Should i enroll for an EMT or CNA course?

[XeReX]

hey guys i am 18 yrs old and going to University of Connecticut as a premed student in fall 2010. I was just wandering if it will be possible for me to enroll in an EMT or CNA program at a local Community college. i know that it takes almost 9 months or a year to get a certificate in courses like these. I was just wandering that if its a good idea to enroll in these programs along with metting my premed prerequisites at University of Connecticut. i will be able to get more patient care and be able to get more health related jobs if i have some sort of health related diploma or a certificate.
If you guys can shed some light on this idea that should i do it or not? or would it be possible to keep a balance between premed(college)coursework and the EMT or CNA courses?

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[bonsaitree1]

hey guys i am 18 yrs old and going to University of Connecticut as a premed student in fall 2010. I was just wandering if it will be possible for me to enroll in an EMT or CNA program at a local Community college. i know that it takes almost 9 months or a year to get a certificate in courses like these. I was just wandering that if its a good idea to enroll in these programs along with metting my premed prerequisites at University of Connecticut. i will be able to get more patient care and be able to get more health related jobs if i have some sort of health related diploma or a certificate.
If you guys can shed some light on this idea that should i do it or not? or would it be possible to keep a balance between premed(college)coursework and the EMT or CNA courses?

Probably not worth it if it'll detract from your premed coursework.

Spend your free time: 1) shadowing, 2) volunteering at hospital 3) research 4) racking up leadership experience

Those 4 things are more valuable than a EMT certificate. You are still young.

 

[organdonor]

I wouldn't bother getting either of those certificates. If CNA type work is something that interests you, look into becoming a patient care technician/patient care associate at a hospital. In my state you must have a CNA to work in a nursing home, but not in a hospital. The hospital trains you on site in a couple weeks. There really isn't a whole lot to turning patients, picking them up, and checking blood pressures so I don't know what all the extra fluff in the CNA courses is.

I needed a job to pay the bills in undergrad, so I applied everywhere. I was stoked when the local hospital called me back, but the only available job was in food service. I took it since I needed the money. After a year in that job, I had enough connections to transfer into a PCT position. Don't be afraid to take a less desireable job in a healthcare facility with the hopes of transferring. You'd be surprised how far a little word of mouth can get you. You've got plenty of time to build up the average 800-1000 clinical hours. That is just 20 hrs/ week for one year of patient care experience.

If EMT type work interests you more, look into becoming a first responder for your local fire department. Your chances increase if it is a volunteer fire department. Some rural ambulance services are also looking for volunteers to drive the trucks while an EMT is working with the patient. I considered getting my EMT-B, but as it was offered as a summer course at the CC it overlapped with my Fall courses at my uni.

 

[illegallysmooth]

Search like hell for a job as a nursing assistant that doesn't require a CNA. Even some of the jobs that "require" a CNA will let you slide because of your education and goals. People with CNAs usually do not have college degrees, they are basically vocational programs geared toward people who will NOT be following your pathway. Employers like the CNA because it means the applicant has SOME education and SOME health background.

I know many hospitals in my area that hire non-certified NAs and MAs. There are some areas of the country where it is less common, but it is certainly worth your while to try.

Contact hiring managers in departments you like (ED is great experience), explain your education thus far (like medicine or science-related coursework you're set to take), and ask to schedule a short meeting.

NA, MA, PCA, ITA, etc - look for these jobs too.

 

[portlandpixie]

It's worthwhile if you actually DO something with your EMT certification. If you don't think you'll have time to be an EMT, then don't get the certification. There's no point in doing the class if you're not going to actually use it for anything. Plus, it'll look bad if you have it but you aren't a working EMT. I'm starting an EMT-b class next week it goes for 3 months, twice a week for 8 hours each. Sounds a lot but I'll be certified (hopefully) by beginning of September. The reason I decided to sign up for the class was because I realized that I wanted more "hands-on" experience. I was volunteering at the local ED and I just got sooo bored all the time. Granted, the ED I was working at was very underpopulated b/c it was a smaller hospital. Anyways, the only thing I did as a volunteer was clean beds, make beds, stock, stock stock. I loved being in the ER but I wanted to be able to be more than just a volunteer.

But that's just my experience as a volunteer, specifically at that hospital. I'm volunteering now at a different hospital (moved home for the summer) and it's so much more stimulating that if I hadn't volunteered at the other hospital, I probably would have never even thought about becoming an EMT. But I'm glad I did because I think it'll be a good fit.

Anyways, good luck!

 

[boaz]

I can't say anything about ability to balance the course work. But CNA is better than EMT (assuming you actually work afterward) as it's more clinical intensive.

 

[apumic]

I can't say anything about ability to balance the course work. But CNA is better than EMT (assuming you actually work afterward) as it's more clinical intensive.

