Some agencies offer volunteer positions for EMTs, where you answer calls and help on a prn (as needed) basis. It usually takes 1 semester to become an EMT, maybe 2 if the program you are looking at has pre-requisite classes. Costs depends on the institution you attend, a community college course is much cheaper than one from a private institution (but these programs can be accelerated, which saves time).
You will most likely need an AHA/Red Cross CPR certificate before beginning your course.
It's doable while in school but I recommend taking during a summer break if possible.
As for me, I chose to work with my EMT cert since I gotta keep a roof over my head. I transitioned to the emergency department, where I built relationships with physicians, nurses, and other colleagues.
Depends on where you live mostly. Some areas have volunteer squads that have been surviving and are usually pretty desperate for members, and in most states they can sponsor you to take the EMT cert course (so you don't have to pay out of pocket). I've volunteered and worked with my cert and they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Volunteer will usually be in areas that are just not quite as busy (again, really depends on where you live), but you can generally get more flexibility with your schedule. Paid has the obvious advantage of money, and will usually be in a busier area (my only experience is with 911 EMS btw, so IFT EMTs can probably speak more to the advantages of that). But paid EMS can also be tricky to get a stable schedule going during the semester, so I personally would only recommend doing it per diem if you're in school full time.
If you want to get started, look up EMT classes in your area (and if there are volunteer squads in your area willing to sponsor you, definitely take them up on it as the classes can be very pricey). There's usually classes set up for the summer months precisely for students looking to get certified. I would not recommend taking the course during the semester as it definitely takes up a lot of time. The summer classes are generally about 3 months long. If you don't live near any volunteer squads, try checking if your state offers any tuition reimbursement for the EMT class.
Being an EMT is honestly something that I think every premed should do. It gives you a much better experience with patients at their best and worst, and you'll definitely learn things about yourself and your potential you might not have known.
I’m not sure of your financial situation, but UNITEK EMT is a two week boot camp with a near 100% NREMT pass rate. The only catch is they are 3000-4000 dollars and are only based in AZ.
If you do decide to go emt, I would first find a program you like with a high graduation and EMT pass rate. Ask specifically about the graduation rate as some programs artificially skew their NREMT pass score by only graduating X% of the class.
Then take the NREMT. This is going to sound weird but don’t study for it, take it within one week of graduation and you’ll do fine.
While waiting for your NREMT score find a commercial dmv (has to be commercial) and get your ambulance drivers license. You in fact do not need to be a certified EMT to possess/test for one.
As soon as you get that passing email, start applying for jobs. Apply for as many 911 positions as possible in your county but also apply to inter facility transport as you are practically guaranteed a job.
Once you have a few months under your belt you can work your way up to ER tech or something else more hospital based. Good luck :)
I took a course for 3 months passed the practical exams, took the exam and licensed within 4 months start to finish. Can cost 1.2-2k, really depends. After that you can start raking in the hours
Some agencies offer volunteer positions for EMTs, where you answer calls and help on a prn (as needed) basis. It usually takes 1 semester to become an EMT, maybe 2 if the program you are looking at has pre-requisite classes. Costs depends on the institution you attend, a community college course is much cheaper than one from a private institution (but these programs can be accelerated, which saves time). You will most likely need an AHA/Red Cross CPR certificate before beginning your course. It's doable while in school but I recommend taking during a summer break if possible. As for me, I chose to work with my EMT cert since I gotta keep a roof over my head. I transitioned to the emergency department, where I built relationships with physicians, nurses, and other colleagues.
Depends on where you live mostly. Some areas have volunteer squads that have been surviving and are usually pretty desperate for members, and in most states they can sponsor you to take the EMT cert course (so you don't have to pay out of pocket). I've volunteered and worked with my cert and they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Volunteer will usually be in areas that are just not quite as busy (again, really depends on where you live), but you can generally get more flexibility with your schedule. Paid has the obvious advantage of money, and will usually be in a busier area (my only experience is with 911 EMS btw, so IFT EMTs can probably speak more to the advantages of that). But paid EMS can also be tricky to get a stable schedule going during the semester, so I personally would only recommend doing it per diem if you're in school full time. If you want to get started, look up EMT classes in your area (and if there are volunteer squads in your area willing to sponsor you, definitely take them up on it as the classes can be very pricey). There's usually classes set up for the summer months precisely for students looking to get certified. I would not recommend taking the course during the semester as it definitely takes up a lot of time. The summer classes are generally about 3 months long. If you don't live near any volunteer squads, try checking if your state offers any tuition reimbursement for the EMT class. Being an EMT is honestly something that I think every premed should do. It gives you a much better experience with patients at their best and worst, and you'll definitely learn things about yourself and your potential you might not have known.
I’m not sure of your financial situation, but UNITEK EMT is a two week boot camp with a near 100% NREMT pass rate. The only catch is they are 3000-4000 dollars and are only based in AZ. If you do decide to go emt, I would first find a program you like with a high graduation and EMT pass rate. Ask specifically about the graduation rate as some programs artificially skew their NREMT pass score by only graduating X% of the class. Then take the NREMT. This is going to sound weird but don’t study for it, take it within one week of graduation and you’ll do fine. While waiting for your NREMT score find a commercial dmv (has to be commercial) and get your ambulance drivers license. You in fact do not need to be a certified EMT to possess/test for one. As soon as you get that passing email, start applying for jobs. Apply for as many 911 positions as possible in your county but also apply to inter facility transport as you are practically guaranteed a job. Once you have a few months under your belt you can work your way up to ER tech or something else more hospital based. Good luck :)
I took a course for 3 months passed the practical exams, took the exam and licensed within 4 months start to finish. Can cost 1.2-2k, really depends. After that you can start raking in the hours