, I have to say, I am extremely impressed by your desire to learn, to research your future career, and to ask questions -- how else would you end up on EMTLife?!

The best advice that I can give you is to always maintain a *passion* for learning, whatever the subject matter may be. You're young, so you may change your mind about what you want to do -- there's nothing wrong with that -- although, if you do go into EMS, that's fantastic! As long as you love what you do and always find amazement in what you can learn from science, medicine, etc... you will do just fine.

What I wouldn't give to be you, right now, with your entire life ahead of you, knowing what you want to do with your life at the age of thirteen, and already having started to work towards that goal. Best of luck to you!
 
As described by Summit, but also don't rush to finish your Eagle. As a Eagle Scout (w/triple Silver palms) I can attest I had seen so many hurry and rush to get their Eagle, then get burned out and quit, when in fact they missed the point of learning and teaching others. There is many of us Scouts in EMS, it attracts those of the principle drive to help others and so many other qualities the Scouting organization was based upon.

Enjoy your youth and savor the experiences of having fun and learning. EMS and work force will always be there for you, when and if you are ready. Developing leadership roles such as being a good follower is essential in this business. Learn life lessons and values as taught within the Scouting program. Explore adventures that you may never ever get to do again. You had just began the Boy Scout portion, and can still look forward to such events and trips as to Philmont and other national bases that one can develop that you will never forget.

Again, wise thinking but you have several years ahead to really be concerned about EMS. The specifics we give you now, may not be relevant by the time you are of age to be considered in this business (we only can hope).

Good luck, have fun and absorb the knowledge and skills they teach you like a sponge. Remember, Scouting teaches you ".. to be prepared"... this means much more than just in emergencies.

Respectfully,

R/r 911
 
Take your time as stated. High school is a thing you only get to live once. As cliched as it sounds..it is the best years of your life. You will spend many summers long after your graduate talking with your friends and telling the same story 100times..and it is funny. Take it from someone who had to transfer to independent study to help with family finances. I worked full time and went to highschool. I missed out on alot. Eagle Scouts, I cant talk on, I was never one and what not.

Again as stated take your time, do your core classes, when you hit senior year enjoy it, take a few A&P classes, but senior year is a year I regret never having, so enjoy it while you can. The real world is hell..dont rush into it.
 
Thank You Everyone!

Thank you all very much for your thoughts and advice

Summit- Thank you very much for the list of classes, I will absolutely look into all of those classes, and maybe even more! I also have started to consider your advice on life guarding, as I know many public pools locally that are hiring lifeguards and junior lifeguards to watch over their areas. I may even start my Junior lifeguard training this summer/fall.

MMiz- Thank you for your recommendations on college classes, your encouragement for my Scouting, and your clarification on how the training works, and what you would look for in an ideal EMT. Your advice is extremely helpful, and has helped me explain to myself and others what I have ahead of me.

AnthonyM83, Maya, Ridryder911, and VFFforpeople- Thank you all for your encouraging words and helpful advice. I look forward to working at achieving my goals, and am glad to have found such an amazing forum, which is teeming with information for me to absorb and contemplate.

Again, thank you all very much, I'm grateful for your advice and pointers,
Kenyon ^_^
 
Studying for EMT Program Entrance Exam...

I am currently enrolled in the NAIT EMT assessment exam in Sept in Edmonton, AB and wondering the best way to study for it. It consists of a one hundred multiple choice EMR exam as well as a scenario and an interview. A highly competitive program as it usually only accepts 20 students a year...

Any Suggestions
Thanks
 
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