I guess if all you want is a check mark on the application and don't care about anything else, it'll do, but what does that say about you?
It doesn't reflect negatively on me because you can say the same about Accelerated BSN, A&P, Chem or Micro summer course that all get the job done in shortest amount of time, for a higher fee (in most cases).
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.
Three months ago, I produced a list of all LTC facilities in a 50 mile radius. Either by email or phone I contacted each one and asked if they offered free CNA training in exchange for work. All of them said the same thing, due to the lack of funding for the program and the economy they currently do not have a CNA training program.
I did go down and apply in person at a few facilities, just in case they decide to open the program again, my application is on file.
It doesn't reflect negatively on me because you can say the same about accelerated BSN, A&P, Chem or Micro summer course that all get the job done in shortest amount of time, for a higher fee (in most cases).
OK... now you scare me.
A&P, Micro, and Chem are academic courses where you learn an academic subject matter... that's it.
An EMT-B course, while academically simpler, has far more material. However, an EMT-B course is far more than academic knowledge. An EMT-B course is meant to train you to think, diagnose, make decisions, and provide patient care on a basic level. You want the fast track cram session that is designed to get you to pass a test, not to be a good medical provider.
Would you go to a non-accredited nursing school? Do you really think than a 2-week EMT-B with no entry standards is equivalent to a 1 year Accelerated BSN program for students who pass rigorous entry standards and already hold a BS degree?
Just in case you are still confused, accredited EMT-B programs are generally 10-14 credit hours when taught by CC. An accelerated 2 week program puts you *in the classroom* 10 hours a day just to reach the mandated minimum contact hours and they count testing as instructing hours. When you find me a 4 day CNA class or a 1 week A&P course or a 3 day long Microbiology course that produces quality learning and long term retention... or how about a 2 month ADN program... then you can get back to me about comparisons to a 2 week EMT course.
You want to practice as an EMT while you wait/are in RN school. EMT-B responsibility and scope may be far less than an RN's most of the time, but you owe it to patients to provide the best quality care you can. If you want shortcuts in your education, *I* worry about you taking other shortcuts.
Try to find an EMT course that doesn't jam it into two weeks. I took a traditional semester EMT course, have taught accelerated EMT courses for 9 and 4 weeks, and 2 is going to be BRUTAL. You won't be very well prepared, it'll be like cramming for an exam.
Secondly, the EMT is the way to go. For all the reasons already mentioned.
Third, $1500 is definitely highway robbery. I think my EMT course only cost me $135 plus the cost of a uniform and stethescope, and that was in 2003.
Two Weeks???? EMT is at least 120-140 hours....equivalent to a single semester 3 credit class. I work as an EMT while going through school. I worked Critical Care Transport and urban EMS...Now Just the EMS. I've been and EMT since "92. $1500 is way too much.
CCT gave me experience in vents and IV pumps and experience with neuro, cardiac, neonatal and peds. I now know a ton of ICU, CCU and ER nurses who will provide reference and those in charge of units said that they would offer me a position upon getting my license...if a position is available.
On the EMS side, where I am now, I've handled 100 or so patients in the last 6 shifts that included cardiac arrest, penetrating traumas(knife/gsw), blunt trauma, psych(violent and non-violent), childbirth (a boy!), diff breathers (usually asmatic), seizures along with some others.
I've had a chance to research, talk to a hiring manager at a local hospital, the fire chief, my nursing advisor, and two co-students who currently have their EMT certs (one works in the ER). I decided against the 2 week course, instead; I will take the 4 month course at the local fire station and if I can find CNA training in exchange for work, I will do that also.
I think you made a wise decision to go with the four month EMT course. Two weeks is not enough time to learn the skills or theory involved with EMT. I forget how long my course was, but it was at least one college semester long. I couldn't imagine covering all of that in two weeks. It also should be a good course if the instructor is a working paramedic. Good luck with your plans.
Hi. I'm new here. But is a CNA the same as an LPN? I have been waitlisted for a CNA or I guess Practical Nurse? I don't like the idea that I will have to wipe people's behinds but I just have to suck it up. Is this a good way for me to go? CNA TO RN? Why do EMTs only get so little training?!
CNA stands for certified nursing assistant. Nursing assistants are at the bottom of the nursing totem pole. They are not LPNs. LPN (licensed practical nurse, or licensed vocational nurse in TX and CA) is a licensed nurse who performs duties more complicated and involved than those of nursing assistants, such as invasive procedures (inserting catheters, administering breathing treatments) or administering meds. EMTs generally take courses that last around the same time frame as LPN courses, and they generally are paid similar to LPNs. Their duties and responsibilities are entirely different than those of a nursing assistant. Hope you find your CNA course to be right for you.
At point of entry, yes...it is very little. But that is usually follow up by required CEU's for rectrtification every 2-3 years. Additional requirements like PHTLS, Haz-Mat, Rescue, Trauma specialties are usually added by employers.
Hi. I'm new here. But is a CNA the same as an LPN? I have been waitlisted for a CNA or I guess Practical Nurse? I don't like the idea that I will have to wipe people's behinds but I just have to suck it up. Is this a good way for me to go? CNA TO RN? Why do EMTs only get so little training?!
This is my understanding of the totem pole of Nursing. CNA - LPN/LVN - RN - BSN - MSN - etc....All requiring more $ and more education unless your employer pays (very rare these days, but it's possible).
If you go back and read the previous thread, there is a post about the responsibilities of a CNA (and wiping behinds is a major part of it.) EMT training involves intense critical care and the training is no joke. For me, I'm going to try to do both if possible. I believe those who start at the bottom, have a greater appreciation and scope of understanding of nursing as a whole.
What I found out is that everyone takes their own path to the wonderful world of healthcare. Research, talk to everyone you know, read allnurses boards, ask questions, Google It...because at the end of the day - it's your decision and you are the only one who has to live with it.
SummitRN, BSN, RN
2 Articles; 1,567 Posts
2 week EMT programs are referred to as:
Cert Mills
Shake-and-half-bake EMTs
School-of-Cook-Book-Medicine
I guess if all you want is a check mark on the application and don't care about anything else, it'll do, but what does that say about you?