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Discussion

EMT or CNA

I am very interested in emergency nursing and have started the beginnings of getting my BSN. I have been a stay-at-home mom forever and have 0 work experience (outside in the world of work I mean!! I have a ton of experience!!) So in desiring to get some good work experience I have begun to explore what I could be doing while I'm getting all of my general ed requirements (I am only going to school part-time right now) I went ahead and started a CNA program with hopes of getting a job as an ER tech. But now I'm questioning whether getting a basic EMT might be better for gaining specific experience. What do ya think?

Jennifer

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ER tech. You will learn more to prepare for being an ER nurse and you will learn more about what it is like to be an ER nurse.

Not sure what is required for ER tech's in your area. From my experiences, CNA's make more money. I made over two dollars an hour more working as a CNA than I did as an EMT-B.

I had trouble making the same decisions I started out training as a CNA once I was done I did an EMT class through a Jr. college while working as a CNA so I could apply for an ER tech position. Most of the hospitals in my area prefer that you are EKG certified in order to apply as an ER tech regardless of a CNA or EMT-B cert. Hope this helps! Some of my friends are ER techs and they love it. In the end I decided to work for a registry while I finish my ASN because of the flexibility.

We don't use CNAs in our ER, only EMTs (and they must have a current license).

  • Experts

I would say stay with the CNA. It will give you more flexibility and more pay. EMT-B's earnings are slim at best.

Finish your CNA and get your certificate. Then go for EMT. ED's in my area used to ask for EMT for ER tech position. It helps. They are now asking for EKG techs. Phlebotomy training too. Its not required but they just want people with as much training as possible. :) They also are looking for people with CNA training. Check your local hospitals website for job updates. :D

In the few ED's I've worked in the techs (CNA's) were all experienced and not straight out of school so it would probably help you if you did the EMT-B after the CNA or at least volunteered at your local firehouse.

Another option is to try and get on as a secretary (which also requires a CNA at my hospital) but they make a little more and get more comfortable with the labs and xray's that we order.

Even another option is to get into phlebotomy to get comfortable with lab draws and they often do EKG's also.

  • Author

Thank you all for your input. I think I've decided to go ahead and complete the CNA. Then I think I will go through the EMT-B course early next year. One step at a time though.

Phlebotomy training is something I hadn't thought of. I looked in my area but couldn't find any training sites. (Kansas City) How long is this type of training? How much does a program cost?

Thank you all again,

Jennifer

i would say go for your emt basic because after you complete the course you can challenge the cna test.

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