Umm... EMT jobs provide much better clinical experiences around here at least. CNAs change bed pans. That's not very clinically-relevant. EMTs can get jobs as ER Techs and such that actually do some decent clinical work. They also receive some assessment training and such that makes them more useful for the more interesting types of volunteer positions. I'd have to disagree that CNAs get more clinically intensive work. In my experience, this is exactly the reverse of reality. Of course, out in the field an EMT can get FAR more clinically "intense" work but I'd generally suggest avoiding fieldwork as an EMT as this limits your interaction w/ other medical professionals.

 

[pavlovb]

hey guys i am 18 yrs old and going to University of Connecticut as a premed student in fall 2010. I was just wandering if it will be possible for me to enroll in an EMT or CNA program at a local Community college. i know that it takes almost 9 months or a year to get a certificate in courses like these. I was just wandering that if its a good idea to enroll in these programs along with metting my premed prerequisites at University of Connecticut. i will be able to get more patient care and be able to get more health related jobs if i have some sort of health related diploma or a certificate.
If you guys can shed some light on this idea that should i do it or not? or would it be possible to keep a balance between premed(college)coursework and the EMT or CNA courses?

Have you ever thought about fulfilling the clinical experience? CNA is the absolute CHECK. Go for it. I work as a CNA now, and let me tell you, my interaction with the patients is beyond belief. Med Schools need to see that you have interest working with people on a very personal level. Ignore the comments before that, and pursue the CNA certification. Anyone can shadow and walk like a puppet behind a doctor, but few can prove to themselves and the ADCOMS that MEdicine is what they are truly pursuing. Think about it.

 

[PreMedder]

Get 2 jobs: ER Tech + EMT (field work) = success.

 

[morning]

Umm... EMT jobs provide much better clinical experiences around here at least. CNAs change bed pans. That's not very clinically-relevant. EMTs can get jobs as ER Techs and such that actually do some decent clinical work. They also receive some assessment training and such that makes them more useful for the more interesting types of volunteer positions. I'd have to disagree that CNAs get more clinically intensive work. In my experience, this is exactly the reverse of reality. Of course, out in the field an EMT can get FAR more clinically "intense" work but I'd generally suggest avoiding fieldwork as an EMT as this limits your interaction w/ other medical professionals.

EMT is preferable for a pre-med, IMO, but you're going to have to learn how to deal with poop, the genitalia of the elderly, patients who hate you and/or do not care that you exist, and superiors that do not give a **** for you. In that respect, the CNA training should impart some valuable lessons in endurance.

 

[TxMedic22]

Personally, I think it would be much more relevant and you would get much more experience being an EMT. As an EMT you can work in the field or in the hospital (as a tech). Field work will teach you interpersonal skills, assessment skills, and the ability to think and make decisions on your own. All very important skills to have. In an ER, you wont get the assessment or decision-making, but a good hospital staff will teach you procedures (IVs, setting up ECGs, foleys) and you have the opportunity to learn as much as the nurse is willing to teach you. I work as a Paramedic for the city fire/ems and for a private ambulance. My partners are always EMTs, many of whom I would prefer to have over most LVNs, especially over CNAs. Autonomy and the ability to assess a pt and a situation are very important traits to have when working with pts, imo.

 

[boaz]

Umm... EMT jobs provide much better clinical experiences around here at least. CNAs change bed pans. That's not very clinically-relevant. EMTs can get jobs as ER Techs and such that actually do some decent clinical work. They also receive some assessment training and such that makes them more useful for the more interesting types of volunteer positions. I'd have to disagree that CNAs get more clinically intensive work. In my experience, this is exactly the reverse of reality. Of course, out in the field an EMT can get FAR more clinically "intense" work but I'd generally suggest avoiding fieldwork as an EMT as this limits your interaction w/ other medical professionals.

My idea of clinical "intensity" is level of exposure to the day-to-day work of a doctor. The typical EMT gets to see some pretty intense stuff out in the field but doesn't have as good an exposure to the practice of medicine as a CNA. But you are right that ER Tech is better than CNA. It was my impression that most EMT jobs out there are in the field.

EMT is preferable for a pre-med, IMO, but you're going to have to learn how to deal with poop, the genitalia of the elderly, patients who hate you and/or do not care that you exist, and superiors that do not give a **** for you. In that respect, the CNA training should impart some valuable lessons in endurance.

👍

 

[XeReX]

So according to most of you guys EMT is better than a CNA? So i should go with getting an EMT-B certificate.

 

[apumic]

So according to most of you guys EMT is better than a CNA? So i should go with getting an EMT-B certificate.

Basically, EMT offers better opportunities but in many markets getting a hospital job as a CNA is MUCH easier than getting a hospital job as an EMT. Both CNA and EMT job markets are quite saturated in many locations. My suggestion at the end of the day is to look at the jobs available, call around (to some hiring mgrs, hospitals, ambos, etc.) and find out what they'd suggest.

 

[illegallysmooth]

So according to most of you guys EMT is better than a CNA? So i should go with getting an EMT-B certificate.

Depends on the area. EMTs that see a lot of action (mostly in crappy neighborhoods) get a good amount of and range of experience. Basic trucks (no paramedic) that act almost like taxis - no.

