Are you thinking of becoming an EMT? 🤔🚑 Tell us why or why not, since this is a big commitment for a premed extracurricular! Check out the other videos in our Premed Extracurricular Series: ru-vid.com/group/PL2ADAFpTg5aaZzE_FUVt2ayVo6JMcEoNZ
Already a Paramedic. Just randomly saw this video and wanted to see how accurate it is. Since most people don't know what EMTs and Paramedics actually are, I was curious to see what the video would say. Good job, though. Just one thing. For the sake of accuracy... Paramedics are not EMTs. That "EMT-P" titled was dropped back in 2013 when the NREMT transitioned EMT-Ps to Paramedics. None EMT-Ps were grandfathered into the Paramedic title, either. All EMT-Ps of that time had to do a transition course to become Paramedics. (With the penalty of not doing so being dropped down to an Advanced EMT level.) For reference, see: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (2013) Transition Policy. Oh. And... the education period is typically 8 months to 2 years. Not one year. Most Paramedic programs are taught at community colleges. All of those are between 3 and 4 semesters. (So a year and a half to two years.) Those that exist outside of Community College tend to be 8 months to 16 months long, though. But again... *MOST* Paramedic programs are at Community Colleges. 👍🏾
Wow! this is very inspiring to see! i’m currently in the same process thought i wanted to be a nurse but knew i was meant for more! Any tips on this journey?
I highly recommend EMT for premeds. I am a flight paramedic with 10 years of EMS experience in many fields who has returned to school to become a physician. You can access so many different parts of the healthcare system as an EMT, the experience you will gain is unparalleled. Great video explaining career field.
I went to school for a little while, but realized I was not mature enough for it yet. I am an AEMT and am headed to medic school this fall. I plan on going back to school at some point to become a physician. I would love to hear more about your pathway to physician.
Hi! That’s so awesome! Im a upcoming freshman going for pre med this fall and I’m curious if I should start the EMT course this year or wait a little bit?
@@martinabarreiro Another Paramedic here. The sooner the better. Particularly because the further you go in undergrad, the heavier your education workload becomes, making an EMT course less viable or more difficult to complete. Do a summer course at a local Community College and you will be fine.
I just started my EMT course yesterday for this very reason and volunteer on a First Aid Squad. I am 16 and in high school. Going to be a tough summer, but anyone can do it with dedication.
Former EMT and now resident physician and this was the best decision I made. I loved being an EMT and it allowed me to realize that I wanted to further my knowledge and become a physician. It was definitely something that got brought up a lot during residency interview season, which definitely helped me in matching.
I’m currently at the end of my third year of medical school. I worked as both an EMT-Basic and paramedic prior to medical school. I think EMT and paramedic roles are highly undervalued in the medical school acceptance process, however, those experiences have served me well throughout medical school, especially third year. I am much more comfortable communicating with patients and doing procedures than I would have been without that experience. One aspect not mentioned in this video is that being a paramedic or EMT(in a service without paramedics) gives a reasonable taste of what it feels like for someone’s health being in your hands. Yes you take that patient to the hospital for definitive care, but the 45 minutes or so before you get there you are responsible for patient care. Regardless of the severity, it’s on you. It takes maturity and commitment to be successful in that endeavor, I wish more medical school admissions depts recognized that aspect and valued it. Admittedly, most people in healthcare don’t know what EMS does or have an idea of the scope of different licensure levels, so thank you for this video.
Love my job as a 911 EMT! Just remember, the pay is pretty low and like he said, the schedule can be pretty intense. But if you love the idea of pre-hospital care and being out in the field, it’s an amazing job to gain experience as a pre-med! I talk to nurses and doctors all day long when we drop off patients, and most love answering questions and look forward to teaching people that care.
Advice from someone who got EMT certified as an 18-year-old premed student: Research where you want to serve as an EMT before taking the course because hospitals and other organizations often have 21+ age restrictions per insurance reasons. Don't become an EMT if a good wage is a major factor in your decision. Volunteer firefighter stations can usually take those under 21 but expect additional training requirements. I made a video explaining my situation and how I'm now looking for an ER technician position at a hospital because they don't have 21+ limits. Best luck to all of you searching for meaningful, impactful healthcare experiences ---never give up :)
Just watched this while sitting at post in my ambulance. I can’t say enough good things about being a 911 EMT! Showing up first on scene to people with life threatening conditions, talking all day with paramedics/nurses/physicians, being a part of the camaraderie within EMS crews in the field, aaand getting to drive around code 3, lights blazing and sirens wailing haha. There are a few downsides, but overall I can’t imagine any other premed job being as exciting, interesting, and motivating. I’m looking forward to starting my top choice career changer formal postbacc later this month, but at the same time, I’m bummed to be leaving my job as an EMT.
