Possible soon-to-be EMT student looking for advice re: schools, cert transfer, etc

[esmurph]

Good morning and happy Wednesday, everyone! I've been actively reading the forums since yesterday and am quite impressed with the information available thus far, and am only left with a few questions.

Background on me: I had finished almost all of my pre-reqs for nursing school in WA state, but moved here to FL (military PCS) before being able to take micro, applied to FSCJ only to find out that many of my credits didn't transfer due to me going from quarter to semester-based programs. My A&P classes transferred with 3.9 credits, 1/10 shy and I was told I would have to retake them (no option to challenge). My math classes also didn't transfer due to me opting to take the nursing-specific classes in WA and FSCJ did not have an equivalent - they would only be accepted as elective courses, not math. Basically, I would have had to start over. I would have to retake many of these classes even for EMT.

I see that there is a lot of negativity towards the technical schools and career colleges. Are there any that are good? Upon looking at the FL dept. of health website, there are three here in NW Fl that are recommended (Keiser, FMTI, FCTC). Many people commented on the lack of classes such as A&P and basic general ed, but what if I have already taken those classes at a CC in the past? The hours and the schedule for the technical college works best for me at the time (three children and hubby is military with crazy hours). Are the new-hires from the technical colleges always incompetent, or is it one of those, "you get out of it what you WANT to get out of it" programs - Meaning that if you WANT to learn, can the technical program still be beneficial?

I've been looking more seriously at FCTC, as their set-up seems a little more professional and up-front.

Another question (bless you for reading this far), being military, we move a lot. I can't seem to make sense of the registry. It is my understanding that if I am nationally registered, even though there are a few states that will require me to retake classes (all of them or just a refresher course), many will accept the certification and at the most require a skills test/written test and/or a fee. Am I correct? Is there are site that lists which states require what, or will I need to go to each states .gov site individually? I'm wondering if it would be better to just wait until after we move (7-8 mo) to start taking classes.

Thank you in advance for your help and advice.

Stacy

Edited April 25, 2012 by esmurph

[Just Plain Ruff]

You should be able to CLEP the math classes. You should ask about that. Maybe you already have. Maybe not.

I believe most community college A&P classes, chemistry classes and the like will transfer as long as they meet the criteria of hour per hour basis. I'm not sure about that.

Maybe you got the wrong advisor at the new school you are looking at goign to. Maybe you should request a new advisor. Just like in medicine, you can always ask for a second opinion. Sometimes one person doesn't know what the heck they are talking about. I'm sure you've seen that in the military right???????? know what I mean, nudge nudge, say no more,

My advice is to get your Basic college level courses knocked out at a accredited state community college or 4 year college. That way you are guaranteed that your credits will transfer

[esmurph]

You should be able to CLEP the math classes...

Yep, but unfortunately it does nothing for the classes like bio, A&P and such.

I believe most community college A&P classes, chemistry classes and the like will transfer as long as they meet the criteria of hour per hour basis

I was under the same impression. Off by 1/10 of a credit, but the advisor wouldn't budge. Said the computer system figured it out and that was the end of discussion. Very frustrating. So much so, that I changed majors and went for business, then realized after 2 semesters that it just wasn't for me - I am not of that mindset. Show me a business model or start talking about WTO, and even if I've studied it for hours, I'll brain-dump it the minute I close the text and walk away. Sad, but true. Not the same with medicine, that's my passion. While all the people in my A&P classes were getting sick over the dissections, I was fascinated and couldn't get enough of it.

Sometimes one person doesn't know what the heck they are talking about. I'm sure you've seen that in the military right???????? know what I mean, nudge nudge, say no more,

So true, so true.

My advice is to get your Basic college level courses knocked out at a accredited state community college or 4 year college. That way you are guaranteed that your credits will transfer

Sigh. I know. I'll still continue on with my education regardless, just bitter about having to retake some of the classes when I worked my butt off the first time 'round. I was hopeful that I could get my EMT certification first and then retake the classes at a later date. I just want to get out there and get my hands dirty.

[chbare]

Do yourself a favour and get through college level science and math courses. Try to avoid allied health specific or survey courses. We also have several for credit paramedic pre-requisite courses such as anatomy and physiology. Unfortunately, these are degree specific and will not transfer as a science counterpart. This is often for good reason because these courses often lack the rigor and depth of a course proper.

Look at doing at least college algebra, statistics and probability, two semesters of anatomy and physiology with a lab, microbiology with a lab, two semesters of English literature and composition and I would highly recommend at least one semester of general chemistry with a lab. These basic classes should get you into nearly all allied health programmes or nursing school. Add in a few classes and good grades and you could look at PA school assuming you have a BA/BS. The classes I listed will give you maximum flexibility.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Do yourself a favour and get through college level science and math courses. Try to avoid allied health specific or survey courses. We also have several for credit paramedic pre-requisite courses such as anatomy and physiology. Unfortunately, these are degree specific and will not transfer as a science counterpart. This is often for good reason because these courses often lack the rigor and depth of a course proper.

Look at doing at least college algebra, statistics and probability, two semesters of anatomy and physiology with a lab, microbiology with a lab, two semesters of English literature and composition and I would highly recommend at least one semester of general chemistry with a lab. These basic classes should get you into nearly all allied health programmes or nursing school. Add in a few classes and good grades and you could look at PA school assuming you have a BA/BS. The classes I listed will give you maximum flexibility.

CHBARE speaks volumes of yes he knows what the heck he's talking about.

Do what he says.