Has anyone done EMT studies at NVCC?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 23, 2014

I did my EMT-Basic (EMT-B) and EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P) at NVCC, back when it was at the Annandale location. EMT-B is one semester, and you might enjoy it. The instructors were always excellent, and now that it's at the MEC, the facilities are much nicer.

misscee · Apr 23, 2014

I did my EMT-Basic (EMT-B) and EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P) at NVCC, back when it was at the Annandale location. EMT-B is one semester, and you might enjoy it. The instructors were always excellent, and now that it's at the MEC, the facilities are much nicer.

I'm hearing horror stories about the wait list to get into the nursing program so I would like a backup so I can pursue a career in the medical field, in the meantime. If you don't mind my asking, what have you done with the EMT licensing since then?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 23, 2014

I'm hearing horror stories about the wait list to get into the nursing program so I would like a backup so I can pursue a career in the medical field, in the meantime. If you don't mind my asking, what have you done with the EMT licensing since then?

I was a volunteer EMT-B and then EMT-P for about 8 years, and I worked as an ER tech for almost four years until I finished a paramedic-to-RN bridge. I'm still a paramedic as well as an ER RN. I didn't do my EMT studies as a backup to nursing, though - I wanted to be a paramedic.

misscee · Apr 24, 2014

That is so impressive! I have such high respect for paramedics AND nurses! I have interest in being an ED nurse and thought the EMT education would help. I am having such a hard time with the schools around this area and I'm weary of the supposed "diploma mills." I like the idea of having the experience and bridging later though. Did you do your bridge online?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 24, 2014

I did, through Excelsior College. However, Virginia now requires 960 hours of time as an RN or working a certain number of hours under a "provisional" license for EC grads to become RNs in Virginia (I finished prior to this change, in 2008). This is because EC's program doesn't have clinicals concurrent with theory, i.e., we don't have traditional clinicals, just a very stressful clinical weekend exam. EC requires its students to be healthcare providers of some sort already (LPNs, paramedics, RTs, etc.). It worked for me, but I don't generally recommend it. lol

misscee · Apr 25, 2014

You are filled with great info wise one! Would you advise getting a LPN as a backup?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 25, 2014

You are filled with great info wise one! Would you advise getting a LPN as a backup?

Haha! :) It depends on the market for LPNs in your area, and the availability of LPN schools. But if your end game is RN, I think it's wiser to out-wait the waiting list than to pay extra for an education you may not use.

Bbean · Apr 29, 2014

I recently did EMT-B at nvcc. Great course, great teacher (Rucks).

I did EMT for same reason, in case I don't get into RN program. Sadly nvcc doesn't tell you much about EMS prior to getting into it. In Virginia, now, if you go ems career you must also be a firefighter. (Not 100% about EMT-P's). I had no clue. I think only one or two places in Va you don't have to.

Also to be hired into ems you must apply to the academy and be offered a position. Apply, interview, past tests, exams, physical fitness tests, etc. It's EXTREMELY competitive.

Even if you have your EMT basic from nvcc, you must go thru the academy for EMT b. if accepted.

So if you go this route prepare for a LONG tough road. But maybe that's what you want.

FYI, you can get EMT-B for free at many stations and they will apply towards college credits.

if you want nursing, hang in there.

I know a girl who applied last fall and she said everyone got in, because the applicants didn't exceed the spots available.

Im trying to pass teas. That's my hold up. I've taken or am taking all pre-req now.

LPN may be an ok route. Just don't waste time and money if you can get into RN. And make sure they're hiring for LPNs.

I checked labor and statistics for anything I've considered. To see pay, future need, etc. no sense to go to school into a field that's not promising. Just sharing this info for general purposes.

I loved emergency medicine. I'm looking for ER tech position now. Praying I'll get into RN at nvcc. Either way, if I can, I'm going to look into volunteering ems. But that also is a big commitment.

Good luck.

A lot to consider.

misscee · Apr 29, 2014

This right here is exactly why I love this site! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. I do really want to be a RN and I'm determined to make that happen. I've noticed that clinical technician positions at the hospitals like EMT training so that was my drive behind it. I would like to work in the clinical side especially during the program as I currently work in administrative. I really appreciate your feedback on your experience. I'm studying the teas book too and I wish you the best of luck on your goals too! You can do it!

Nurse2be35 · Jun 14, 2014

I completed the EMT-B program through Nova this past spring. It's 8 credits (including clinicals), but felt like a little more. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it. I had for abc EMT, he's awesome. I had Abc for the TEAS math prep class- he's really good too. I applied to the nvcc nursing program for this fall. nvcc has a RN-Paramedic bridge program if you are an EMT-B. I discussed it with my instructor and it takes 2-3 semesters to complete once you're a RN. If you don't want to pay for the class I talked to a girl during ride alongs who got her EMT-B through the county in about the same amount of time. Good luck!