EMT aspiring to become a PA. This video hit every mark of the occupation. My peers always tell me how jealous they are because of so much I’ve learned.
I was an EMT in the emergency department for about six months during my medical school application and my interviewers absolutely loved it. They told me I was going to have an extreme advantage over the rest of my classmates because of how much clinical experience I’ve had. I do not regret putting the extra time into it. It got me into medical school and that’s all that matters.
Would you recommend it for a college freshman doing 18 Credit hours as a bio major, or should I begin training as a sophomore when I’m down to 14 credit hours for those 2 semesters to keep my GPA up? I’m worried abt this semester cus in the 18 cress I’m taking calf bio and Chem at once plus 2 other classes so I’m uncertain about whether I should wait or not
You should do it during the summer. You should never prioritize getting your EMT license during the semester of any of your undergrad. You can get it during the summer, and then use it to work at a hospital or for an ambulance service, part time. Your school will always be the most important part of the application. Hope that helps.
@@jlgtco97 it does, thank you bro! I wasn’t sure about summer cus I thought it may be better to work at a hospital in the summer or try to shadow a doctor but I can try to do that and EMT school
That’s a great plan! Just remember to work in a hospital in a meaningful position, you need to have some type of medical licensure. Schools care about what you actually do in that hospital such as taking care of patients instead of being a front desk person or such. This is not a race, get one thing done at a time for a meaningful application. If everything is rushed, it’s easy to tell you’re just checking boxes and not actually caring.
@@jlgtco97 Thank you, I really appreciate it! Do you have any advice for finding a job that actually does something in the medical industry as an undergrad? It feels like you need a degree for everything :/
Outstanding video. Myself my wife and three of my sons were EMTAs and paramedics. All of us are physicians and surgeons now and the experience put us way ahead during clinical rotations. One thing to add is when you become an MD, knowing how things work “in the field” is very valuable
It is also important to note that a lot of the time after finishing EMT school you have a long road of certifications to get. I finally applied for a job and graduated about a month and a half ago. Also I never failed anything, the process just genuinely takes forever
A thing to note is that in some states, an emt b can go beyond their scope if a paramedic gives permission/is confident in the basics skill. For example, and emt b can do ivs if they have the training and get permission. This mighg vary by state though
Becoming an EMT has been the single most important experiencing that I had prior to and during medical school. I am now a 4th year medical student and have worked prior to and during school as a per diem employee both on an ambulance and in the Emergency department. Medical school does not train you to respond to emergencies. It will teach you vast amounts of diagnoses and in-depth patient assessments, but knowing what to do when things get critical or emergent is something that you will still not feel prepared to do if you do not have prior training. I recommend becoming an EMT to every single person that says that they want to go to medical school. The amount of experience and your breadth of knowledge are extraordinarily helpful in med school and while scribes work in the ED they do not get practice making decisions and laying their hands on patients. I will also add that many of my classmates have expressed that they wish they would’ve had training prior to starting medical school because of the learning curve when you enter clinical rotations. Rotating through the ICU or the emergency department while just having the knowledge base without experience can make you significantly uncomfortable if you don’t know what to do when things get emergent. Also, as an EMT, you will see firsthand what it looks like when physicians who are fully trained in their respective field, never had any formal training in responding to emergencies or treating emergent patients. If you want to feel like you always have experience to fall back on when things get ugly, I would absolutely recommend getting your EMT prior to applying to medical school.
Thanks for commenting your experience!! I am currently enrolling in a basic course, but I’m curious if an advanced would be more beneficial. Have any recommendations?
