ztwebb said:
Hey guys. I'm a college senior looking to start EMT classes next fall or this summer if classes are available. I was wondering if any of you knew training schools near the winston-salem area and where I could get more information about them? Also, since I am new to this, how long does it take to become an EMT-basic, EMT-I, EMT-P? Thanks!
Zach
I can't answer the first part of the question (Salem, etc...)...but I can tell you how long the process is for B,I, P.
To become a B, it usually will take 6 months. However, some FD's and companies have crash courses that are 3 weeks long as well. I took the 6 month course (approx. 120 hours), but sometimes I wish I just took the crash course because 6 months was too long in my opinion.
To become an I, I would suggest like 1 year of experience as a BLS provider (EMT-B) before going through the EMT-I phase. I'm not an EMT-I but I'm an Aide/Driver for an ambulance...I'll be starting EMT-I training hopefully in September (I've been a EMT-b little over a year).
Some programs can push you from EMT-B to EMT-I to EMT-P in little less than 2 years; however, I wouldn't suggest it because although EMT-B skills are relatively easy, you really need to be a confident INDEPENDENT BLS provider before starting up with the EMT-I part.
EMT-I programs can be anywhere from 9-12 months long. Then, after you become nationally registered as an I, you can then enter a P program which will be about 5-6 more months.
The EMT-I to P program i'm heading into is a total of 18 months long (a little less than two years).
Hope this helps.
P.S. There are some really fast programs (6 months to become an EMT-P), and then there are some programs that take a long time like at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County ...it takes approx. 2 1/2 years to become an EMT-P.
Pick your poison.