I would advise you to look for an aid job in an ER. It is GREAT experience. And you don't always need a cert. Exhaust all search efforts before you spend time getting a certification for what you could learn on-the-job.

 

[smarttee88]

I am shocked by the inaccuracy of MOST of these posts. I am an CNA who works as an ER tech. My CNA class was about 2 and a half weeks long over the summer and was full of pre-med and pre-nursing students all wanting to gain clinical exposure during the summer. EMT-B classes are typically much longer and you end up doing VERY little within the field. You don't do much more as a CNA, but the amount of time spent training is much shorter. In only a couple months time, I have assisted with codes and other life threatening situations that patients experience. I haven't changed a single bed-pan and the other techs I work with (EMT-B's) do the exact same job that I do and we make the same pay. The experience that I have gained thus far is invaluable and I highly recommend that the OP and any other pre-med consider taking this route. I have a couple of CNA friends who work on other floors within the hospital and they too love the experience that they are gaining working as a CNA. If you are looking for a quick, inexpensive route to gaining a large amount of clinical exposure, get a CNA and start applying to the hospitals in your area.

 

[pavlovb]

I am shocked by the inaccuracy of MOST of these posts. I am an CNA who works as an ER tech. My CNA class was about 2 and a half weeks long over the summer and was full of pre-med and pre-nursing students all wanting to gain clinical exposure during the summer. EMT-B classes are typically much longer and you end up doing VERY little within the field. You don't do much more as a CNA, but the amount of time spent training is much shorter. In only a couple months time, I have assisted with codes and other life threatening situations that patients experience. I haven't changed a single bed-pan and the other techs I work with (EMT-B's) do the exact same job that I do and we make the same pay. The experience that I have gained thus far is invaluable and I highly recommend that the OP and any other pre-med consider taking this route. I have a couple of CNA friends who work on other floors within the hospital and they too love the experience that they are gaining working as a CNA. If you are looking for a quick, inexpensive route to gaining a large amount of clinical exposure, get a CNA and start applying to the hospitals in your area.

You are absolutely correct, I am surprised how misinformed most people are about EMT vs. CNA. EMT is nothing more than a taxi driver with some medical knowledge. If CNA is not 100% patient interaction I dont know what is. You want to be a doctor not a cab driver correct OP??????

 

[apumic]

I am shocked by the inaccuracy of MOST of these posts. I am an CNA who works as an ER tech. My CNA class was about 2 and a half weeks long over the summer and was full of pre-med and pre-nursing students all wanting to gain clinical exposure during the summer. EMT-B classes are typically much longer and you end up doing VERY little within the field. You don't do much more as a CNA, but the amount of time spent training is much shorter. In only a couple months time, I have assisted with codes and other life threatening situations that patients experience. I haven't changed a single bed-pan and the other techs I work with (EMT-B's) do the exact same job that I do and we make the same pay. The experience that I have gained thus far is invaluable and I highly recommend that the OP and any other pre-med consider taking this route. I have a couple of CNA friends who work on other floors within the hospital and they too love the experience that they are gaining working as a CNA. If you are looking for a quick, inexpensive route to gaining a large amount of clinical exposure, get a CNA and start applying to the hospitals in your area.

You are absolutely correct, I am surprised how misinformed most people are about EMT vs. CNA. EMT is nothing more than a taxi driver with some medical knowledge. If CNA is not 100% patient interaction I dont know what is. You want to be a doctor not a cab driver correct OP??????

The truth is it depends on your area. The fact that the two of you are calling everyone else ignorant, uninformed, or stupid simply shows your own ignorance of anything outside what you've personally seen or done. The first post quoted has a fair amount of truth to it IME. CNA is generally a shorter training and they can work on a variety of units. OTOH, in my area, none of the hospitals would even consider a CNA for an ER Tech position and I, for one, would hate to have a CNA's job. I like having them available when I need someone to take care of medically needy pts so I can do my own job, but I would hate to be in their shoes. (Thank you, CNAs of the world, btw! You save me from moving heavy pts to and from bedside commodes, changing pts' clothes, etc. every day. You are amazing people and I very much appreciate the work you do!) On my unit, when we take CNAs, we bring them in to do the dirty work. They ensure pts' basic hygiene requirements and ADLs are met so that those of us with specialized training for the unit can spend our time treating the pts.

As for EMTs, while some EMT-Bs are utilized as "taxi-drivers" some 87% of EMS calls are basic level. As a result, EMT-Bs can get quite a bit of clinical experience on the field. They also are used most commonly for ER-Tech positions and in many places are the preferred level of training for event medical staff, etc. They can also be hired as school or camp "nurses" in many places, even when CNAs cannot. The EMT-B training is about 75% medical knowledge (about 50/50 trauma/medical training but usually emphasizing trauma as it is the "bread and butter" of EMS) and 25% operations (i.e., "taxi driver") -- based upon a quick size up of my old EMT-B text. A lot depends upon where you work. Ultimately, I'd have to say EMT-Bs have the opportunity for the best and worst experiences (i.e., most and least clinical), while CNAs probably get the moderate ones with fewer chances for completely non-clinical jobs.

