is a EMT BASIC course a good idea?

[AP Tenorio]

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I am a nontrad student and I am currently a junior. I have been taking alot of my pre reqs at a community college. Will this hurt me? I have heard that my coursework is the same or even more difficult than the university(local), mostly because the classes are smaller,and the teachers give out more work, also, alot of the teachers teach at the University. My second question, I decided to take an EMT BASIC course, is this a good idea. I will be taking General BIo II and Calc II, as well. Will this be to much work? Are there any students thta have taken the EMT BASIC? Thanks for the imput!!!!

 

[Auricae]

I did the EMT basic course and it was great. I also worked as an EMT for a couple years, so that really boosted my resume ( I did this part-time while taking classes). It's definitely a resume booster and something that makes you more unique.

I would suggest doing the EMT course during the summer. It's a lot of material to throw in with a full-time college curriculum.

As far as the community college classes, it's usually recommended that you take classes at the best school possible. I can't say how these classes will be looked at by the admissions com. If it were me, I would stick to taking the classes at my home university (assuming it had a better rep).

 

[ixitixl]

Take the EMT course only if you intend to use the skills. It's not going to help you on your application if you just have a license and aren't doing anything with it.

You probably should not take your pre-reqs at community college. ADCOMS look down upon that sort of thing unless you have a compelling reason for it.

 

[Auricae]

Originally posted by ixitixl
Take the EMT course only if you intend to use the skills. It's not going to help you on your application if you just have a license and aren't doing anything with it.

This is only mostly true. Being certified alone without work experience still reflects an interest in medicine. Although it would be better that you have actual work experience, the fact that you are certified as an EMT demonstrates a passion for medicine outside of the classroom (at least, this is how you should spin it).

 

[ixitixl]

Auricae:
Your logic makes sense and for the most part I agree. However, I did have an interview where having a license and not using it somewhat disappointed the adcom.

 

[exilio]

Originally posted by ixitixl
You probably should not take your pre-reqs at community college. ADCOMS look down upon that sort of thing unless you have a compelling reason for it.

I would respectfully disagree.

1) Many people don't have the luxury of choice when it comes to deciding when to take these classes. I would not take anything beyond general biology and chemistry at the CC level.

2) If you wait until you xfer to do the pre-reqs you could have done at the CC level, you are adding 1-2 years to your time in undergrad studies.

3) From all that I have rad ont his board, in speaking with doctors and in speaking with California adcoms...getting some of your pre-req sciences at the CC level WILL NOT affect your application. With the caveat, take some decent high level science courses when you transfer.

So going the CC path should be fine, just be sure to plan ahead, that's what I am doing and it really helps. I too have my EMT ceritication, but I don't have time to use it. In NorthernCal there are TONS of EMT's and not enough jobs. And most EMT companies do understand the studnets life, but they still have needs for you to be there more than you may be able to handle.

I am taking 20 units this quarter, and I just don't have the time. So you just need to evaluate your own invidual circumstances.

Good luck! 👍