<p>I have been looking into certification to be an EMT while I work on my undergraduate degree. I think it would be a great challenge to work in first response as well as give me some good patient care experience.
A buddy of mine did it and he said it was pretty easy, but requires about 16 hours of class time per week (evenings and weekends) for one semester.
Not sure if I can do this and keep up in my regular classes.
Anyone have any experience or heard anything about these EMT Boot Camps that are a two-week intensive course (12 hours a day for two full weeks)?
I was thinking maybe I could do a crash-course next summer when I will have more time.
Any thoughts?</p>
<p>im taking the regular class, its like 10-12 hrs a week for 2 months. i would definitely suggest to take the boot camp course if available in your area, because the course really is not that tough. You could easily learn it in 2 weeks, and then just start volunteering/working and doing other things with your summer.</p>
<p>I'd rather take the 16 hours/week for a semester. That's only like 4 or so classes a week for less than two months. Not only is this less stressful than a 12 hour/day course during the summer, but you'll be able to start working much sooner.</p>
<p>what are you planning to do w/ the certification?</p>
<p>MikeF: I will either volunteer or do paid work with it. I am in New York City so I know there are a lot of opportunities. Even if I did just a few hours volunteer a week, I think that would be good for me. I think it would be exciting and rewarding. I plan on doing some shadowing, too, and hopefully the combination will give me some idea of the scope of what goes on in patient care.<br>
I'm just trying to take advantage of every opportunity I can before I start applying to med schools in 2009.</p>
<p>AA</p>
<p>i am currently in an EMT-B class in new jersey. it runs saturdays and sundays, 9 hours each over a span of 2 months. i personally do not find it very demanding because it's only twice a week and it's over the summer. if you want to wait a whole year (if you're concerned about a heavy workload) i recommend doing something similar. otherwise, try the semester course.</p>
<p>@ Ammo: see if there are any EMS volunteer organizations around you. seeing as you are a student, with no prior EMS experience, I don't think you have a great chance of getting a paid job (and plus, you probably don't have time to be a full timer).<br>
I have to say, of all the things you can possibly do as a premed, being an active EMT is the most rewarding. good luck guys.</p>
<p>arez10: can you tell me the name of the company you're getting your license through? Thanks.</p>
<p>the company is called MONOC, but it's only in monmouth and ocean county of new jersey, to my knowledge.</p>
<p>Thanks very much. I will look into it.</p>
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I will either volunteer or do paid work with it. I am in New York City so I know there are a lot of opportunities. Even if I did just a few hours volunteer a week, I think that would be good for me.
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<p>it's actually practically impossible to get a decent paid EMT job (one that doesnt just involve transports) in NYC....you would have to start at one of the companies that just transports patients and work your way up...it takes years and committment, both of which i'm guessing you wouldnt be willing to put in since your just doing this as an EC. However, in NYC there are local volunteer organizations that you can join (in the outer boroughs) or there is Central Park Medical Unit (CPMU). CPMU is a great place for beginners to get their feet wet and get some good real-life experience....I rode with them the summer of last year so if you're interested or want more info let me know. Another good way to get some experience is to join your school's EMS corps....unlike other volunteer organizations you will have more opportunity to do get more hands on and do things you might not get to do at your age in other organizations (such as driving the ambulance)....its a very good experience.</p>
<p>good advice, shraf.</p>
<p>I did mine over the summer, 3 months about 8 hours of class per week, and it wasn't too bad.</p>