Well, I'm taking EMT this fall; questions}

[Hockey9019]

Yup. I swore I would NEVER do this. But I realized that I really need to if I want to move up or work a part time job for the local company here. My work is pretty much paying for it but now I am locked in a one year contract with the company but thats fine. I'm not paying for it ;)

Total of the class is $700 including text book. The practical is like $65, and the National Registry is $150 or something like that.

So whats some advice you have while taking the class. I'm going to be busy going to school fulltime, work fulltime, and this now. But it fits in my schedule perfect; 2 hours after school (HW/Study time)

What is the "National Registry"?

I want to eventually go to Dow working Fire/EMS/Security making some big $$$$. The reason I didn't get the prior job was I was beat out by a Medic. So I gotta make myself more competitive and marketable (I guess thats the word).

I think thats all now ;)

[JDS]

The national registry is basically a testing company. Many states use them for testing EMTs. Some states will also grant you their EMT cert if you are certified through the NR.

Advice on the class...Do not underestimate it. The class is challanging and teaches you a lot of imformation. Attend all classes, and try to read the section of the class prior to it. Last but no least, STUDY,STUDY, and then STUDY.

I don't no where you are going to make Big $ at any of the listed careers. IF thats what your looking for don't waste you time with EMT School. Go to business school.

[Reapp]

Actually, National Registry sets the standards for EMS certifications in most states now days - they are a bit more than a testing agency. I obtained my Paramedic 10 years ago before Texas adopted the National Registry standard, I'll have to challenge the NR cert if I want to work PT for the local EMS service.

[MDEMT280]

Actually, National Registry sets the standards for EMS certifications in most states now days - they are a bit more than a testing agency. I obtained my Paramedic 10 years ago before Texas adopted the National Registry standard, I'll have to challenge the NR cert if I want to work PT for the local EMS service.

Yep. Maryland's the same way for ALS. You get your NREMT-P, and then you take the Maryland protocol exam before you're licensed. Unfortunately, we don't play the NR game at the BLS level, and in all my time, I've not once found an exam I could take. If I wanted to go almost anywhere else in the country, I would need to take NR.

So basically, National Registry is a good thing to have.

Advice for the class? JDS hit on it pretty well. Practice, practice, practice. You will NEED to practice outside of class. Form study/practice groups. Don't be afraid to ask questions. When you're sitting over a patient going "ummm... um....." is NOT the time to realize that you should have asked a question back on day three of EMT class.

Oh, and as my instructor told me, getting your EMT card doesn't make you an EMT. It lets you go out into the world and LEARN how to be an EMT.

To piggyback on that, I always tell new EMTs that you should never stop learning, and you should never feel 100% comfortable, because once you think you know it all and you get that comfortable, you get cocky, you get reckless, and you become a liability. And that will kill a patient, a partner, or even you.

[GrahamX05]

I'm taking it to in the Fall hockey:cool:

[Hockey9019]

I'm taking it to in the Fall hockey:cool:

What company? If your taking it through MMR let me know ;)

[GrahamX05]

What company? If your taking it through MMR let me know ;)

No im doing it through the college.

[SuperTrooper]

I just got done with mine earlier this year. My best advice is to buy a ton of index cards and write notes. Also see if you can start doing third rides a.s.a.p. (third rides are rides on the ambulance) you will have to do a certain number of rides to pass the class in Michigan. Do as many as you can and hopefully you can learn more with hands on experience. You shouldnt have a problem with the class if you study. Good luck!!:D

[rentiak07]

It's true. The more you study and the more interested in the topic matter you can be, the better you'll do.

I found that reading everything two or three times really helped my comprehension. Then, practice a LOT. I had a lab practical session with the medic instructors for 4 hours twice a week, so that was lots of practice for me, not sure if you'll have that opportunity. Ask a ton of questions.

Lastly, if you can understand somewhat how the body works, you'll be able to understand why it reacts certain ways to certain things and you'll be able to grasp specific conditions and reactions much more easily.

[Dan208]

Like most said already, study, study, study. Also work on your practicals until it makes you sick. Good luck.

[Sierra]

So whats some advice you have while taking the class. I'm going to be busy going to school fulltime, work fulltime, and this now. But it fits in my schedule perfect; 2 hours after school (HW/Study time)

Hockey:

If I understand correctly, you intend to work fulltime (40 hours), go to school fulltime (12 hours), and take an EMT course? Is that a very wise move on your part?

EMT is a 7 credit course at the community colleges in my area. That plus a 12 credit hour load would overwhelm me. You may want to consider dropping some or all of your normal classes to concentrate on EMT. People I have talked to here have said it is rather involved schooling.

Just my $.02. I will send you the bill.

[MedicGuy15]

I wouldnt recommend all three at the same time. I worked and went to EMT school and then went to college and Paramedic school(which was ruff). I would have to say that all three at once would of been nearly impossible. I suggest school and emt class at the same time, mainly because you can use some of your studying habits to pass EMT. Its not that hard. Good luck

[Hockey9019]

Well I can't stop working. Bills like to prevent me from doing that ;)


School-10 Credits. Psych, Sociology, and Criminal Investigation. Its one single class. I'll be at school from 11am-4:25pm. (More than likely get out early though for them days). Then I go to EMT from 5p-10p. Its the same days I'll be at school so no complaint from me.

I understand the challenge but I need challenges or I have nothing to look forward to yah know?

[CACBAND]

Hockey, I too am taking EMT classes this fall for the same reason (more competitive and marketable) to the NPS. I'll be working full time but only taking other class (HazMat). The time in school and work alone would stop me from doing school and work full-time and an EMT class not counting studying. It takes a lot, best luck.

[chewy]

Hey Hockey, EMT is good to have on your resume anyway. I was an EMT for over 15 years and even when I didn't do it as a job I was still glad I kept up on it. Also, definately do your National Registry, it makes it much easier to transfer to other states if you move. It's never super easy but it's worth the effort. Plus I never worried about losing my job, I figure between my Military, security work, EMT, commercial diver and Hazmat certifications I'll always be able to find SOME kind of work! :D