Hets said:
Does anyone know or have any info about the best EMT programs in PA, specifically Pittsburgh?
How long does an EMT program generally take?
Hey bro I dont have any specific info on EMS programs in PA but here is the link to your state EMS office, they can point you in the right direction.
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=170&Q=203353
Also, here is the link to the national registry of emergency medical technicians. They process all certifications and develop the standardized tests we have to pass.
http://www.nremt.org/about/nremt_news.asp
Generally and EMT-Basic courses are once or twice a week for 4 months. During this time you practice skills and get your HCP-CPR certification. At the end of the course you apply to the national registry to take your written and practical exam. The written exam is 150 questions and a 70% is required to pass. The practical exam consists of:
1. Trauma Assessment
2. Medical Assessment
3. Cardiac Arrest Management
4. Spinal Immobilization
5. Bag Valve Mask on an Apneic Patient
6. A Random Skill Station (splinting, joint immobilization, shock, airway insertion)
The whole process takes about 6 months assuming you are ready to go to registry after your course and all you paper work is in order.
If you know this already sorry but hopefully the sites can point you in the right direction. In my experience community colleges tend to have the best EMS programs simply because they offer EMS as a major or career tract so they have all the resources to teach their students. Good luck, EMS is a great experience you really get to help people when they need it most, it is awesome.
