subject: Beware Of Accelerated Emt-b Courses? [print this page] Many individuals would like to become an EMT as a stepping stone profession for other careers, such as firemen, nurses, medical students, paramedics, and several other medical professions. The traditional way to acquire EMT training is to attend community college for a full year, which usually runs from $300 - 500. However, based on your overall schedule, there are also accelerated EMT-B programs which cost around $3,000. These accelerated programs typically take only Fourteen days to finish, instead of a community college's 16+ week classes.
This is certainly extremely desirable for some, however, there are also disadvantages in accelerated programs. For example, many EMS agencies who hire EMTs are against accelerated programs, since they feel the average person needs much more time to digest the information than just 14 days. And from what I've seen, even motivated EMT students themselves do not wish to just skate through training, they realize people's lives are in their hands and any slip up might cost them a great deal.
I tend to agree. When occupying such an important role, there isn't any room for unpreparedness. That is the reason why many feel accelerated programs aren't that beneficial and should not be taken in the event the student is serious about becoming an EMT. Consider this - let's say you had a significant organ replacement, would you want a surgeon who put a minimum effort to their training executing your surgical treatment? Naturally you wouldn't. Some would say this is simply not a reasonable analogy, however lives are on the line whether people are receiving treatment by an EMT, paramedic, or surgeon.
It's unpleasant the average EMT salary is really much lower than they should be, but it doesn't excuse EMS professionals from receiving the absolute best training possible for the sake of people they treat on a daily basis. Medical experts get paid commensurate with their amount of training, and with EMT school having a duration of just one single year, this is largely the reason EMTs don't get paid very well. And of course accelerated EMT courses take even less time to complete.
The good news for EMS professionals is the fact that after they develop into a certified EMT, they are able to convert their job into any of the above mentioned professions within the medical industry. For example, a registered nurse will make upwards of $60,000 - $80,000 each year in certain areas of the country, including California. An occupation in EMS will prepare students for making a simple transition through the numerous bridge programs available, like the paramedic-to-RN program many online and traditional schools across the country are now offering.
Becoming an EMS professional, although very satisfying on many levels, is only a stepping-stone for a lot of of those seeking a career in healthcare or the medical field. Even though accelerated EMT classes are available, it is not recommended that prospective students cram through their education requirements as they may be hurting themselves over the long haul.
