ER tech eligibility

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Jayson

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Hello all,

I just received my EMT-B cert in CA through a community college. I was wondering if you need to take and pass the NREMT-B for an ER tech job (in CA) as well or if the cert is enough.

thanks in advance!
 
The certificate you received from your school is a "certificate of completion" and not a legal certification or license. To obtain initial certification/licensure in California (which is done through the county Local EMS Agency) you need to be NREMT certified.

As far as hospitals/ER Tech positions are concerned, there is no legal requirment for ER techs to have EMT-B training. If the hospital is happy hiring you with just a course completion certification, then that's up to them.
 
It depends on the hospital. A lot just require BLS for Healthcare providers, but a lot of those also require 1 year of relevant experience. Some require 1 year of experience OR EMT-B certification.
 
If CA is like the rest of the country, ER Tech positions are usually highly sought after. They can pick the best of the best of their applicants. A brand new EMT (or in your case not even that) fresh out of class doesn't tend to have a good shot at getting an ERT job
 
ET Tech jobs are EXTREMELY hard to get - near impossible especially as a new EMT. In most counties they want someone with experience on a rig or in the ED. Many of them will also expect you to have your Phlebotomy, ECG, and some even CNA. I wish you the best of luck but unless you get extremely lucky you would be better off taking an ambo job in time being. Then if you are set on working in the hospital start to acquire some of the certs I listed prior.

Good luck!
 
Jayson said:
Hello all,

I just received my EMT-B cert in CA through a community college. I was wondering if you need to take and pass the NREMT-B for an ER tech job (in CA) as well or if the cert is enough.

thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Jayson, some hospitals have their "ER Tech" positions entitled as something different other than EMT. Sometimes PCA (HMH), or ETT (Emergency Trauma Technitians). Not all hospitals require you to have your NREMT but most require you (in LA Co. at least) to have your cert through LA Co EMS (catch 22 because you need to have your NREMT in order to get your LA Co. EMT). Some hospitals don't really care if your NREMT is up to date so long as your LA Co is.
 
I believe the Kaisers in my area require you to be an EMT-b and to have at least 6 months experience.
 
Thank you all for your informative responses. Looks like its time to schedule an appt for nremt. ^_^
 
Something else to think about - at the interview, it would be a good idea to express your desire to progress within the healthcare system. You may aspire to be a nurse, PA, RT, X-ray tech, whatever. The hospital will be more apt to hire someone who will stay in their system and look to better themselves, rather than someone who is just looking for a stepping stone job or just a paycheck until something better comes along.
 
Jayson said:
Hello all,

I just received my EMT-B cert in CA through a community college. I was wondering if you need to take and pass the NREMT-B for an ER tech job (in CA) as well or if the cert is enough.

thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Depends on the ER.
 
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