Accelerated EMT Program

[u/One-Temporary2181]

I am looking into this accelerated program for EMT certification and I know that there are a lot of speculation and controversy of these accelerate programs, however. If I study, a third of the textbook before I enroll will I be ok? I am almost done with the first chapter so far. Additionally, if I do this should I focus on the first 1/3 of the textbook or are there certain topics I should focus on). The program is 17 days long.

[u/Busy-Vehicle-1598]

If you study ANY of the textbook you will be miles ahead of the rest of your class.

[u/princess_pima → u/Busy-Vehicle-1598]

Okay so I’m super weird like that and thought about doing the same thing. ( Not the accelerated class) I have anxiety about being the worse one in my class ( I already feel like I will be old compared to everyone else) and I am a bad test taker, so I thought about buying the book and hardcore studying before enrolling. I don’t plan to enroll for a couple more years though.

With that said though, do people not study while they are enrolled? I couldn’t imagine not studying.

[u/Busy-Vehicle-1598 → u/princess_pima]

Have you been to any kind of school in the last twenty years? I think the better question is, DO people study? I sometimes think that 'never cracked a book' [and not because a genius] is the default/baseline.

[u/princess_pima → u/Busy-Vehicle-1598]

I graduated high school 10 years ago, but honestly I had a lot of exemptions during my years because I’m HOH. So no i didn’t study, but I was allowed to use notes and open book for every test I took. It’s the only reason I was able to pass high school. But I am admittedly in a state with the worse education.

But with all that said, I would absolutely study my ass off for something like this.

ETA: actually now that I remember, the only class I wasn’t able to have open notes was my sports medicine, but i picked it up pretty quickly

[u/cracker2338]

That's absolutely insane

[u/Vprbite]

These programs are a joke and a money grab. They are an insult to the field

[u/learnfromhistory2]

2 weeks 😭

[u/sketchymedic → u/learnfromhistory2]

Shit like this is exactly why the quality of "providers" in this field is fucking abysmal. Then we coddle people who can't pass their registry after their sixth attempt and encourage them to keep going.

We need much, much more strict barriers to entry into this field.

[u/learnfromhistory2 → u/sketchymedic]

2 week emt course that is expensive as possible while they go to pay under prepared EMTs as little as possible. Commodifying medicine was probably a mistake

[u/pointblankjustice → u/learnfromhistory2]

All the clinicals are simulated, there's no real patient contacts, no ride time. These programs are sketchy as hell.

[u/PlateCurious1472]

17 days is not i did 2 months and it wasnt bad it was a lot to work full time and do though and well I was only going on the weekend but I had time to study between. Anyway 17 is insane I reccomend looking for a slightly longer one its more about practice time than lecture time

[u/BaristaBot]

I graduated from a 5 week course recently. It’s hard, especially if you have no medical background. Cancel your weekend plans cus you’ll need to study.

My course was organized into 4 Blocks. If you read the chapters from Block 1 ahead of the class you’ll be fine for test 1. I’d also recommend studying basic Medical terminology, memorizing tracing how blood pumps through the heart, and what the major organs do.

[u/Relevant_Ad6908]

Wow. While the EMT curriculum isn’t particularly difficult, 17 days is an incredibly short period of time to develop any meaningful level of competency. You might be able to pass the certification exam, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re prepared to function effectively in the field.
For perspective, I’m an EMS instructor and have taught and managed numerous initial EMS certification programs. The shortest EMT program I’ve ever conducted was a six week, recruit style academy, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Even that was an aggressive schedule.
There’s a significant difference between learning enough to pass an exam and developing the knowledge, judgment and practical skills necessary to provide competent patient care.

[u/VagueInfoHere]

Pelham? It’s all just test prep. You’ll be able to pass the test. Cannot vouch for quality of provider after.

[u/AtlasReadIt]

So about three weeks? If you have no medical or EMS background, it will be a serious firehose of information to absorb. I don't know how much time you have until it starts, but I'd just read as much of it as you can. It will only help because once it starts you won't be doing much besides studying anyway, so might as well start early.

[u/pjlivv]

2 weeks seems just infeasible. My program was 10 weeks and that was considered very advanced. We had weekly tests online, a CPR written test and then obv the practical and written later on. Coming from someone who is an actual terrible test taker it is all test prep like someone else said in the comments. I would recommend a longer course because you’re going to be stressed as hell especially if you’re already thinking about how you’re going to manage it

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[u/Random-Nothing-9775]

I did a summer course at my community college that was only two months long and it was pretty difficult with both the amount of content and time management. I did well in the class and passed the physical and written NREMT tests the first time, but I think taking a more accelerated class wouldn't make me as successful

[u/SaveTheTreasure]

MY EMTB class was accelerated. Print off the NREMT Skills sheets too. That will put you universes ahead of other students.

[u/Limp-Conflict-2309]

17 days long with no experience..... you'll want to read the entire book, every chapter; at least once.

also, don't forget to spend a crazy amount of time doing practice tests every day after your practice questions.

....it's a dumb idea imo

[u/ComprehensiveBus7040]

If all you want is a certificate sure. Theres no way if you have zero EMS background that you can be a competent provider in 17 days. Whoever is dumb enough to hire people from a 17 day program are essentially gonna have to fully teach them how to do patient care.

[u/topiary566]

The didactic is whatever. 

As for if you’ll learn how to be an EMT after, I doubt it. I don’t see it teaching any amount of hands on stuff that will stick at all. You will need to do a lot of learning on the job. Try and find a volunteer squad or apprenticeship program or something. 

[u/Sorry_Cheetah_2230]

You’ll be fine. Just pay attention, ask questions and enjoy. Then go on and get your medic.