 

[smarttee88]

The truth is it depends on your area. The fact that the two of you are calling everyone else ignorant, uninformed, or stupid simply shows your own ignorance of anything outside what you've personally seen or done. The first post quoted has a fair amount of truth to it IME. CNA is generally a shorter training and they can work on a variety of units. OTOH, in my area, none of the hospitals would even consider a CNA for an ER Tech position and I, for one, would hate to have a CNA's job. I like having them available when I need someone to take care of medically needy pts so I can do my own job, but I would hate to be in their shoes. (Thank you, CNAs of the world, btw! You save me from moving heavy pts to and from bedside commodes, changing pts' clothes, etc. every day. You are amazing people and I very much appreciate the work you do!) On my unit, when we take CNAs, we bring them in to do the dirty work. They ensure pts' basic hygiene requirements and ADLs are met so that those of us with specialized training for the unit can spend our time treating the pts.

As for EMTs, while some EMT-Bs are utilized as "taxi-drivers" some 87% of EMS calls are basic level. As a result, EMT-Bs can get quite a bit of clinical experience on the field. They also are used most commonly for ER-Tech positions and in many places are the preferred level of training for event medical staff, etc. They can also be hired as school or camp "nurses" in many places, even when CNAs cannot. The EMT-B training is about 75% medical knowledge (about 50/50 trauma/medical training but usually emphasizing trauma as it is the "bread and butter" of EMS) and 25% operations (i.e., "taxi driver") -- based upon a quick size up of my old EMT-B text. A lot depends upon where you work. Ultimately, I'd have to say EMT-Bs have the opportunity for the best and worst experiences (i.e., most and least clinical), while CNAs probably get the moderate ones with fewer chances for completely non-clinical jobs.

Reading comprehension may not be your strongest quality, so I will keep it short, sweet and simple. I did not "call" anyone ignorant or stupid. I simply stated that the majority of the posts are inaccurate-nothing more, nothing less. Clearly, the OP is searching for a relatively quick certification of some sort that would enable he or she to gain clinical exposure. Taking the CNA route would allow he or she to do so. OP was also under the impression that CNA classes last from 9 months to over a year. This may be the case in your area, but in my region and most others-this is false. To imply that CNA's are unable to gain as much clinical exposure as EMT's is pure ignorance (now you can say I used the word), as I have gained JUST as much as the EMT's I currently work with. Furthermore, I am not only speaking from personal experience. The other tech's I currently work with who do have EMT's are very vocal about how difficult it is to find work as an EMT-B and how they wished they would've taken the CNA route instead. I am not telling OP to not pursue the EMT, I am only trying to shed light on how working as a CNA can be just as good, if not better experience than working as an EMT-period. Take it as you wish.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

hey guys i am 18 yrs old and going to University of Connecticut as a premed student in fall 2010. I was just wandering if it will be possible for me to enroll in an EMT or CNA program at a local Community college. i know that it takes almost 9 months or a year to get a certificate in courses like these. I was just wandering that if its a good idea to enroll in these programs along with metting my premed prerequisites at University of Connecticut. i will be able to get more patient care and be able to get more health related jobs if i have some sort of health related diploma or a certificate.
If you guys can shed some light on this idea that should i do it or not? or would it be possible to keep a balance between premed(college)coursework and the EMT or CNA courses?

9 months? 😱

Here, EMT is usually done in a sememster; 2 nights a week for a semester. A CNA course is what maybe 80 clock hours? Shouldn't take long. Your best marketability is CNA. A lot of EMS agencies don't like young people due to the age-driving insurance costs. Once you get a few years older it's not a big deal. Regardless, it'd be easier to find a CNA job I'd imagine. It certainly would be here.

 

[Hoody]

The truth is it depends on your area.

True.

The fact that the two of you are calling everyone else ignorant, uninformed, or stupid simply shows your own ignorance of anything outside what you've personally seen or done.

Sorta like you in this post eh??

none of the hospitals would even consider a CNA for an ER Tech position.

CNAs are the only people considered for ER Tech positions in all the hospitals I have worked. How many hospitals have you worked in?

and I, for one, would hate to have a CNA's job.

yay. good for you.

On my unit, when we take CNAs, we bring them in to do the dirty work.

cool story bro.

They ensure pts' basic hygiene requirements and ADLs are met so that those of us with specialized training for the unit can spend our time treating the pts.

specialized training? you mean training in CPR, holding pressure to bleeding wounds,applying a c-collar? No meds, no shots, no airway placement....ER Techs don't "treat" patients in the hospital setting. Doctors and nurses do.

They also are used most commonly for ER-Tech positions and in many places are the preferred level of training for event medical staff, etc.

says who? you?