@@Gullahbeauty it depends on your local EMS system. If you are able to work in the 911 system, as a basic, that would be great. If you need an advanced to do that, then, thats what I would recommend. In my system, you needed your advanced to work 911. Basic only allowed you on the inter-facility transfers and special events
While paramedic programs are long (1-2 years), some universities have built-in paramedic programs as a "major" - they are rare but you come out of undergrad with so much clinical knowledge and skills that will really prepare you for a future in healthcare. I highly recommend. The paramedic-to-EMT skill gap is so far and it may be worth it also for the 400+ hours you do in a hospital. Paramedics can also get ED Tech jobs easily, which puts you directly in a hospital setting being around ED physicians and nurses all the time.
Depends on city, state, county regulations for pay range. Won’t cap, from what I’ve see is more getting the class and certification and doing “first paycheck” and quitting. It’s for sure not for everyone and definitely not for those who are studying full time and needing money.
A lot of the EM Docs that i interact with as an EMT used to be paramedics, including our medical director. Docs that used to be medics are in my opinion some of the best EM doctors out there bar none.
What's crazy is that I know a guy who's an EMT and who recently graduated with his BS in electrical engineering. For our senior design project, me and him worked together and successfully built a device that automates CPR. I really hope he either gets a Ph.D. in engineering or goes to medical school or both. It would be a complete waste of his talents to not.
A little bit misleading re scope of practice for EMT-Bs. I’m a basic and in my state/ county we’re allowed to administer nebulized albuterol as well as place supraglottic airways (our agency uses iGels). We also can acquire 12 leads and do a number of other things not outlined in the video
My institution just started a medical school and the first course they take is EMT. I think you did a good job of explaining overall the process and what it takes to become an EMT, AEMT or Paramedic.
Perfect timing Dr. Jubbal. I’m getting my emt license this summer and this was a great video to help further my understanding of what I’m getting into 🐐
I got my EMT cert in 2018 and I worked First Aid/Occupational health (not on an ambulance) for a couple years. I’m in nursing school now. I know that becoming an EMT first really helped prepare me for nursing school! I’d recommend it.
After working as an RRT, I have decided to further advance in my medical career. Last week I received my acceptance letter to attend medical school. Respiratory therapy is a fantastic start in the medical field due to the exposure in critical care as well as the depth of education in the cardiopulmonary physiology.
Great to know we'll have more clinical background, other than EMT, attending medical school! Congratulations 🎉! I am pre-PA soon to be a Cardiovascular Technologist and hoping to be a Cardiothoracic PA! Still have 2.5 year's before I can apply, but that'll be here in no time!
I've been an EMT for about 6 months now and I can speak to how amazing it is for being pre-med. It worked out best for me because I went to EMT school while I was in high school so I didn't have to take off anytime from undergrad. To give some context, I work as an emergency department technician in Colorado where EMT basics have a very very large scope of practice. Even though I'm an EMT basic, in Colorado we are allowed to do interventions such as IVs, EKG interpretations, superglotic airways, and a broader scope for med administration. We are essentially an advanced EMT. I work very closely with doctors and nurses and it has been an amazing experience. And even though EMTs don't make the best of money, we are well compensated for what we do. I've been able to work full time in the ER while doing 18 credit hours a semester so it doesn't impede on my school at all. I very very highly suggest going to EMT school and going down that route if it interests you. But I do have to say if you don't like emergencies or having people die on you, it's not for you. In the 6 months I've worked as an EMT. I've had countless people die on me as well as having to help people after some horrendous injuries. All in all, if that's your thing I highly suggest it and I can't recommend it enough.
I work for a rural county 911 service as an EMT basic and our scope of practice goes way beyond the things you mentioned which may be region specific. As EMT B’s we can give meds such as aspirin, nitro, albuterol neb treatments, oral glucose, EPI 1-1000, and Tylenol. We can also do supraglottic airways and give C-PAP for COPD exacerbations / CHF fluid overloads. We actually have ambulances staffed with just 2 EMT’s instead of the normal ALS truck with paramedics on QRV’s which aren’t always close given the shortage of paramedics.
I'm a second year med student who's been an EMT 8 years, including 3 years before college professionally as a firefighter/EMT. I had no plans of going to med school initially, there's a big difference between my classmates who were EMT's and scribes, the scribes are better at writing notes and using jargon/lab values, but the EMT's are much much better about examining patients, asking questions, and going hands on, the scribes are much more used to sitting in the background
The next video should be about medical assistants , I worked as an EMT to see if drugs was for me. This is not a EMT discussion,The Economists and business leaders were voicing concerns at the start of 2023 that the year could be a difficult one. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said that the Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates to 6% to fight inflation, higher than the peak level between 5% and 5.5% in 2023 that most Fed officials penciled in after their December meeting. Although I read an article of people that grossed profits up to $500k during this crash, what are the best stocks to buy/short now or put on a watchlist
Emotionally-charged decisions to sell off large quantities of stocks or other investments now lock in your losses, removing any chance for future growth.
