EMT Training (Michigan)

[sciencebooks]

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Hello,


I am thoroughly considering completing training to become an EMT-basic while an undergraduate student so I can work part-time while in school to earn both money and clinical experience.

However, I'm a bit confused about how the training works and was hoping somebody might be able to clear this up for me.

I know that the Emergency Medical Technology Department at a local community college offers training, but on their page, they list the Medical First Responder certificate first. Do I have to receive this before beginning EMT-B training? Also, to receive an EMT-B certificate, it says I must take these classes: Basic EMT I, Basic EMT II, and Basic EMT Clinical Experience 1. Are these classes taken concurrently or is one a prerequisite to the next? And once the classes are completed would I have my certificate and just need to take the National Registry test? Also, these classes total 9 credit hours so would the price of my training be the price of those 9 credit hours plus the price of the test?

Any help would be nice! I was planning on contacting the department, but could find no direct contact information.

 

[BurghStudent]

I can't relate since my course was just one class for about two months and then I got state certified. Most of your questions will best be answered by the in-charge at CC.

When you get your state certification you get a number. That's how you register to take the NREMT.

To contact them try calling the CC itself and they'll direct you.

 

[sciencebooks]

I can't relate since my course was just one class for about two months and then I got state certified. Most of your questions will best be answered by the in-charge at CC.

When you get your state certification you get a number. That's how you register to take the NREMT.

To contact them try calling the CC itself and they'll direct you.

Who did you take the course through? I'd much rather do something like that, but am not having much luck finding anything near.

 

[BurghStudent]

Well its not in your state, it's in Pennsylvania.

The course was $350 since I go OOS here. I would suggest finding a more brief program. Not to sacrifice quality, but after taking this course I can tell you I find it odd that it takes so much to get your EMT-B where you are looking into. Look around and see. If there isn't then I am afraid the CC might be your only option.

EDIT: a quick search brought this up http://lifesupporttraining.org/EMS/EMTBasic.html

 

[cristianb36]

same here. just finished a course in 6 weeks and taking care of nremt right now. I am in california, but i'm sure its the same where you are at. I would try to find a quicker course somewhere. Even out here they have courses that take 18 weeks--waaaay too long for this simple job.

 

[UTsksk]

Lucky. I think I'm going to be stuck taking it at a college(18 hours!) to just get my certificate. It's pretty ridiculous that I can't find a short program and have to take an entire semester. Gotta hate certain parts of Texas for doing this to students

 

[sciencebooks]

Well its not in your state, it's in Pennsylvania.

The course was $350 since I go OOS here. I would suggest finding a more brief program. Not to sacrifice quality, but after taking this course I can tell you I find it odd that it takes so much to get your EMT-B where you are looking into. Look around and see. If there isn't then I am afraid the CC might be your only option.

EDIT: a quick search brought this up http://lifesupporttraining.org/EMS/EMTBasic.html

WOW! That seems much cheaper than the prices I'm seeing here! And I'd much rather take a more rapid-running course. Thanks for the site. I had looked at it earlier, but I thought it was further away for some reason, but now looking closer it's not a bad drive. The area code just intimidated me, but it's well worth it to drive a little further for a more simply based course.

 

[sciencebooks]

same here. just finished a course in 6 weeks and taking care of nremt right now. I am in california, but i'm sure its the same where you are at. I would try to find a quicker course somewhere. Even out here they have courses that take 18 weeks--waaaay too long for this simple job.

So you found the courses to be pretty easy then?

 

[sciencebooks]

Lucky. I think I'm going to be stuck taking it at a college(18 hours!) to just get my certificate. It's pretty ridiculous that I can't find a short program and have to take an entire semester. Gotta hate certain parts of Texas for doing this to students

That's what I thought to, but fortunately, I think I won't have to. Look closely and you might be able to find something briefer... Even if it means increasing your drive a little bit, it might be worth it.

 

[Handinhand]

I've not heard of an EMT-Basic class that doesn't last a whole semester. Why is that such a big deal anyways? A WHOLE SEMESTER!? God, sounds grueling.

As for the three classes, they probably segment them into the different areas of the class. One is probably a lecture on material, the second is probably application of material and learning procedural stuff, and the third is your clinical, which I'm pretty sure is a nationally mandated part of the course.

 

[BurghStudent]

It just seemed odd because there were so many segments. We had two segments that were integrated, lecture and lab. Lecture to get the logistics down, and lab to simulate situations.

WOW! That seems much cheaper than the prices I'm seeing here!

In state students had it even better - $250.

