Being Hired

[emrick]

Hello everyone,

I hope you all can help me out. I live in California and I am about to enroll into an EMT course here where I live. The class is like $650.00 so I want to make sure it is all worth it.

I took the class once and three weeks before the class ended I dropped it for no reason at all. Regretted it ever since. Here is my problem. There were 20 people who graduated from the class I would of, and none of them became EMT's.

Is being hired as an EMT hard since there are so many people taking the classes? If so what would make me stand out more when I am going up for a job?

I don’t want to pay all this money and then can’t get a job after it all. I know there are no promises in life, but what would make me get the job over someone else.

Thanks in advance.

Scott

[ChicagoAnthony]

emt b jobs are a dime a dozen with private companies. Don't expect to make any cash or use your skill set. You will most likely be a glorified taxi service. However, there are things to be learned, if you can pay attention to details and not be shy about asking questions! Good luck!

[QBBrowns]

I hear what you're saying. I just recently decided to enroll in an EMT-B course this coming fall. The way I see it, if I'm going to sacrifice 2 nights a week for 4 months, I'm going to put everything into it and ace this course. The job market may be tough when I finish, but I'm going to put myself in the best possible position by doing well in the course and seeking out ways to get experience during it.
If this is really what you want to do, then just go for it.

[wakehead]

Even though you cant throw a rock and not hit an EMT there are quite a few jobs to be had while you are waiting to get that dream job... what state are you in??????

some may even pay the bills and some may pay for Medic school!

[JohnWE]

Emrick,

Have you looked into taking your EMT class at a local community college? The one I just finished was only $100 for the tuition, another $100.00 or so for books, and another $100.00 or so for needed equipment and supplies.

Not a huge gap between what you said your class was going to cost but enough to make a difference.

You're going to be spending another $70.00 to take the NREMT basic test and then whatever county you live in will undoubtedly want some money for their certification as well. I'd look into a community college class if you have one near by.

I'd also be wary of any trade school type of program. For profit education can lead to lowering of standards just to bump up the number of graduates. Of course once you're out, you're on your own. I'm looking into taking a phlebotomist class in Los Angeles county in order to get a job in an ER, the difference in cost between a private trade school vs a college class is staggering.

John

[emrick]

wakehead-

I live in Fresno Country. So Fresno, CA.

What places were you talking about? I am intrested now.