I have a major dilemma CNA or EMT certification while waiting for RN to start?

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Greetings, Long time lurker, posted very few times. Everyone on here is amazing and I appreciate your advice.

CNA cost $400 plus $75 for state exam. 8 week program. CNA focus more on ADL and bedside care as instructed by RN.

Basic EMT cost $1500 2 week accelerated course. EMT focus on rapid in-field treatment and transport to higher medical providers.

I will be done with my prereqs in Dec. Apply in April and begin program in Aug 2010 - 2012.

I'm currently a volunteer for Red Cross for my county as a Disaster Action Team Leader (a first responder).

TIA for any advice and I hopefully can make logical decision soon.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If you want to be a nurse in the ER, trauma, or critical care unit, the EMT certification might be a good stepping stone with basic skills that are applicable to those specialties.

If you want to be a nurse in any other area or specialty, the CNA certification would be desirable. Good luck to you!

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A 1500 dollar EMT Basic course is robbery. But EMT is the way to go

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A 1500 dollar EMT Basic course is robbery. But EMT is the way to go

You think 1500 is robbery for a 2 week accelerated course? Please elaborate...

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Specializes in IMCU.

It is robbery. My course was around $600 -- actually I think it was even less than that.

You may find for nursing school you have to have the CNA. Why not try to get associated with a volunteer EMS team. Often they pay for your EMT course in return for a commitment of time. It may mean no more DAT team though.

If you can do that then you have no worries about paying for the CNA course.

Also, check with the college about ways to pay for CNA courses.

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I've had both. I got my CNA/home health aide cert first. Worked in private care. Cna's are the low man on the totem pole. They are very over worked and very very under paid. I let my cert lapse.

I also have my EMT-B certification. Although I don't work on a any service, I got it and passed and hold my license. I feel like I learned more from the EMT class than I did with my work as a CNA. Most Cna's work in either nursing homes or private care. It will give you a slight leg up getting a job at a hospital, but usually hospital's train people as Clinical Associates, but it's the same thing as being a CNA. Bathing, feeding, Personal care, emptying cath bags, colostomy bags, and so forth. Changing beds, and stuff like that. It's very fast paced in a nursing home, and there isn't much time spent with the patients. As there are more patients than there are people to help.

Emt's have more of a range in patient care. It's fast paced too, but you learn so much more. You learn about a wide array of things that you would never see as a CNA. I would definitely suggest going for the EMT license.

If you can, I would also take a basic trauma life support class too.

Good luck.. I'm now working on my Laboratory Assistant Certificate/Phlebotomy certificate, while I wait to get into nursing school. Hopefully next fall.

Good luck.

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You think 1500 is robbery for a 2 week accelerated course? Please elaborate...

First off an EMT course is lots of time and energy. A 2 week course is not the best bang for your buck. You will learn a great deal in an EMT course but not in that short of time. Secondly, 1500 bucks is the cost of some Paramedic schools. An EMT course should run 600 to 800. Thirdly, go with the EMT

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Specializes in ICU.
An EMT course should run 600 to 800. Thirdly, go with the EMT

I guess prices have gone up a bit. I think I paid ~$100-$125 for my EMT course back in 1987. Of course, that was just a few years ago!:)

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First off an EMT course is lots of time and energy. A 2 week course is not the best bang for your buck. You will learn a great deal in an EMT course but not in that short of time. Secondly, 1500 bucks is the cost of some Paramedic schools. An EMT course should run 600 to 800. Thirdly, go with the EMT

I've seen paramedic training for $5000 today. I'm searching for a 600- 800 course - wish me luck.

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Thank everyone for your replies! I really appreciate it. My goal is to get the most training in the shortest amount of time, so I can start working/and work part time while in the RN program. I have lots to think about.

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If you want to be a nurse in the ER, trauma, or critical care unit, the EMT certification might be a good stepping stone with basic skills that are applicable to those specialties.

If you want to be a nurse in any other area or specialty, the CNA certification would be desirable. Good luck to you!

TheCommuter - I want to do both at some point. But the short term goal is to gain experience while I hurry up and wait.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Here's a thought. . .some nursing homes will train you and get you certified to become a CNA for free in exchange for working for them for a few months. Maybe you could earn the CNA certificate for free, and pay for the EMT-B so you can eventually have both under your belt.

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