EMT and med school

[germy99]

I have been reading a lot in the forums and I always wondered about the EMT. Anyways, is it worth it to be an EMT before applying to med school in terms of the work experience? Do adcoms see it as valuable experience? I know it is bad to become one just to be able to write it on your application, but I don't know a lot about this and just wanted to see if anyone who has done it can tell me more about it. How long does it usually take to get an EMT-B? and what are you able to do with a basic certification?
http://www.unitekeducation.com/emt_...e=5612515947&gclid=CNLHvsmLma4CFacbQgodM0CFIg
saw this EMT boot camp thing that says it only takes 14 days to become certified. Could it really be that fast?
Thanks

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[sliceofbread136]

I have been reading a lot in the forums and I always wondered about the EMT. Anyways, is it worth it to be an EMT before applying to med school in terms of the work experience? Do adcoms see it as valuable experience? I know it is bad to become one just to be able to write it on your application, but I don't know a lot about this and just wanted to see if anyone who has done it can tell me more about it. How long does it usually take to get an EMT-B? and what are you able to do with a basic certification?
http://www.unitekeducation.com/emt_...e=5612515947&gclid=CNLHvsmLma4CFacbQgodM0CFIg
saw this EMT boot camp thing that says it only takes 14 days to become certified. Could it really be that fast?
Thanks

It's not as good as most premeds think. However it will add to your application and is a great way to make some dough.

 

[Propylene]

You could get certified in that amount of time but it'd be something like 10 hours a day for the whole two weeks. Most classes are about 5 hours a week for 3 months.

It's nice knowing that you can at least help out a little in most emergency situations, but to get the most out of your certification you'll need to get a job. With an EMT-B, you can work for a private medical or ambulance company, or in an emergency room as an ER technician.The experiences between different jobs can vary greatly. At one job, I would sit and wait for 8 hours in a first aid room without seeing a patient, and on my next, I saw a couple patients an hour, easily. At least in my area jobs are hard to come unless you have some experience.

EMT is a great experience, but don't look at it as the be all end all of pre-med activities. You'll still have to get regular clinical experience to see how doctors work in a daily setting.

 

[sylvanthus]

It is only useful if you use the certification for something. Just getting certified will not help you, but if you do something with it, ADCOMS will notice.

 

[mmmmd]

If you get your EMT, then when you are out and about and witness a medical emergency, it's all you until the fire department arrives. This, some volunteering at a free clinic, and a couple ride-alongs with the fire department, are all that I've done with my EMT to date. Like others said, unless you use your certification then the certification means nothing.

 

[dougfunnie]

hmmmm that website looks a little sketchy to me (and super expensive). I would definitely opt for a local class, either through your university or local community college where many other pre-meds will be taking the class. These classes will also be taught by local EMS professionals/education specialists with local EMS experience. They can explain the local job market and volunteer opportunities to you and can teach you with local and state protocols/standing orders in mind. This is all, of course, if you want to volunteer with a 911 service.

If you don't think you'll use your certification for 911 transports (ER tech, other clinical/first aid uses), then it really doesn't matter. Also keep in mind that an EMT-B certification is a lot of class hours. In my state, there is an attendance threshold and an hour requirement (>160). Every state is well over 100 hours. Only take the class if you are seriously interested in EMS and really plan to use your certification because there are much better ways to spend your time than sitting in a class learning about things you won't use.

And while we're on the issue, it's not BAD to get the cert and do nothing with it, it just won't impress anyone. A great analogy I like to use: you wouldn't list "Fluent in Spanish" as an activity and then write about the medical Spanish class you took in the description. Who cares? You would, however, list "Medical Interpreter at Free Clinic" as a volunteer activity on your AMCAS because that would be very impressive. In the same way, you are wasting a space by listing your EMT-B training as an activity, but you would certainly want to list "Volunteer EMT-B at X Volunteer Fire Department," 12 hours/week. Taking a class won't help your application, but if you do something with it, it definitely will!

 

[germy99]

Thanks for the information guys. I was only interested in the accelerated program because I couldn't find a regular program that would fit with my class schedule and clinical volunteering/research etc. I would much rather complete the course over a course of 3-4 months (it'd be cheaper too) if I can find one.

 

[Omppu27]

Thanks for the information guys. I was only interested in the accelerated program because I couldn't find a regular program that would fit with my class schedule and clinical volunteering/research etc. I would much rather complete the course over a course of 3-4 months (it'd be cheaper too) if I can find one.

I just got done with my program and got certified a couple weeks ago. My program was monday and wednesday nights from 6-10 and when for about 5/6 months. I've heard of the 2 week boot camp. after taking my program i couldn't imagine doing it all in 2 weeks and being ready to pass the national registry.

Right now i'm applying for private jobs and almost everywhere is hiring so i hope i can land one soon. as far as what i've heard, privates deal mostly with transportation from hospital to hospital, but also do some 911 calls when the FD's are backed up (which in my area isn't too rare.). As far as working as a tech, all the hospitals i've looked at require a year of experience working so that's basically out of the question for me...

Overall, like everyone has said, if you actually use the cert then i think you can learn a lot and it could be a great addition to your app

 

[dougfunnie]

If you're already busy I would recommend taking it over the summer. Most community colleges have a night/weekend schedule for these classes. Good luck! EMS is an awesome experience!

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

I wouldn't do it. I want to be a doctor, not a EMT. Besides, it's not that great of an EC unless you get a job, and I hear it's hard to get one these days. I don't want to do anything that is too much of a filler.

 

[EnergyDrink]

Getting a cert is useless. I've seen people who were mildly ******ed pass the national test. If you volunteer in a responding unit, then its a great EC. Transport is boring.

It will give you a lot of interesting things to talk about in an interview. I'm a firefighter/rescuer/EMT and its one of the most exciting experiences out there, not just an EC, but extremely fun.

I wouldn't do it. I want to be a doctor, not a EMT.

You can use this reasoning for anything short of being a doctor.