RN and EMT or Paramedic???

MissJoRN, RN · Aug 9, 2005

Can an RN challange the EMT or Paramedic certification in the state of MI? Or do you have to take EMT classes?

Sorry, I'm not in MI but didn't want your question to get lost without an anwser. In most states you probably have to take the EMT course, you'll be taught a lot of things you don't know from nursing. Slightly different priorities, safety issues, scene management, touch on hazmat issues, rapid extrication, backboard use, etc. Now with an RN and EMT cert, you may find a different route to a paramedic role such as PHRN, whatever the local title is (I still catch myself using the slang "street skirt", LOL) Paramedic courses include topics you may have learned in your nursing career (EKGs, IVs, meds) but also some new skills like intubation (more in depth techniques than your ACLS or PALS course taught)

I'm not changing anything I've already written but I looked back and it looks like you're an LPN student? Contact your local EMS unit and look into an EMT course, see if you can work it around your class schedule. It's a great experience and if emergency work is your thing may help you get a job in an ER after school or even before graduation and you'll get some exposure to decide what your goals are- RN, EMT-P, PHRN, flight nurse?)

Good Luck!

I'm starting to miss EMS again :sniff:

annarborGUYRN · Feb 28, 2006

You cannot challenge the exams. You have to take the course. I am an EMT and RN and had NO CLUE how to do some of the clinicl skills like backboarding. There are a lot of legal issues involved with EMS that RN's typically have no experience with! Good luck!!

Ms.RN · Feb 28, 2006

what do EMS students learn in EMS program? Do you think that nurses can befinit from EMS training program?

Trauma Columnist · Feb 28, 2006

I'm a pre-hospital RN and ER RN and yes, there is a big difference between EMS and ER. I think there is definitely something to be learned...besides the usual backboard, extrication, etc., skills, there is the lack of help when you are in the streets. It is not so easy to start IVs in the home or under a car or in the back of a moving ambulance. And...it is harder to assess your patients in these positions too. My nursing experience certainly didn't hurt me, but i have learned a lot pre-hospital too.

Besides, the Sawz-All is kinda a fun instrument - sort of a mini chain saw - rrrrr! (The guys love it that at 47, I still get a kick out of it).

smckenzi · Mar 1, 2006

I am not an emt but i do have pre-hospital experiance as a lifeguard (backboarding in water is a riot :) ), LPN student and as a CPR and first aid instructor so i really don't want to sit and pay for a class that is all review. Can someone please tell me what else is taught in an emt class???

Thanks

UMichSCN07 · Mar 6, 2006

Given your background, the EMT-Basic class is going to be nearly all review for you. The class I went through focused on assessment and backboarding and covered Med/Legal, Infectious Diseases (mostly body substance isolation), HazMat (awareness level only), shock, resp. emergencies, cardiac emergencies, stroke/ischemic brain injury, and trauma. That's the broad strokes of it. You're required 3-4 ER shifts and 3-4 ambulance shifts as hands-on experience. Michigan is a National Registry state, so they use the NR test as the state licensure test and Basics MUST test in Michigan. You also must take the Basic class in order to take the Paramedic class. There's also the Specialist level, which is a Basic review plus IV's and intbuations, but those classes are getting harder to find and you still have to take the Basic class first. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions regarding EMS classes in the SE MI area.

Mike in Michigan, EMT-S

Dr.Nurse2b · Oct 13, 2007

I am a NREMT and current state EMT - BASIC card holder with 5+ years EMS experience. I am currently enrolled in an RN program.

As an RN holding an EMT card can I run through ACLS and become licensed as an EMT-P?

I am in Georgia if anyone familiar with the state.

Thank you!

JDEMTP · Feb 8, 2008

I am a NREMT and current state EMT - BASIC card holder with 5+ years EMS experience. I am currently enrolled in an RN program.
As an RN holding an EMT card can I run through ACLS and become licensed as an EMT-P?
I am in Georgia if anyone familiar with the state.
Thank you!

Since no one ever responded: NO. A paramedic program is a year program, ACLS is 2-3 days. ACLS does not cover nearly everything that the EMTP program will and The Medic program is going to address lots of things RN's never have to deal with.

CrazyCatLadyRN, BSN, RN · May 19, 2010

I am a nursing student in FL and am taking the EMT-B course this summer at a community college. It definitely teaches you a different way of thinking and I would highly recommend it if you get the chance. You do learn things that you don't learn in nursing school. Nursing school has definitely helped em with this too. A lot of the student have never taken a science class in their life and are simply just going through the steps. Having a patho and A&P background in nursing has really helped. In my state, with an RN license and EMT-B cert, you can challenge the Medic boards. The only extra thing you have to do is get your ACLS certification.