Ultimately, I'd have to say EMT-Bs have the opportunity for the best and worst experiences (i.e., most and least clinical), while CNAs probably get the moderate ones with fewer chances for completely non-clinical jobs.

Ultimately I would have to say that you are a present or former EMT that has worked at maybe one or two hospitals all in the same area. So, yeah....

you were saying?

 

[Thejakeman]

hey guys i am 18 yrs old and going to University of Connecticut as a premed student in fall 2010. I was just wandering if it will be possible for me to enroll in an EMT or CNA program at a local Community college. i know that it takes almost 9 months or a year to get a certificate in courses like these. I was just wandering that if its a good idea to enroll in these programs along with metting my premed prerequisites at University of Connecticut. i will be able to get more patient care and be able to get more health related jobs if i have some sort of health related diploma or a certificate.
If you guys can shed some light on this idea that should i do it or not? or would it be possible to keep a balance between premed(college)coursework and the EMT or CNA courses?

Hey OP, let me help you out here. I am a EMT and I got my certification when I was a senior in High School. It was through a dual enrollment program so it was paid for by my HS through a local community college.

I forget exactly how long the program was, I think it was around eight months. I know that I received 11 college credits for going through it. I think that getting your EMT vs. CNA depends on several factors. There are pro/cons to each.

You're young and if you can find a job right after you are done with your EMT certification, then great. However, like others said, the job market is saturated. I just looked for a friend yesterday, and there are NO jobs in the ED as a tech in the entire state! A good thing about EMT certification is that if it is done through a community college, then those credits hours will be included into your GPA when applying to medical school. I had ~16 because of the several refresher courses I had to take to keep my certification current in my state. All 16 credits were an "A" so it would definitely help with the GPA. In my state, CNA courses are shorter, but they are not typically offered through a community college. But, if price is an issue, then a CNA course are typically less expensive because they are not offered through the CC and are shorter in length.

In my state, you can get a tech job in the ED whether your have your CNA or EMT. There is no preference to which you hold. However, like I said, the job market is extremely saturated. With your CNA, you can work on the "floor" or in a nursing home too as an NA. You can not typically do this with an EMT, they usually require you to have a CNA license. Working in a nursing home is not the most ideal situation, but it is clinical experience. I would investigate what type of certification your local ED's prefer their techs to have.

Since I completed my EMT program, I have been working in the ED as a tech (~4 years). I was very fortunate to get in, especially because I did not have any experience. At my current job, I help do the hiring in the ED for techs and can tell you when a new job is posted, we received >60 applications. Most of these people have a good amount of experience. Those who are hired, typically have >5 year in the ED. I would suggest that no matter what you decide to do, when doing your clinical rotation(s), make friends and get some contact information. It always helps to know someone on the inside as these jobs are very competitive to gain. I have have the opportunity to obtain thousands and thousands of clinical hours in the ED which has opened a lot of doors for me (research in the hospital, a publication, and leadership exp).

The bottom line is that if you can get a job with your certification, then do it. If not (which is likely), then there are many other ways to gain clinical experience (as a scribe, shadowing, volunteering, etc) that may be less work and not as expensive. I wish you the best luck, let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[necoli]

Reading comprehension may not be your strongest quality, so I will keep it short, sweet and simple. I did not "call" anyone ignorant or stupid. I simply stated that the majority of the posts are inaccurate-nothing more, nothing less. Clearly, the OP is searching for a relatively quick certification of some sort that would enable he or she to gain clinical exposure. Taking the CNA route would allow he or she to do so. OP was also under the impression that CNA classes last from 9 months to over a year. This may be the case in your area, but in my region and most others-this is false. To imply that CNA's are unable to gain as much clinical exposure as EMT's is pure ignorance (now you can say I used the word), as I have gained JUST as much as the EMT's I currently work with. Furthermore, I am not only speaking from personal experience. The other tech's I currently work with who do have EMT's are very vocal about how difficult it is to find work as an EMT-B and how they wished they would've taken the CNA route instead. I am not telling OP to not pursue the EMT, I am only trying to shed light on how working as a CNA can be just as good, if not better experience than working as an EMT-period. Take it as you wish.

👍

 

[Rickybobby]

hey guys i am 18 yrs old and going to University of Connecticut as a premed student in fall 2010. I was just wandering if it will be possible for me to enroll in an EMT or CNA program at a local Community college. i know that it takes almost 9 months or a year to get a certificate in courses like these. I was just wandering that if its a good idea to enroll in these programs along with metting my premed prerequisites at University of Connecticut. i will be able to get more patient care and be able to get more health related jobs if i have some sort of health related diploma or a certificate.
If you guys can shed some light on this idea that should i do it or not? or would it be possible to keep a balance between premed(college)coursework and the EMT or CNA courses?

Well, there is one thing that you could take from this post that would be helpful. Don't **** around with low level healthcare work such as nursing or ems. Just focus on your studies, shadow a few physicians, and look down on everyone else. You will get plenty of experience in healthcare once you are a doctor. Everything else is simply an arguing point of very little importance.

