EMT-B School

[mikie333]

I am extremly interested in taking an EMT-B course. The local community college offers the courses for High School students, but its a night course, 2 times a week for a few months. Each class is 4 hours long. Is this course 'worth' taking? Or are their easier ways to take a course (for a high-schoolerl), that aren't 8 hours a week...Thanks!

[crsemt1258]

There really is no easier way that I know of to take the course. Like I have said in other threads it is a difficult course for High Schoolers and it will take up a lot of your time. I don't know what the criteria is for passing a class in your state is, but here it is 80%. So, be prepared to do a lot of studying. You would maybe be better off joining an Explorers Post if their is one in your area to see if it is REALLY something that you want to commit quite a bit of time too. It also might affect your GPA in school if you take it now.

[redneckemt]

My advice, enjoy your time in High School. If you really want to be an EMT, take the class as soon as you get out of school. Like 1258 said look for an Explorer program, it will give you an advantage when you take the course.

[btroutm]

Personally, I wouldn't recommend taking the course while you're also taking high school courses. I would suggest taking the course during the summer.

[Adam07003]

Depends on how good a student are you. I know when i was in HS, i never studied, i wasnt a BRAIN and i wasnt dumb, i just didnt like studying. I knew the material i needed to pass and graduated with a 2.8 GPA. Im a smart guy, i just didnt like HS that much.

I worked a fulltime job, 8:30 - 5:30 and went to EMT school twice a week for 4 hours for about 4 months. I passed the course. I picked up on it and i read about half the book and then got lazy and didnt read the chatpers that much.

I never failed a single test, except for the midterm and about 90% of the class failed. They knew we would because they designed it just like the NR-EMT test trying to trick us.

But i did well with EMT school. If you love it and have a real knack for it, you'll do fine in EMS and in HS.

Its really up to you if you have the time to devote to it, go for it, but if you are a good student and study a lot in HS or you have sports, wait till her done with HS.

Its not a LOT of your time, but you still do need to read the book, you really can't WING it, there are things ya really hafta learn.

[Dubbsy]

I took up EMS when I was 17, however I started as a North Dakota First Responder and took on the second medic position with the volunteer ambulance (and also took up volunteer firefighting at that time). Training was only 40 hours which was set-up in the same 4 hours twice a week format, but only for a month and a half.

in January of 2005 I went through the EMT-B course in the same format (4 hours on T/H nights for 3.5-4 months) and passed with flying colors (while in college). I'm now back to volunteering with the ambulance when I"m around home, but as the primary medic.


My reccomendation... If you can find some what other than the EMT-B course to get your foot in the door to EMS, do it! The 4 years I spent as a First Responder (both in continued training and hands-on experience) prepared me wonderfully for the class and tests. So, if an explorer program gets you hands on (I have no idea, no experience with it) then by all means, start there. (and I know people who had no previous experience had plenty of trouble with the course)

[jmoulton]

When i took my EMT-B class granted I was attending a community college and I took the emt class as part of my course load but like adam it came easy to me, I studied for the first few chapters but after that I never studied I did pay close attention during class though. I ended up being one of the top five in the class. You can do it if you have the aptitude and the drive you just have to ask yourself how you do in high school and will that commitment affect your school work. Remember high school comes first.

[doughesson]

I agree with what has been said about concentrating on high school first.If you can take the classes without interfering with school,go for it.It's going to be a bear to do so I'd recommend waiting for the summer session at community college to do.
I'm starting my EMT-B classes later this month in addition to working the 10pm-8am shift at work.The big problem for me is making sure I get enough sleep and still make time for study.
Anyway,good luck with it.

[Godfather0105]

I just couldn't help to drop by and see a highschooler wondering about the EMT-B Course. Just finishing college in May , I can tell you that if you go to college and have to be stuck on a shift your social life will be gone. Not that it is the worst thing in the world I am sure. Find some volunteer activities such as DVRT team (Domestic Violence Response Team) in which you can practice dealing with stressful people. Take a look at the Red Cross or AHA, they are always looking for volunteers

I have yet to take the EMT - B class. But I can remember the days of HS in a demanding prep school. And I would do anything to be stuck someplace between kindergartin and 8th grade all over again.

So for the pros out there. Graduating college with a double degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology . What am I in for ? What do I have to worry about ? Should I be sweating the State and NREMT Exam ? I carried a 3.25 for four years as well as 3 different honor societies. What can I expect? I have begun studying on my own since November . My biggest fear is bombing the exams. Yet, I am wondering if I will be able to do it.

