Should I do EMT or CNA?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Should I do EMT or CNA?

I'm already licensed an EMT-B, but due to health issues in the last two years I didn't actually work in it. Health issues are since resolved/stable, and I'm up for recertification. I also need to get my ambulance certification. I'll be doing all this in the next two months.

I'm going to be taking about 14 weeks of coursework for phlebotomy and lab tech. I'm a science geek, and I'd LOVE to do this, but it takes six months to a year post-graduation to get licensed, and I need a job in the meantime... and I NEED to leave my present job. I'd like to not stay at my job another shift if I could help it, let alone 6 months to a year.

I could get work with my EMT license, but I'm getting the CNA as a "backup" because of the economy and all - worried about being able to find a job - i am a 24-hour caregiver, I'm burned out, I hate it, and I want to do a job where I actually eat breakfast in my own home before going to work.

Is it easier to get work as a CNA than as an EMT? That's my question. Is CNA a good backup? Should I bother?

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I was an EMT (ECA really) for a while in high school and before college. I enjoyed it but this was a long time ago, before I joined the Army. In fact I found my card the other day and it had expired about 22 years ago. :)

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Specializes in LTC.

If you're burned out on a 24-hour caregiving job, you'll probably feel completely drained doing CNA work.

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Since your an emt, cna will probably be very boring for you in that with your training there will be things you know how to do but are not allowed to do in the cna scope of practice. Many in our cna class wanted to go on and do emt.

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I`d say base it on your finacial needs. Do research in your area to see who makes the most. I hate to say it but in my area experienced CNA make more than experienced EMT`s.

In my area of the country never heard of a EMT making more than $12/hr unless working for Toyota. Were I have heard of CNA making $12+

Another good question is doese it bother you to wipe someone else butt?

If it doese then EMT is your route.

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Another good question is doese it bother you to wipe someone else butt?

If it doese then EMT is your route.

Actually, I already wipe someone else's butt... that's not the hardest part of my job. It's the emotional drain, and being "chief cook and bottle washer", but I imagine it wouldn't be the same in a facility.

I'm thinking i'm going to do my lab tech program first (I'm taking phlebotomy + lab tech + ekg) then CNA after, if still haven't managed to do anything with my other certs.. Bleah.

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