 

[Silverman780]

I might be a tiny bit bias, but go for the EMTB, it only takes 6 months, or 120 hours minimum. A CNA would be great..for a nursing school application.

EMS shifts in my neck of the woods provide more than enough time for focused study. Currently I'm a volly but am cool with it because instead of driving every time I can actually provide pt care. I have met several cool EM docs this way and even got invited to shadow at the local med school hospital.

CNAs change bed pans and take vitals. EMS gives you a better chance to work in a challenging setting and get creative😀 Working in the field is 10x harder then working in a ER. It's not for the faint of heart.

However It is currently borderline impossible to land a paid gig as an ED tech as a basic. But still I can't recommend it enough, if your local fire department offers EMS ask if you could do a ride along one shift. It should give you a good idea if this is something you want to go through with.


In response to Hoody. Paramedic level ED techs in the trauma centers in my area can order and start meds (standing orders only), triage, and anything else they can do on the street.

 

[apumic]

True.

Sorta like you in this post eh??

CNAs are the only people considered for ER Tech positions in all the hospitals I have worked. How many hospitals have you worked in?

5

yay. good for you.

cool story bro.

specialized training? you mean training in CPR, holding pressure to bleeding wounds,applying a c-collar? No meds, no shots, no airway placement....ER Techs don't "treat" patients in the hospital setting. Doctors and nurses do.

I work as an ER Tech in addition to having being in a specialist position on another unit. I work as a therapist in addition to being a tech. In a previous position, I did administer meds. I currently can give meds via IV and a few other "advanced" scope of practice measures. It depends upon state. I'm not a typical EMT-B (although I have my EMT-B). My cert is at the EMT-I 85 level in my state but with an additional degree. Anyway, I shouldn't really have to defend myself here. What is stated is that the previous posters were not correct in the hospitals in which I have worked.

says who? you?

Ultimately I would have to say that you are a present or former EMT that has worked at maybe one or two hospitals all in the same area. So, yeah....

you were saying?

I've worked at 4 hospitals in one metro area and 1 in the other, so no, I have worked at more than 1.

 

[XeReX]

9 months? 😱

Here, EMT is usually done in a sememster; 2 nights a week for a semester. A CNA course is what maybe 80 clock hours? Shouldn't take long. Your best marketability is CNA. A lot of EMS agencies don't like young people due to the age-driving insurance costs. Once you get a few years older it's not a big deal. Regardless, it'd be easier to find a CNA job I'd imagine. It certainly would be here.

Awesome video dude👍

 

[XeReX]

Hey OP, let me help you out here. I am a EMT and I got my certification when I was a senior in High School. It was through a dual enrollment program so it was paid for by my HS through a local community college.

I forget exactly how long the program was, I think it was around eight months. I know that I received 11 college credits for going through it. I think that getting your EMT vs. CNA depends on several factors. There are pro/cons to each.

You're young and if you can find a job right after you are done with your EMT certification, then great. However, like others said, the job market is saturated. I just looked for a friend yesterday, and there are NO jobs in the ED as a tech in the entire state! A good thing about EMT certification is that if it is done through a community college, then those credits hours will be included into your GPA when applying to medical school. I had ~16 because of the several refresher courses I had to take to keep my certification current in my state. All 16 credits were an "A" so it would definitely help with the GPA. In my state, CNA courses are shorter, but they are not typically offered through a community college. But, if price is an issue, then a CNA course are typically less expensive because they are not offered through the CC and are shorter in length.

In my state, you can get a tech job in the ED whether your have your CNA or EMT. There is no preference to which you hold. However, like I said, the job market is extremely saturated. With your CNA, you can work on the "floor" or in a nursing home too as an NA. You can not typically do this with an EMT, they usually require you to have a CNA license. Working in a nursing home is not the most ideal situation, but it is clinical experience. I would investigate what type of certification your local ED's prefer their techs to have.

Since I completed my EMT program, I have been working in the ED as a tech (~4 years). I was very fortunate to get in, especially because I did not have any experience. At my current job, I help do the hiring in the ED for techs and can tell you when a new job is posted, we received >60 applications. Most of these people have a good amount of experience. Those who are hired, typically have >5 year in the ED. I would suggest that no matter what you decide to do, when doing your clinical rotation(s), make friends and get some contact information. It always helps to know someone on the inside as these jobs are very competitive to gain. I have have the opportunity to obtain thousands and thousands of clinical hours in the ED which has opened a lot of doors for me (research in the hospital, a publication, and leadership exp).

The bottom line is that if you can get a job with your certification, then do it. If not (which is likely), then there are many other ways to gain clinical experience (as a scribe, shadowing, volunteering, etc) that may be less work and not as expensive. I wish you the best luck, let me know if you have any other questions!

hey thankx for explaining elaborately i appreciate that. I think i am gonna go with EMT-B certification. I am just a little nervous, u know like what if i don't get into my top choice med school, so i want everything to be perfect and going for me. I really want to be a Doctor, i have a burning passion to save lives, or at least make them better.