A 2022 Northwestern Mutual study found that 75% of U.S. adults admit their financial planning needs improvement. However, only 29% of Americans work with a financial advisor.
Very correct; the bear market has contributed significantly to the growth of my investment. I was able to quickly increase my portfolio from $180K to $572K. Essentially, I was just doing as my financial advisor instructed. You're good to go as long as you get competent assistance
@@floydchusset3143 Would it be okay if I asked you to recommend this specific advisor or company that you used their services? Seems you've figured it all out
@@michelleabraham1732 I won't pretend to know everything, though. Her name is LAURA GACE ABELS but I won't say anything more. Most likely, you can find her basic information online; you are welcome to do further study
So I am a paramedic who is an M2 in med school. I joke with people in that I got my EMT in undergrad and then "got lost on my way to med school" as I got my medic while in undergrad and then took a few years off. Now, my story is too crazy to apply to most pre-meds, but a few pearls. 1.) the value of an EMT is gonna vary by region. In NY and NJ, you will probably get more 911 opportunities and opportunities to volunteer even, while in MA and CA most EMTs are relegated to the private companies transferring patients to dialysis (we call it the renal roundup) and doing nursing home discharges. So depending where you are, it might be more or less fulfilling. Not to say you don't learn a lot from doing patient transfers- you certainly do. But it can become monotonous over time and a real bummer to NEVER see any acute patients. 2.) The AEMT and paramedic deal. Not every region uses AEMTs- some just use EMTs and medics. Some give more preference to medics when it comes to 911 calls. When I was in undergrad, the 911 opportunities got me up in the morning- not the interfacility and dialysis patient transfers. Hence why I went to medic school (but that's even more complicated lol). 3.) I do not recommend trying to get your medic AND trying to do a pre-med courseload. IE do not take Ochem, Biochem, or physics while trying to do the medic gammit (even if it's distance learning). It's just too much. You can do it, but chances are it will result in lackluster grades on the academic front. And it's not just a matter of hours in a day, but also the fatigue of doing both, the burnout of being pressed on two fronts. If you want a more fulfilling EMS experience, the non-trad route is a MUST. Especially now that med schools are wanting research and more volunteering- no way in heck you can do all that and the medic gammit with a good MCAT and GPA in the traditional route. That said, my paramedic experience and critical care training made M1 year a breeze at times given ECGs, ACLS drugs, and acid-base balance was already drilled in my head. Cheers to all!
I want to become an EM Physician, instead of becoming an EMT I became an ER-Tech, still have 0 regrets and my love for the medical field has only grown since starting in the ER!
I work at an ambulance company. People get in nursing/fire/medicine/law enforcement etc.. with emt or paramedic experience. It’s just depends what’s good for you everyone has their own unique path👍🏾.
would you recommended taking a gap year in between undergrad and med school to be able to pursue becoming an EMT? just so the med school applications would look better?
Wonderful video! Only thing worth mentioning is "how to get your certification." I went through a college course that cost me about $1,600 to get certified as an EMT-B. Many of my peers actually got theirs for free by volunteering for fire departments locally or through transport agencies. My route made me better prepared for the national certification but getting certified from a fire department really gives more of a "street-smart" approach to emergency medicine before you test. I also know many fire departments/transport agencies are considering hosting their own paramedic programs to no cost of the individual but that requires a three to five-year commitment to work as a paramedic for that department. There are also programs that bridge the paramedic certification into becoming a physician's assistant. I would highly recommend becoming an EMT and working multiple departments if possible. I have worked with three different departments and every single one of them has been different. Mostly in good ways, but it also helps me get a better clinical sense of what to look for in my patients and for my situational awareness. I am currently a third-year pre-med student and I would not give up my experience as an EMT for anything. Getting out there and interacting with real people and having to make hard decisions really has made me grow. However, do not join for the glory of being a first responder. Unfortunately you will not last long if you just think that this will be a cool job. Sorry for the long comment; thank you for the video!