[jeffersonfd31]

i'm a high school and just took my basic class. it really didnt seem to be a problem time wise and i found out yesterday that i passed my registry.

[LilMedic04]

I'm currently taking the medic classes along with a college course load. Yes, I've noticed that I don't have a social life, or very many friends, anymore. But I'm devoted, and it's what I want to do, therefore it makes it easier knowing that my time is going for something meaningful.
I study a lot, because I want to know my stuff, and because it helps with test anxiety. So far I'm doing great with a 94% average in the class. It takes time and devotion, that's all.

[kglaudemans]

There really is no easier way that I know of to take the course. Like I have said in other threads it is a difficult course for High Schoolers and it will take up a lot of your time. I don't know what the criteria is for passing a class in your state is, but here it is 80%. So, be prepared to do a lot of studying. You would maybe be better off joining an Explorers Post if their is one in your area to see if it is REALLY something that you want to commit quite a bit of time too. It also might affect your GPA in school if you take it now.

I am a high school senior, and I took this class last year over the summer. It was hard to do. I took a 5 week class from 0800-1600 5 days a week. On top of that in my state we had to do hospital time and ambulance time....make sure this is something you are prepaired to be dedicated to. About the GPA....it really does take a hit because once you have EMT, you have to work to get aidman or A2. Find a department that works with junior members and is flexible with the amount of time you have to dedicate to the department...and good luck.

katie

[medicbear14]

Personally, I wouldn't recommend taking the course while you're also taking high school courses. I would suggest taking the course during the summer.

I also personally believe this...take a summer course at a college as soon as you graduate HS. then go on to whatever else your planning on doing in the fall. I screwed up my social life the first semester at college by trying to do too much.. i took 22 hrs at two different schools. along with your normal study time for 16 freshman hours...a 6 hour EMT-B class made it tough to get it all done. it is possible....i did it and have now finished my degree for paramedicine and have loved every bit of school. if you really wanna be good at what you do...take the class at a time when you have nothing else going on in your life...make yourself the "best at what you do" and learn to be a GOOD EMT-B. learn to really assess you pt., then move on to your skills. you'll be fine.

Good luck to everyone starting out.

MedicBear

[MrSpykesEMTB]

It shouldn't be that big of a prolem taking through high scool. When I took my basic two years ago it was a class in my senior year curriculum, it was offered as an elective. It was taught at the local hospital and was taught by Medics on the Fire Dept in the area. As long as you have decent instructors and are a decent student you should be fine taking it. You need to realize though that it is going to take up a lot of your time. good luck with whatever you choose!
Patrick
Indiana EMT-B
Paramedic Student

[RandomRescue]

I took my EMT-B while a sophomore in high school and juggled it all, granted at times it was tough but I pushed through it. It does all depend on your study skills and motivation, I never let my EMS or firefighting classes interfere with my schoolwork or vice versa. I don’t believe that becoming involved in emergency services while in high school ruins your high school experience it definitely builds time management skills. I’m still in high school and manage to keep doing all the fun high school stuff with people my own age. MrSpykesEMTB is true in saying that it will take up a lot of your time, although my basic class was on Saturdays from 8a to about 4p for about five months. The weeknight course (2 nights a week 6p – 10p) you described is also very popular in my area, but I could not imagine taking the class and doing well after a full day of school and homework.

[RFRDxplorer]

Explorer Posts are a great place to start.

A big piece of advice, STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY!!!!!

[LilMedic04]

Explorer Posts are a great place to start.

A big piece of advice, STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY!!!!!


I couldn't agree more. You need to devote FULL attention to this class when you're there. It'll make you a better EMT in the future.
Me and 2 other students in my class formed a study group and we get together once a week at our houses and practice on each other. It helps A LOT, and I've noticed an increase in my test scores, granted that I was at about a 92% average and now I'm at a 96% average, but it helps!!!!

[montet202]

I'm currently taking the medic classes along with a college course load. Yes, I've noticed that I don't have a social life, or very many friends, anymore. But I'm devoted, and it's what I want to do, therefore it makes it easier knowing that my time is going for something meaningful.
I study a lot, because I want to know my stuff, and because it helps with test anxiety. So far I'm doing great with a 94% average in the class. It takes time and devotion, that's all.

How many total hours is your program and how long (years) do you have to complete it with ride time and clinicals? Do you do your ride/clinicals after didactic? I can't imagine doing my program (4500 hrs avg with ride and clinicals all going on at the same time in about 14 months) with additional course loads. There was one other student that tried for a month to cary a part time job and had to quit. I am only familiar with a few programs in Washington and the ones I am aware of are very intense, but short.