Hi there,

A little background on me, I have a B.S in Human Services, but realized it wasn't really for me when I started working. I have always wanted to do something health related. I have always been intrigued by the healthcare field.

I ultimately decided to go back to a community college and work my way up to something within the nursing field. Probably work my way up to BSN. I recently enrolled in EMT-B courses, but after doing tonssss of research, I had my doubts on the job prospects. I want to try and find something I can do ASAP after a semester. I have been looking at jobs for EMT-B and they are no where to be found in my area! (Las Vegas, NV)

So I had the idea to switch my classes to CNA. Any thoughts on the switch? I thought EMT sounds exciting, and I want something fast paced, but I know I need to do at least EMT-I to get a practical job. I have a family to support.

The EMT classes (I am enrolled in both and have to drop one or the other) I thought it was neat that I could do the lecture online, and the other 2 classes in person.

However, when I registered for CNA, all of the lectures online were filled, so I'd have this schedule:

Lec: Wednesday 6-8:50pm

Lab: Thursday 10-12:50pm

Clin: Thursday 3-9:50pm

Does that sound kind of cramped? I wish I could have had my lecture online since I enjoy online classes, but I'm thinking it might be beneficial for me to get that on campus learning. Or is it pretty basic? Then I don't want to regret giving up the EMT, I think, what if I'd really enjoy it? CNA would probably make more sense since I want to go the RN route? But then I think, what if I wanted to become a paramedic? It's so tough to decide when you've never been exposed to the field before. I am super indecisive, but sure I want one of those routes! I apologize for the ramblings. Thank you for any input.

Have you researched the job prospects and pay for LPN/RN vs paramedic in your area? This plays a big role in most individuals' choices. Also, look up the duties of the two and think about pros and cons and what you might like better. If you're going to be a nurse it is definitely handy to get your CNA license and work as a CNA first. CNA education is pretty basic so you don't have to worry a ton about that, just make sure you don't miss any classes. The written/paper stuff is all common sense but skills is pretty overwhelming at first.

Surprised you wouldn't be able to find an EMT job. There are companies (in the Bay Area and pretty much everywhere I've loved) that are always looking for EMTs.

Are you only looking at the 911 system or are you looking at private transport companies also?

Here in NY, paid EMT jobs are hard to come by. Most are volunteer jobs. However, CNA jobs are a dime a dozen. I haven't heard of any CNA online courses. Probably because a lot of the training is hands on. It's really up to you which route to take. I'd research which has more jobs available first.

Thanks for the input everyone. I read an article (from a while back) that here in Las Vegas, NV fire and rescue are going to take ambulance over and many EMT jobs will be lost.

Also, the CNA course will be roughly 5 months long. They also have a 7 week program in summer I believe. Is there a benefit to the longer classes? The ones I enrolled in are the full 5 months. Thanks again!

Thanks for the input everyone. I read an article (from a while back) that here in Las Vegas, NV fire and rescue are going to take ambulance over and many EMT jobs will be lost.

Also, the CNA course will be roughly 5 months long. They also have a 7 week program in summer I believe. Is there a benefit to the longer classes? The ones I enrolled in are the full 5 months. Thanks again!

Honestly, I'd wait for the 7 week program if you don't need a CNA license/job right away. 5 months sounds so excessive. I was in a ~two month program with classes being three days a week and even that seemed long.

Depending upon the area, getting an EMT job can range from incredibly easy to incredibly difficult. EMT is basically a 120-160 hour course that can be done in about a month, maybe less. Depending upon prerequisite requirements and where the course is taken, going through Paramedic School can take 2 years or more but the schooling itself usually lasts about a year.

Because the EMT course is so short, relatively speaking, there are many more EMTs than Paramedics so there's a LOT of competition for EMT jobs.

What may be happening in LV is that the Fire service may take over 911 ambulance service and while that will have an impact on the numbers of employed EMTs, the non-911 providers will simply have that many more people to choose from when they want to hire new employees. I seriously doubt that the Fire service will take over all the ambulance work in the LV area, including the interfacility stuff.

Given a choice of programs, I would choose the shorter CNA program even though the start date is a bit further into the future. CNA, like EMT, is going to be fairly basic. The shorter course, as long as it's not a crash course, should help you learn what you need to learn and retain the info reasonably well.

I live in Vegas and you can get jobs as an EMT-I you should look into what additional after EMT b you need to do. Becoming a medic then a RN is a waste of time. Pick one.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Justice and Law Administration. I received certification last year of college as a Emergency Medical Responder. It opened some doors for me and saw that I prefer healthcare over policing. Long story I went for my EMT had trouble passing the written, I should of opted for the non computerised version. Kicking myself in the but for that and letting it go. Anyways after a temp. job in the OR I became a Psychiatric Technician or Mental Health Worker. In our state you need a Bachelor's degree to take the job, but now leaning towards Associate degree which leads to less pay...state across from me has same requirements. Anyways I was planning to move to Orange County California...family there, a lot of healthcare jobs, and cheaper programs. Anyways found the love of my life so staying in the East Coast.

So California which is close to Nevada...I bet Neveda has similar programs. However, Psychiatric Technicians normally have to get an associate's degree or certificate to practice in California. Believe the Associate's makes you an LPN which can transition into a nursing program.

As a psych tech some time job was mundane and routine. However, did interviews, documentation, patient mental assessments, clerical work, vitals, restraints, participated in emergency interventions, took in role as security, did intake admissions, 15 min checks, and a few other roles. I was laid off kind of the way healthcare is going now if not certified in patient care you are in thin ice.

Working a job that pays less and for work you do not a surprise. I find no challenge and trying to get back into the hospital. Once I can get stable hours going to take a PCA program a lot of openings for that position in my state. From there go into nursing...going to be a long road.

As an EMT figure can do a lot in Vegas...surprise nothing with driving the ambulance. Working in a rehab center. In the casino. Working with the Sheriff department.

EMT market might be impacted bc you must be an EMT-I in order to be considered for the fire academy here. Very popular with the "Bros" here lately.

Do the 7 wk at CSN for CNA and then go for RN if that's what you want. Bridging between EMT or Paramedic to RN might cause autonomy issues for you in the long run.

It takes 4 years to become an RN in this town. Whether it's ADN or BSN and it honestly doesn't really matter in Vegas, you will find a job eventually.