Might want to update this, it is EMT not EMT-B, AEMT, and Paramedic, not EMT - P. Also, I don't know what state has EMT class as short as 150 hours, ours is 240 hours as a minimum, 288 is normal; 240 didactic and lab, 48 field internship. Then you test state exam. You do not have to test NR EMT unless you want to and/or the receiving state does not have reciprocity. EMT's who are pre-med definitely have advantage of seeing multiple patients, patient types, patient acuities, all in a pre-hospital setting in which they can get a lot of experience. I had one young lady who was a potential PA candidate (she has completed her schooling now and works as a PA in a hospital) who rode with me for several shifts. She was a black cloud. Some examples of calls run were STEMI (several of these), overdoses, MVC's with and without fatalities, GSW to the chest that got decompressed, GSW to the chest that died (had a few other holes too), and the best call was a two vehicle MVC on an interstate. Showed up as first unit on scene. I sent her to the north vehicle, I took the closer vehicle (and one that looked worst). She asses three patients and began making decisions, directing firefighters who were old enough to all be her dad. We flew three, took one Code 3 to a trauma center by ground and had to transport two others via other units. Needless to say, she got to see a lot and do a lot. I knew her long term goal and whenever possible, had an FR drive us in so she could be in the back of anything ALS so I could give her exposure. She used MVC call as a key part of her essay.
I just got my emt license I’m starting paramedic school soon ❤️ never thought of going all the way through to be a physician. I love the adrenaline rush of being a first responder. As of now my goal is a flight medic 😊
One thing I will say is the best doctors I've ever encountered have a ems background, communication is key and you learn it well here in our world. One correction I'll make is EMR is the first level out of 4 levels but yes u can skip this a go the emt b first.
Is a foreign bachelor's degree in paramedicine accepted at the medical school as a pre-med degree? And being considered for entry into post -bacc pre med in the US?
The uk has levels 5 levels of certification. Emt basic, emt intermediate advanced emt, paramedic and advanced paramedic. The uk intermediate emt training programme is equivalent to us advanced emt, uk advanced technicians complete the training equivalent to us paramedics. Also uk paramedics are higher skilled than us paramedics it takes more than 2250 hours to become an advanced technician and around 4500 hours to become a paramedic in the uk.
7:06 That is not necessarily accurate. I've been looking into several programs for a Basic EMT, and I have found many that involve five or six weeks of training over the summer. Undergrad school typically lets out in early May and doesn't restart until the end of August, so you have nearly four months to get through a training program.
Highly recommend becoming an EMT. The experience in a busy 911 system is UNMATCHED. You ARE the provider and you're allowed to make big, important decisions.
Great video, I am currently finishing my EMT-B class right afture graduating high school, I start my premed years this fall and cannot wait. One struggle for sure is the scheduling, in some rural counties, you can garner a schedule where you can work once a weekend while in more populated counties you will have 4+ 12 hour shifts a week (or more with overtime-I've met a few EMT's with more than a week worked in a row of 12 hour shifts). I was considering working as an EMT during the summer time, however, I learned that there is so many volunteer opportunities which will allow for better scheduling and knock out clinical experience along with the volunteering portion of my application. I hope this gives someone insight as to what one EMT-B premed path looks like.
One benefit you did not mention are Bunk_In programs, Mnay EMS/Fire Companies have free housing aslong as you volunteer or they pay you! Good if you live in a city like NYC
How long were you a medic? Did u know u wanted to go to medical school when you became a paramedic? Ive been a medic for 2 years and i have a bad back and a real desire to further my education. I am thinking about nursing, or PA school at the moment but dont know what I want to do. I really want to become a nurse but I cannot rationalize taking on 45k in debt and going back to school just to make 2 dollars more an hour ( i get paid very well as a medic).
I’m an incoming M1 at UMN and my EMT-B was the gateway to my premedical journey. It gave me great hands-on clinical experience and allowed me to make good connections with physicians. Highly recommend.
thank you so much for this video! i have been certified as an EMT since I got out of school and just haven't had the chance to put my certification to use! This video just made me more excited to apply once I graduate college!
Could you do unpaid clinical experiences please? I am an international student I can't do most positions😢like clinical volunteering(I have no idea what kind of volunteer in hospitals is good)
