Regarding ER tech

[Adamska]

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I haven't been able to find anything regarding qualifications for applying to be one. I'll have my EMT-B by the end of the summer and want to work as one as a way to get some real clinical experience. However, I know that the job requires previous work in the area...so what's the best way to do this?

 

[G1SG2]

I haven't been able to find anything regarding qualifications for applying to be one. I'll have my EMT-B by the end of the summer and want to work as one as a way to get some real clinical experience. However, I know that the job requires previous work in the area...so what's the best way to do this?

I'm not sure I understand your question. There are hospitals that employ EMTs in the ER. Is that what you're looking into?

 

[Adamska]

yeah, using my EMT to volunteer in the ER (as opposed to ambulance runs, which would keep me out of the hospital) is something I'd really like to do.

 

[DocJMH85]

hey i'm an ER tech at a Level 1 trauma center, the requirements are Basic EMT and phlebotomy experience (atleast where I work). I would call the hospital that you want to work at and get ahold of the clinical manager of the Emergency Dept, that shows him/her that you really want the job, just explain yourself that you are trying to gain experience and hopefully it works out for you.

good luck!

If you need to know anything else just ask.

 

[mic2377]

The best option is to get a CNA certification. If I am correct, you can write the state CNA exam w/o taking the class (at least where I live). Then, with both the EMT-B and CNA, that is the ideal combination to start seeking employment.

However, it will be tough to make it into being an ER tech, as these positions are more coveted than general NA positions (which can really stink, in a literal sense).

As an entry-level certification, don't expect to be able to pick and choose. The EMT-B cert is intended for those on the ambulance, not in a generic hospital setting.

 

[DocJMH85]

I forgot to mention that their has to be an opening for the position and then apply for it, obviously.

 

[gonj]

Most places require 1 year riding ambulance (unless you know someone).

 

[meliora27]

I applied for some ER tech jobs after getting my EMT-B and heard nothing. I started applying again after working for six months on an ambulance and got two offers. YMMV.

 

[shaggybill]

Before you do anything else, make sure that the EMT-B is the necessary requirement for an ER tech job in your state. I learned the hard way that it's not around here. Here in NC, you have to be a CNA to be a tech. What's nice about that is that you don't have to take a class to become one. I just studied a few hours the night before the state exam and then took it. It's really really easy. An EMT-B is more knowledge than you actually need to be an ER tech. An NA is geared more to the work you'll actually be doing as a tech.

 

[meliora27]

Shaggybill offers good advice. Make sure you look at the job requirements. Some positions are exclusively EMT-B/P while others accept CNA. While the EMT course is not difficult, don't waste your time and/or money if it's not needed for what you're trying to do.

 

[byurazorhog]

Has anyone actually worked as an EMT-B or ER tech while going to school full time and doing your science pre-reqs? I really want to have some clinical experience by becoming an EMT-B and then parlaying that into getting a tech job. I've heard most people say that a typical EMT or tech shift is 12 hours long. This wouldn't work with my school schedule at all. How do people manage this while carrying a full load? Are there shorter shifts? Even if I just volunteer with an EMS company, how much time am I expected to do on one shift? I'd like to be clear before plunging into an EMT class.

 

[gonj]

pretty sure it depends on the ambulance co. i knew an emtb who worked ft and went to school ft. he did 3 12s on the weekends: sat-sun-mon or something similar. 8 hr shifts and pt shifts were also available. use your interwebs. around here, the ambulance provider's have this kind of info their websites. also, in your emtb classes you'll meet people who know this kind of info about the local service providers for one reason or another.

 

[Zaibatsu]

I'm not an EMT nor a CNA but I applied for the job with a year of volunteering experience. I trained as a PCT and studied for the MCAT last summer. This whole school year I've worked 24 hours a week as a tech and finished up some pre-reqs full time as I'd found out about early decision in October.

The positions in my ER are very coveted too; you have to be the right person at the right time. We do everything under phlebotomy including EKG's, catheters, splints and patient transport. I just used it as a stepping stone for med school and as a resume booster but it pays ok: 11-12 an hour.

 

[shaggybill]

In my ER, there are a few weekend-only positions for techs, etc that are 12 hour shifts. I work Friday night 11pm-11am, and then the same shift Saturday night. It's not ideal, but it pays the bills.