Intensive EMT Training
Intensive EMT training, also known as accelerated EMT training, are courses that are severely shorter than traditional training programs. Though the educational requirements are the same, the shortened courses cause some controversy within the medical field concerning their effectiveness.
Other People Are Reading
-
Identification
-
Intensive EMT (emergency medical technician) training programs allow a student to complete the coursework required to become an EMT in a shorter time frame than the typical 18 to 24 months. Accelerated programs vary, but can be as short as two weeks or as long as a full semester.
Hours
-
An intensive EMT training program will require the student to fulfill the same educational and clinical hours as standard traditional programs, even if the program duration is significantly shorter. This means that the required 120 hours of classwork must still be met in an accelerated program that lasts for two weeks. Because the required hours remain the same, accelerated programs can require up to 10 to 12 hours per day.
-
Clinical Hours
-
Clinical hours are not factored into the advertised time of the program. If a program is a two week course, students will have to complete up to 200 hours of additional time in the field gaining hands-on experience as an EMT. This field work must be completed before students can sit for the National Registry Paramedic Exam.
Advantages
-
The shorter time frame allows students to take their exams faster. This leads to attaining employment in a more timely fashion. Intensive programs are also less expensive than longer programs.
Concerns
-
Accelerated EMT programs face criticism from some medical professionals because of the reduction in time potential EMTs have to absorb information. While the information taught is the same, some medical professionals fear that the students will "cram" the information and not be able to adequately apply the skills they learned once employed as an EMT. Additionally, fewer community colleges offer the accelerated program.
-
