4 answers
Ali
Student
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2
Questions
Asked
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EMT or CNA?
My high school offers CNA and EMR/EMT classes that can transfer to college credit. My goal is to get a BSN, and I'm unsure which course could help me in the long run during college.
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4 answers
Mason Bryant
Aircraft mechanic
3
Answers
Lafayette, Louisiana
Updated
Mason’s Answer
I will say this: I got my emt through a hybrid course. Few months of work.
Both CNA and EMT offer good skills. If it's free, why not do both?
But... I can't tell you how much I've benefited from being a first responder. I've even gotten tuition discounts because of it! Saved thousands of dollars.
If you want to be a nurse, I don't think becoming an EMT would be a bad thing. But CNA gives you more of a hospital background compares to pre-hospitsl medicine.
Best of luck!
Both CNA and EMT offer good skills. If it's free, why not do both?
But... I can't tell you how much I've benefited from being a first responder. I've even gotten tuition discounts because of it! Saved thousands of dollars.
If you want to be a nurse, I don't think becoming an EMT would be a bad thing. But CNA gives you more of a hospital background compares to pre-hospitsl medicine.
Best of luck!
Hana Kim
Student Nurse
6
Answers
Southborough, Massachusetts
Updated
Hana’s Answer
Hello Ali!
Like someone who mentioned above, I also suggest taking the CNA course in school. When working as a CNA, you can get experience working alongside nurses and patients, which can be very helpful when looking for nursing jobs after college. I worked as a summer student nurse (similar to a CNA) in summer as a college student, so it can be helpful if you want more experience while studying nursing. I've also known some students work as a CNA during school (which can later lead to a job after graduation!)
If you want to work as an EMT, then you would be more interested in providing rapid emergency care. If you like to work in high-focused environments, I suggest that you take the course to pursue a career in emergency nursing, such as working in the emergency department.
Good luck with your decision!
Like someone who mentioned above, I also suggest taking the CNA course in school. When working as a CNA, you can get experience working alongside nurses and patients, which can be very helpful when looking for nursing jobs after college. I worked as a summer student nurse (similar to a CNA) in summer as a college student, so it can be helpful if you want more experience while studying nursing. I've also known some students work as a CNA during school (which can later lead to a job after graduation!)
If you want to work as an EMT, then you would be more interested in providing rapid emergency care. If you like to work in high-focused environments, I suggest that you take the course to pursue a career in emergency nursing, such as working in the emergency department.
Good luck with your decision!
Bailey RN, BSN, CCRN-CMC
Registered Nurse
72
Answers
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
If your high school offers this for free, you should do the EMT program. This would be very beneficial knowledge and experience if you are wanting to pursue a career in the medical field.
Christine Woodard
2
Answers
Cross Plains, TX
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hi Ali,
A CNA program directly relates to being a nurse. If your plan is to earn a BSN, a CNA will afford you invaluable nursing experience. Another added bonus is that you can work, if you choose, as a CNA while going to college.
An EMT is in a completely different environment , compared to a CNA. The focus is more on emergency care.
Both options will give you a great start in the medical field. An EMT course offers more “credit” but if that credit isn’t applicable to your long term plan, it may not be worth the investment.
Hope this helps!
A CNA program directly relates to being a nurse. If your plan is to earn a BSN, a CNA will afford you invaluable nursing experience. Another added bonus is that you can work, if you choose, as a CNA while going to college.
An EMT is in a completely different environment , compared to a CNA. The focus is more on emergency care.
Both options will give you a great start in the medical field. An EMT course offers more “credit” but if that credit isn’t applicable to your long term plan, it may not be worth the investment.
Hope this helps!