 

[sonia1177]

I earned my CNA Certification through a class in High School and yes it does require a lot of work (I was in the class for the whole year, one semester was learning/written about body systems, CPR, etc and then the second semester we were in a nursing home and did mini "rotations" in a local Hospital). I don't know but is it possible for you to obtain the clinical hours over the course of the breaks? For instance, take the exam and get the learning/written portion done over the summer but then space your clinical hours over the course of your breaks (Christmas, Spring Break, Weekends when you are free, etc.). Yes I do think it will be hard to maintain training and keep your GPA up because training programs require time and devotion and you have to be 100% paying attention because you are dealing with actual people! But if you are motivated and feel like you can keep the GPA up (regardless of what other people say, I still find maintaining a high GPA is a #1 priority) then maybe take a night class or a class at a time more suitable for you. And yes, I think they do offer classes for CNA, EMT, Phlebotomy, etc. at local community colleges. And I do think the Certification is worth it because it will distinguish you from the majority, who normally don't have such Certification. Sorry for the mixed response. I just wanted to lay out the pros and cons. And it doesn't matter whether you get a job or not, you get so much clinical exposure during the training. Good luck with your decision!

 

[pavlovb]

EMT is not paramedic, so please stop degrading the CNA job. I have spoken with a lot of resident doctors from Tufts Medical specifically and they have all told me that CNA is better at getting that "patient contact" At the end MEDICAL SCHOOLS look to see if you can interact with people on the basic human level. CNA's work with people directly, understanding a patient is more important that transporting them from one place to another.

I feel that when one sheep turns left the entire herd follows, that's what is happening now, I'm sure medical schools are annoyed by the amount of "EMT" applicants they get. The more traditional you are the less the chance of your acceptance. How can you be a good understanding doctor without having worked at the bottom. THE PROCESS IS LIKE A PYRAMID, you need a good stable foundation, working with people on the basic level, and if it means wiping asses so be it. That's why only 45% of all applicants enter Med Sch., people lack the genuine interest. In my opinion, Medical Schools look for people interest in other people. Your research publication does not show you'll be a good doctor, but maybe a good scientist.

 

[apumic]

OP should investigate the market where s/he lives first and make a decision from there. Call hospitals, ambulance companies, clinics, etc., and find out what is desirable in your area for the clinical jobs that interest you. You may find neither CNA nor EMT-B is a good fit for you. None of us can say as we're all speaking from our own personal experience.

 

[Thejakeman]

EMT is not paramedic, so please stop degrading the CNA job.

No one is "degrading" the CNA job. Truth is, you see many more CNA's working on the floors of hospitals and in care facilities. Many emergency departments prefer to hire EMT trained individuals as patient care techs. Not that they are superior, it is just completely different training and skill set that is learned while training compared to a CNA. CNA's don't learn how to put a C-collar on, backboard a patient, etc. Not that someone who has a CNA certification couldn't easily learn how to perform these skills, it's just they just have different training.

I have spoken with a lot of resident doctors from Tufts Medical specifically and they have all told me that CNA is better at getting that "patient contact"

This is a bold face lie. What do you mean by "resident doctors?" A CNA is no better at getting more or "better" patient contact. I work in the ED and for 12+ hours I am getting patient contact regardless of what type of certification I hold.

CNA's work with people directly, understanding a patient is more important that transporting them from one place to another.

Lets turn the ignorance meter down a notch. EMT's are not just "ambulance drivers," many work in urgent cares, inpatient, and emergency department settings. These people are getting unique patient interaction and experiences. They are not just driving an ambulance around town.

I'm sure medical schools are annoyed by the amount of "EMT" applicants they get. The more traditional you are the less the chance of your acceptance. How can you be a good understanding doctor without having worked at the bottom.

I wouldn't say they are annoyed more so on the fact that these people hold EMT certifications, but because who obtain these certifications do it for the wrong reasons. It is common that a pre-med will go out and obtain a CNA or EMT certification just to say they have it without actually working in the field. Obtaining your certification should not be something you do to say you have it or to fill one of your AMCAS activities spaces. You should obtain certification because it is something that actually interests you and something that you want to be doing. Being an EMT or CNA isn't for everyone.

That's why only 45% of all applicants enter Med Sch., people lack the genuine interest. In my opinion, Medical Schools look for people interest in other people.

I agree. See above.

 

[nyqs81]

First off, sorry for the megabump.

EMT is preferable for a pre-med, IMO, but you're going to have to learn how to deal with poop, the genitalia of the elderly, patients who hate you and/or do not care that you exist, and superiors that do not give a **** for you. In that respect, the CNA training should impart some valuable lessons in endurance.

I've worked as a Nursing Assistant (albeit not Certified) and I am glad I did it for the reasons in bold. Now as I plod on finishing my pre-reqs I work as an EMT-B and absolutely love it. I will be much more confident during my interviews now that I have some experience in getting a medical history, working in a high stress enviroment with little time to think, etc.