We did have an optional clinical rotation, but it was another $150.

BTW sciencebooks, I would look into that center to make sure everything is kosher, before making any monetary commitments. I did not look too much into it myself.

 

[mic2377]

My EMT-B class was an entire semester, 4 months long, and contained all of the components you described. I was glad that it was a longer class since it was designed to prepare students for seeking an ALS credential later.

It was quite easy to pass the class, but not actually that easy to do exceptionally well in. My class also had ride-alongs with various agencies, and I think they now require EMT-B students to do a 1 ER and 1 EMS shift to graduate.

Just remember, EMS is a large time investment, no matter what. I can't recommend doing it concurrently along with a full undergrad credit load.

 

[sciencebooks]

So I've found a nice program nearby that is not affiliated with a community college. The only problem is the price... It's $1,2500. I almost think that paying for 9 credit hours at the local CC would be cheaper, especially with summer tuition rates.

 

[buffywannabe]

I may be totally off base here but I am pretty sure a basic class is a basic class. whether or not it goes a whole semester is just how many hours per week you take it. My class had to be 144 hours because i am from WI but I am pretty sure the NREMT requires that a basic class to be atleast ~130 hours.

For clarification, those who took it in 6weeks would have been taking an intensive course with 16+ hours/week.

Also someone asked about the coursework. If you read the book, it is painfully easy. If you don't read the book it depends on your knowledge of anatomy. Most stuff you need to know is lectured on, so if you can learn just from lecture you will be fine. 🙂

 

[buffywannabe]

Also, I know many people who found a service before they took the class. The service then paid for their class. I assume you are taking this to actually run with a service, so would check into that if I were you. you will probably have to take the class of their choice, but it would be worth it if it were free right? Also when you get your temps you would get great hands on practice. 🙂

 

[ArkansasRanger]

Hello,


I am thoroughly considering completing training to become an EMT-basic while an undergraduate student so I can work part-time while in school to earn both money and clinical experience.

However, I'm a bit confused about how the training works and was hoping somebody might be able to clear this up for me.

I know that the Emergency Medical Technology Department at a local community college offers training, but on their page, they list the Medical First Responder certificate first. Do I have to receive this before beginning EMT-B training? Also, to receive an EMT-B certificate, it says I must take these classes: Basic EMT I, Basic EMT II, and Basic EMT Clinical Experience 1. Are these classes taken concurrently or is one a prerequisite to the next? And once the classes are completed would I have my certificate and just need to take the National Registry test? Also, these classes total 9 credit hours so would the price of my training be the price of those 9 credit hours plus the price of the test?

Any help would be nice! I was planning on contacting the department, but could find no direct contact information.

Your best bet would be to call, by phone, the EMT department yourself. That college department and state could both vary widely in their requirements as compared to the other 49 states.

I think it's a good idea to take it though. Good luck. It'll be fun.

 

[deleted248403]

Couldnt disagree with JJFoshay more.

Ive been an EMT for 5yrs now in CT and MA, love every minute of it. Its not glamorous thats for sure, but nor is being a doc. There is a lesson there to be learned.

 

[BurghStudent]

I agree as well. Many times the EMTs are just driving. But sometimes, depending on the area you could be doing actual patient assessment. What I plan to do is become a patient care tech or a nursing assistant. The experience will be in the hospital and, if you are seeking restitution, they pay better, at least where I am.

This is a site that helped me prepare. Free quizzes and access to skills sheets.

http://www.emtb.com/9e/

 

[medictim84]

same here. just finished a course in 6 weeks and taking care of nremt right now. I am in california, but i'm sure its the same where you are at. I would try to find a quicker course somewhere. Even out here they have courses that take 18 weeks--waaaay too long for this simple job.

That simple job involves people's lives and your mistakes could cost someone their life. No offense but this kind of mentality is why there's so many crappy EMTs out there who paramedics wouldn't trust to spike an IV bag let alone anything else.

Hell, it's this mentality that makes me want to stay on a dual medic unit permanently so I don't have to worry about my EMT screwing up since I'm liable for his/her actions.

My EMT-B class was an entire semester, 4 months long, and contained all of the components you described. I was glad that it was a longer class since it was designed to prepare students for seeking an ALS credential later.

It was quite easy to pass the class, but not actually that easy to do exceptionally well in. My class also had ride-alongs with various agencies, and I think they now require EMT-B students to do a 1 ER and 1 EMS shift to graduate.

Just remember, EMS is a large time investment, no matter what. I can't recommend doing it concurrently along with a full undergrad credit load.

