Question

[SmallChild]

My name is Lexi and I'm not an Emt or anything but I plan on becomming one when i graduate. I'm a sophmore. I was wondering if you think it would be good to take the emt basic course in addition to my senior year of high school or if it would be better to wait until after i graduate?

[SPFTMEDIC]

If you have the opportunity to take it during High School go for it, but just remember if it conflicts with graduating drop it and take it after you graduate. Cant get a job without a HS diploma

[redneckemt]

EMT school takes up alot of time. How much time can you give to it? If you can Co-op through your local college and don't have to take any High School classes, go for it, but if you've got to take a full class load. My advise wait. Enjoy Senior Year.

And what State are you in. Some States require you to be at least 18 to go through EMT school.

[JonathanGennick]

FWIW, two of the students in my EMT class are also high-school students. One is a senior (he and I partner on many of the hands-on scenarios). The other I don't know so well, so I'm not sure what grade he is in. Our class meets two nights per week over a six month period. Of course, we need to read and study outside of class, but the nice thing is that the class does not consume all of our time.

My point, if I have one, is that it is at least conceivable to take an EMT course while still in high-school. If taking the course doesn't put you under too much time-pressure or stress, and you want to take it, then I'd say go for it.

Just don't jeoperdize your grades and schoolwork. I agree with the previous poster on that point.

BTW, that one senior, he's also a licensed pilot. He's a sharp and ambitious kid.

[Golzy12]

It would really depend on what you expect your senior year will be like, if you think it's going to be like mine (laid back, where you only need a few credits to graduate) take the EMT class. If you plan on taking a lot of AP classes or you need a lot of credits, I'd wait for the EMT class. Also if you really want to be an EMT-Basic on a paid ambulance service I'd suggest some other classes also, Ambulance operations and maybe phlebotomy, and understanding EKG's. I've been trying to get on with a private ambulance service, and it seems their are always people more qualified then me, I can't even get an interview.
By the way i'm Nationaly and state registered, and I live in Minnesota. If getting on a Private service was a mojor goal in life I would be more disapointed, but I just want to use it as a steppin stone to get into a full time firefighting gig.

[RFRDxplorer]

I am a sophomore as well, and I definatly would take the EMT class in high school. This is extremely hard for me as I go to an all-male, catholic prep school. We have gotten criminal justice, etc as electives and a group of us are thinking about maybe making a presentation to the president of our school next year. There are alot of loose ends though and for now it is just a dream.

[medicmaster]

First off, as an instructor, I see a number of 17, 18 and 19 year olds who take the EMT-B class. Only about 10% of them actually test...even though most do well in the class.

The local community college also offers the class for credits which I usually have a majority of the class taking the class for that purpose...which leads to "I don't care, I'm just here for the credits". They figure it will be easy and a blow off class for some easy credit hours.

This seems to create a problem...

But, with that being said, you mention you actually want to become an EMT. That is a start and shows that you have the dedication to take, pass, and take the test at the end to become certified. As EMT-Basic is adult education, you only get out of the class what you put into it, unlike regular high school classes. So if you have the determination and drive to choose EMS as a career path...go for it!

A word of caution though...as other have said, don't let the class interfere with your school life. I worked my hind end off to be able to blow off my senior year and enjoy it...even though there were other things I could've been doing. I don't regret that at all.

I took my EMT-Basic class at 19, after I had been out of high school 2 years. I've been in EMS now for 5 years and am a Paramedic now...and I can't imagine doing anything else!!!

It's a great career to get started in young, but it can wait a year or two after graduation to get into.

Good Luck with whatever you decide!

[notmedicyet]

I took my EMT class over the summer betwen my spohmore and junior years of high school, just after turning 16.

In PA, you can't function "on you own" as an EMT until you are 18 - between the child labor laws and the issue that the tripsheet is a legal document, and until you are an adult, your signature isn't legally bindin.

You are allowed to preform all of the EMT-B skillset, you just are requried to do it under the supervision of another EMT-B (or EMT-P, or PHRN). This means that you can ride as a 3rd person on a crew. The big adantage, is that when you hit 18, your squad usually has already precepted you, and you get to start taking calls on your won soon after your 18th birthday.


Bottom line.... if you can do it, espicially over the summer - it is a great idea, just recognize that there will be a lot of work

Jon

[SmallChild]

thanks everyone. im hoping to go to the calhoun technogly center my junior year and take anatomy and all the math and science im gonna need and since ill turn 18 my senior year hopefully be able to take classes at kcc but im not sure how old you have to be to take the classes ( i live in michigan) all i know is you have to be 18 to take the test.

[crsemt1258]

Remember that if you take it your senior year that through the co-op program it will reflect in your high school transcripts and count as a grade. It can be a difficult course as you need a high percentage to pass. If you have the time to dedicate to it, aren't in the running for class validictorian, or planning on going on to an Ivy league college. I would say go for it. Once again as I mentioned in the other post I would recommend an Explorers program.

[brubaker]

I took it during high school, loved it, aced it... Been a state certified EMT for 4 years now... My point... Take it senior year if you can... It was the best move I made in all of high school... LOL...!

Bruce

[SmallChild]

thanks ive called the emt program here in town and they told me about the explorer program and said as soon as they get it up and running they will call me back. what is your work schedule through ems? about how many hours a week do you work?

[crsemt1258]

I am kind of lucky as far as my regular work schedule goes, as I work Monday through Friday 7am-4pm. I do put in a lot of extra on-call hours at night, and I also teach a couple of nights a week, so it varies. Generally it is 40 hours a week. Remember though when you are new it will take you awile to move up the ladder to work a shift like the one that I work. We all put in our time doing long shifts, boring transfers, etc. It also will depend on if you work for a Volunteer service, Municipal service, or private service. Hopefully the place you talked to will get their Explorer program up and running soon. Don't be shy about asking us all questions whenever you have them we are all here to help if we can. Keep me informed on how things are going and good luck.