 

[Doc of the Walk]

Wth, I come to this thread looking for some good info...yeah, I guess not. So what is the general consensus because I too am looking to getting my EMT-B cert. When you all say that the market is saturated, what part of the country are you all at? I would imagine that if you are in a large state or city, the market would be very very saturated. Does anyone know of the Richmond, VA area?

 

[Doc of the Walk]

I also want to note that I just saw that this thread was from 4 months ago. Do you guys opinion still stand? Is the market still saturated?

 

[orion333]

I got my EMT certification over the summer in night school. There are tons of volunteer operations, but very few paid jobs. Pluses: You are first responders and get to interact with patients at the scene of the incident. That alone is pretty cool. Cons: nearly impossible to find paid work and the job itself has lots of downtime. On some shifts, we get NO patients. That is phenomenally boring. But when you do, it totally makes you forget all the boring hours and realize how cool what you do is.

 

[deleted357625]

hey guys i am 18 yrs old and going to University of Connecticut as a premed student in fall 2010. I was just wandering if it will be possible for me to enroll in an EMT or CNA program at a local Community college. i know that it takes almost 9 months or a year to get a certificate in courses like these. I was just wandering that if its a good idea to enroll in these programs along with metting my premed prerequisites at University of Connecticut. i will be able to get more patient care and be able to get more health related jobs if i have some sort of health related diploma or a certificate.
If you guys can shed some light on this idea that should i do it or not? or would it be possible to keep a balance between premed(college)coursework and the EMT or CNA courses?

It's really not necessary just focus on your school work.

Just focus on volunteering/shadowing/research
Then you will be fine.

You don't necessarily need a certification, and it's almost the same as volunteering in the ED.

 

[WorldChanger36]

OP, Do you want to work as an EMT or A CNA or is this just a way to step up and get clinical experience? If it is the later it is way easier to volunteer in a hospital once or twice a week. If it is the job you want then go for it but being an EMT or a CNA will help you any more then good old volunteering, IMO.

 

[jvesco22]

OP do you want to wipe a grown man's ass or save lives?

 

[PreMedder]

It's really not necessary just focus on your school work.

Just focus on volunteering/shadowing/research
Then you will be fine.

You don't necessarily need a certification, and it's almost the same as volunteering in the ED.

😕

false.

 

[apumic]

😕

false.

ED Volunteering = Working in the ED?!? HELL NO!!!

Not even a little bit.

Volunteer -- pulls wheelchairs around, might get to move pts in wheelchairs (MAYBE!), MIGHT get to do vitals on occasion (possibly), provides for pts' requests (requires: CPR)

ED Tech -- assesses & treats pts per RN's instructions and within scope of practice; this typically includes such things as insertion of and urine collection via Foleys; phlebotomy; insertion, flushing, starting, and removal of IVs; stocking; taking v/s; reading EKGs; taking blood glucose and other in-ED/STAT blood and/or urine labs such as Troponin levels; backboard and c-collar application; splinting; pt transport (requires: EMT-B or higher; EKG class; phlebotomy and/or IV class)

I also want to note that I just saw that this thread was from 4 months ago. Do you guys opinion still stand? Is the market still saturated?

Yes, the EMT-B market is basically saturated constantly. I was talking w/ an HR rep the other day and for every ED Tech position they post, they get over 200 applications per position!

 

[Doc of the Walk]

ED Volunteering = Working in the ED?!? HELL NO!!!
Yes, the EMT-B market is basically saturated constantly. I was talking w/ an HR rep the other day and for every ED Tech position they post, they get over 200 applications per position!

Where are you located? Hopefully not Virginia. What if you volunteered as an ER Tech? Would that fly?

 

[apumic]

Where are you located? Hopefully not Virginia. What if you volunteered as an ER Tech? Would that fly?

Pretty sure no ED is going to take a "volunteer ED Tech." It'd be ridiculous in terms of liability, not to mention trng costs (and likely no chance you'd work the 8-16 hrs/wk necessary to make the costs worthwhile).

 

[Sankaku]

Here are some other potential options for you if you want a quick route into the medical field:

1) Monitor Tech/Unit Secretary - All you need is a CPR cert and an EKG class which can be completed in much less time than a CNA or EMT program. You will be transcribing physician orders and interpreting EKG strips. It's a good job because you will get to know a ton of doctors and really get an idea of how everything works in the hospital. You will also have the opportunity to respond to codes.

2) Scribe - Just being a pre-med qualifies you for this job (maybe you need a CPR cert too, not sure). You will follow around ED physicians and check boxes while they do assessments. It's a great opportunity to learn a lot and make some great connections.

I have personally worked as an EMT and I am currently working as a monitor tech/unit secretary where I float between med/surg, telemetry and the ICU. I wouldn't want to be a CNA on any of these floors, they seem to basically change/clean patients and take vital signs every so often. Being an EMT, especially on a BLS unit, is a great experience because when the patients are in the back with you they are YOUR patients, and you have to do all the talking and make the decisions.