EMT Training

[miranda819, BSN]

Hello! I'm still going through my pre-req's for nursing school. I'm doing really great with my courses this semester (math, freshman comp II, pscy, and hist). I am doing distance learning through Palo Alto College in San Antonio. So for now, all my classes are online. It's working out great, as I'm a stay at home mom and all my kiddos are in school now!

So, I've decided that now would be a good time to take the EMT training classes and volunteer at my local EMS station! I've been wanting to do this for about a year now, but could never get my schedule together. EMT classes are 2 nights a week and most of Saturdays.

I was wondering if this will help me look more appealing to nursing schools? I still have a few years before I can even go to nursing school, but I wonder if this, along with good grades will help give me a little bit of an edge?

I plan on attending UT Health Science Center in San Antonio for nursing. While it is competative, I don't think it is nearly as hard to get in as some of the other places I've read about on the board.

So, anyone think this EMT certification will help with nursing school acceptance?

Thanks for your input!

Miranda

[rn/writer, RN]

Hey Miranda,

This is Miranda. I've been an EMT for 16 years. I don't know whether it helped me get into school or not, but the experience was well worth the effort. You pick up great assessment skills and learn the "hands-on" part of patient care ahead of the game. Then, when you finally start clinicals, you have a certain comfort level that others still have to acquire.

Just one bit of advice. Don't make a big deal out of your EMS training. Some instructors feel obligated to "humble" people with previous health care experience. It's as if they're saying, "So you think you know everything . . ." when you've said nothing of the sort.

BTW, the Lifetime channel has a new movie called "Ambulance Girl" with Kathy Bates. It first ran on Monday night and again last night. Knowing Lifetime, it'll be on again over the weekend and a few more times this month. It's pretty realistic and kind of funny.

Good luck with your studies.

[miranda819, BSN]

Hi Miranda (nice name!)! Thanks for the reply!

I did catch some of Ambulance Girl and I loved it! I feel just like Kathy Bates did when she first became excited about taking the training classes!

I live in a small town, and my brother-in-law has been running with EMS and the fire dept for several years now. He wanted me to join a few years ago, but my children were so small.

I'm so excited and ready to start classes next week!

Thanks again for your advice! I really appreciate it!

Miranda