EMT or Phlebotomy or both?

Hello all!

I’m looking at EMT training programs (have always been interested in being an EMT) as well as phlebotomy because the hospital near my college is in need of phlebotomists right now, and I think it would be good to work in a clinical setting.

Does anyone have things to say about both?

I think both would bring me a lot personally and professionally, and I know both are perfectly good options, but I was wondering if one was better than the other.

I also have to keep in mind that EMT training is a couple of thousands of dollars in tuition, and phlebotomy is drastically less.

The EMS group in my city requires 12 or 24hrs shifts, so that would be on the weekends whereas I could work part-time as a phlebotomist.

Since I plan on a gap year post-grad, I would also like to pursue something I can do during that time.

Thank you!

Either option would be fine.

D1 was an AEMT, but only served in a volunteer capacity with Mountain Search & Rescue locally. (She’s a climber so it was her way of giving back to that community.)

Be aware that EMT-Bs-- the B is for basic which is the first level of EMT certification-- have a severely limited scope of practice. EMT-Bs cannot do any invasive procedures or administer aid beyond basic first aid. They cannot dispense any medication–not even aspirin/ibuprofen/acetaminophen-- without orders from a more senior authority. If you’re expecting to personally save lives as an EMT-B, you’re likely to be disappointed.

RE: the 12 or 24 hour shifts. EMT are not constantly working during those hours. Often they are at a central location waiting for a call. EMTs can sleep, study, exercise, read, etc during the non-active periods so the lengths of the shifts aren’t as grueling as you may think. (Like anything in emergency medicine–being an EMT is often involves hours of inactivity interspersed with minutes of sheer adrenaline.)

Since you are looking for post-college employment options–I would check the local job market. In many areas there are a glut of EMT-Bs and employment may be hard to come by. Do the same for the phlebotomy jobs in your area.

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One last thing, @Laliejour

EMT training should not cost you a “couple of thousand dollars”.

EMT training programs are offered at nearly every community college in the US. Check your option there before you sign up for a class through a private organization (like the Red Cross)

If you are still at Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers EMT-B classes–
https://www.kvcc.edu/programs/health_careers/emt.coa.php

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Thank you so much for the information! It’s really helpful.

I looked at KVCC but in total it seems like it’ll be around 2k for the number of hours required… If I were to start training I’m hoping to get the EMS AAS in the long run so that I can work as a paramedic during my gap year(s), do you think that’s feasible? Do I have to start with the EMT-B certification?

I looked at accelerated programs (Great Lakes) but it’s twice the price.
I remember reading that the shifts were good for studying because of the slow time periods, I’m glad to hear that’s true.

Looking at employment offers is really good advice - I only looked at the current offerings for phlebotomy at the hospitals nearby.

Yes, EMT-P is a cumulative program.

You need to first earn an EMT-B certification and an AEMT certification before you can sit for the EMT-P certification exam.

{Plus I’m pretty sure that the EMT-P requires full time enrollment to complete. It’s not something you can do part-time once you enter the final training phase due to the clinical training requirements.)

As a volunteer EMT, you will only be able to count the active engagement portion of your shift time as patient contact hours. The time you spend waiting around or doing skills review does not count toward the hours you’ll list on your medical school application. (This per LizzyM on SDN.)

My personal opinion-- a paramedic/EMS degree is a terminal professional degree and its own career path. It’s not a stepping stone to medical school. If you only plan to work for one year (your glide year)–then it’s not worth the time and effort it will take to earn the certification. Also your enrolling in the program uses up one of a limited number of slots that could go to a person who wants to work as professional paramedic for many years.

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