Accelerated EMT-B Program

[chbare]

However, we are now using the national SOP and educational standards models in the United States. If you look at the guidelines, the number of clock hours required is a rather ambiguous concept.

http://www.ems.gov/EducationStandards.htm

[scubanurse]

Back in 05 I took my basic class that was M-F 8-5 for 5 weeks. Does that mean I did not have proficient knowledge to be a successful EMT-B?

Class is what you make of it. If you d*** around for the 120 hours then yeah it's not enough, but if you pay attention and learn as much as possible in that time then it's probably enough for the entry level in this country.

I would LOVE to see more requirements for the basic level but I really doubt that we'll see it. It's entry level and designed by the demand to be quick and dirty.

[Arctickat]

And kate gets FTW in this thread for hitting the nail square on the head. Different jurisdictions have different requirements. Our absolute basic entry level here is an 80 hour course (EMR), the next step is 28 weeks(PCP) and the final step is the 59 week ACP course. Beyond the ACP training we also have specialised training for aeromedical, facility based, and mobile health.

[spenac]

As Dust Devil used to say a 110 hours is a 110 hours no matter how you stretch it. For EMT there is no problem with a compressed schedule. You are learning basic first aid not brain surgery.

[jsd67]

ours is 3 months 190 hours

[emtteacher]

I have taught both the regular courses and the "bootcamp" intensive courses over 3 and 4 weeks. I've found that it really depends success in the course has very much to do with the individual's experience as a student. College students who are used to a brutal day (9 hours/day 5x week) do very well, whereas many others are better suited for the traditional course. If the student has more time to digest, I believe that the information has a better chance of gelling and setting therefore making a better long term effect. My advice for most is to take a traditional course and enjoy the time. Hope this helps.

emt1teacher

[savingbabies]

I recently completed the UCLA 15 day / 3 week accellerated program. Half of each day was lecture + testing with the other half dedicated to skills. Most of the staff was made up of veteran peramedics and it costs $1000.

So how was it? Hard as hell. You are required to keep an 80% test average over 6 exams and a final. In order to take the final and complete the class you have to have an 80% average on the 6 tests which is very hard for people taking in the material for the first time. For instance, the student is presented with a large amount of material and then tested on it the next day. Suffice to say I averaged about 3 hours of sleep a night in order to study enough. Once you have taken and passed the accumulative final then you have to pass the skills testing in order to graduate. Which is verbally giving a head to toe rapid trauma assessment and about 10 other skills while being graded publically by the instructors.

Nevertheless. I passed the class. I passed the national on my first try and everyone I have ridden along with has been impressed with my knowledge and skills. And most importantly I got a job.

So UCLA's program was great for me. And a lot of others. For people that pass the class and go on to pass the national average 93%. However there were many that dont pass the class and dont get a refund or a chance to take the national. And there were some people in my class that had taken other classes in the LA area that were full term 12 week curricullum and had failed the national more than once. But then passed the national after UCLA.

Most importantly look at the students first time national pass rate. If they can prepare a high percentage to pass that in 3 weeks they are probobly doing something right.

[chbare]

I would however caution you not to focus only on registry pass rates. While registry success rates are one indicator of programme quality, many other indicators must also be considered.

And kate gets FTW in this thread for hitting the nail square on the head. Different jurisdictions have different requirements. Our absolute basic entry level here is an 80 hour course (EMR), the next step is 28 weeks(PCP) and the final step is the 59 week ACP course. Beyond the ACP training we also have specialised training for aeromedical, facility based, and mobile health.

This is more or less where I was going. I actually agree with removing a strict clock hour requirement. Rather, have programmes develop a curriculum that covers the material outlined in the national SOP but also meets school and student needs. Clearly, checks and balances in the form of accreditation and programme inspection must also occur to ensure programmes are actually producing adequately prepared introductory level providers.

Edited January 28, 2013 by chbare

[paramedicmike]

This is more or less where I was going. I actually agree with removing a strict clock hour requirement. Rather, have programmes develop a curriculum that covers the material outlined in the national SOP but also meets school and student needs. Clearly, checks and balances in the form of accreditation and programme inspection must also occur to ensure programmes are actually producing adequately prepared introductory level providers.

Agreed 100%.

[Kiwiology]

I recently completed the UCLA 15 day / 3 week accellerated program. Half of each day was lecture + testing with the other half dedicated to skills. Most of the staff was made up of veteran peramedics and it costs $1000.

And there were some people in my class that had taken other classes in the LA area that were full term 12 week curricullum and had failed the national more than once. But then passed the national after UCLA.

Shame that 120 hours couldn't cover spelling correctly, seeing as how filling in patient report forms (which are legal documents) is an important part of an Ambulance Officers' job.