Apparently, the program runs five days a week, Monday through Friday.  This means that each day is going to consist of a full 8 hours of instruction.  You get clinical experience, rides with the fire department, and plenty of classroom emergency reenactment and role playing.

At the conclusion of the four week program, they ensure that you are fully versed in necessary depth in medicine, human anatomy, and how to keep yourself and other safe.  According to one of the instructors, many students take the class just to learn the necessary life saving techniques even though they have no interest to work in the medical industry.

After completion of the program, you will earn a certificate from the school and the ability to take the state exam.  According to statistics posted by the school program, the success rate of students passing the state exam is as high as 90 percent, which is astoundingly high.

According to the training site, the tuition costs tally up to about $1975 for the four week program.  While the tuition fees might seem steep, remember that within only 4 weeks you can be working as a EMT.  In addition, you should consider checking the financial aid office of the school.  Depending on your circumstances, you might quality for steep discounts making the program nearly free. Contact them and they will be able to advise you further regarding tuition payment.

In my opinion, if you are able to crunch out the four weeks time, why not get it over quickly and begin working in your new career.  It makes more sense to finish it as soon as possible, rather then dragging it out for semester after semester. The sooner it’s done, the less likely you are to drop the program because of some sort of unforeseen circumstance arising (this always happens when things line up like they should).

So with that said, how many of you feel that this is something you would consider? Would you rather spend a long amount of time to finish the course but at a much less intense pace or would you rather finish as quickly as possible?

My first thoughts on this might be shared by some of you.  The convenience of an online class would be great.  There is no question about it.  For those that run a busy schedule and cannot hunker down to a classroom during normal hours, this would be a great option for them.  But then comes reality thoughts.

I think I would have big concerns if I knew that the medical professional helping me received their training via an online course.  I think while much can be taught online, it could never replace the required hands on training that many fields ultimately require.

It reminds me when I once had taken a dental assisting course.  Yeah, some of the subject matter could definitely be taught in an online setting, but there was just so much that you needed to practice hands on to be able to do the job effectively.

I feel that the idea is really a debatable one.  I think while providing education to as many people as possible is a great thing, how good can this education be when it’s seemly lacking in certain exposures.

Perhaps there is a way to provide the training online, but then fill the void of hands on experience later?  What suggestions do you purpose?  Or do you think online training is sufficient as it is?

For those of you that would like to read the original news article: http://www.firehouse.com/news/10911080/sd-man-helps-develop-pilot-online-emt-class