I don't know about the time investment...full-time I would agree but honestly EMT is probably one of the best part-time jobs you can do while in college. Why? You make about the same as you would with an on-campus job, it's all shift work so you can get all the hours for the week done in 1-2 shifts at once if you're part-time and you're not necessarily always working so you can study inbetween calls.

I agree as well. Many times the EMTs are just driving. But sometimes, depending on the area you could be doing actual patient assessment. What I plan to do is become a patient care tech or a nursing assistant. The experience will be in the hospital and, if you are seeking restitution, they pay better, at least where I am.

This is a site that helped me prepare. Free quizzes and access to skills sheets.

http://www.emtb.com/9e/

Yeah, entirely depends on the area....if you're working on an EMT/medic rig this will absolutely be the case unless the medic is an old crusty who BLSs a lot of calls. For a new EMT I would think the person would want to be on a dual EMT rig (BLS only) so they take turns doing pt assessments, etc. On the other hand though, even though you're driving once you leave the scene and start heading to the hospital, you learn a ****load from working with a medic since you get to see more of what can be done.

 

[Fedekz]

Hello,


I am thoroughly considering completing training to become an EMT-basic while an undergraduate student so I can work part-time while in school to earn both money and clinical experience.

However, I'm a bit confused about how the training works and was hoping somebody might be able to clear this up for me.

I know that the Emergency Medical Technology Department at a local community college offers training, but on their page, they list the Medical First Responder certificate first. Do I have to receive this before beginning EMT-B training? Also, to receive an EMT-B certificate, it says I must take these classes: Basic EMT I, Basic EMT II, and Basic EMT Clinical Experience 1. Are these classes taken concurrently or is one a prerequisite to the next? And once the classes are completed would I have my certificate and just need to take the National Registry test? Also, these classes total 9 credit hours so would the price of my training be the price of those 9 credit hours plus the price of the test?

Any help would be nice! I was planning on contacting the department, but could find no direct contact information.

There are no pre-req's for EMT-B (usually), and Medical First Responder is the level below EMT-B's; you can't really do much with a FR, because you can't work on an ambulance. I'm not sure about the three classes, mine was one 3 month long class. I'm guessing the EMT-B clinical experience is your ambulance ride time, or hospital internship, which is usually 12-24 hours (1 - 2 shifts). You have to pay for the price to test on top of the price of the course, they are seperate fees. It is $70 for the NREMT-B written exam, and $60 for the NREMT-B practical exam, so $130 on top of the course fees.

 

[deleted248403]

Overall this was a great post!

That simple job involves people's lives and your mistakes could cost someone their life. No offense but this kind of mentality is why there's so many crappy EMTs out there who paramedics wouldn't trust to spike an IV bag let alone anything else.

Hell, it's this mentality that makes me want to stay on a dual medic unit permanently so I don't have to worry about my EMT screwing up since I'm liable for his/her actions.

Any EMT will tell you that its always the simple call that starts swirl the drain and the s*** hits the fan. Its the stupid dialysis patient who decides to code on you when you are a BLS crew with no medic, and then this simple job means that patient is relying on you to survive.

I don't know about the time investment...full-time I would agree but honestly EMT is probably one of the best part-time jobs you can do while in college. Why? You make about the same as you would with an on-campus job, it's all shift work so you can get all the hours for the week done in 1-2 shifts at once if you're part-time and you're not necessarily always working so you can study inbetween calls.

Agreed - i did it as an undergrad and it was the best paying on campus job easy. It was $2 an hr more than any other job. Its hard to beat for a pre-med student looking to work. You can make even more working PT for a commercial service

Yeah, entirely depends on the area....if you're working on an EMT/medic rig this will absolutely be the case unless the medic is an old crusty who BLSs a lot of calls. For a new EMT I would think the person would want to be on a dual EMT rig (BLS only) so they take turns doing pt assessments, etc. On the other hand though, even though you're driving once you leave the scene and start heading to the hospital, you learn a ****load from working with a medic since you get to see more of what can be done.

Agreed once more - its all area dependent. I work for a town service but we provide 911 coverage for the town. We run 2 EMT-Bs and a paramedic for ALS calls, and just the two EMTs for the BLS calls. You get to see a ton of neat stuff and if you want you can ride in the ALS calls with the medic and watch and learn. BLS calls can be cool too - lots of relatively simple trauma (broken bones, lacs) are BLS but offer good learning experiences. You'll see learn how to interact smoothly and efficiently with the hospitals as you transfer care.
It might also lead to an ED job if you wanted it in the future